Coenzyme Q10 for migrain prophylaxis: Natural phospholipids increase the bioavailability

Gebhardt, P. (2019). Coenzyme Q10 for migrain prophylaxis: Natural phospholipids increase the bioavailability. Wellness Foods and Supplements, (2), 4-7.

Mechanism by which migraine is caused
The neuropeptide CGRP, which is released from trigeminal nerve fibres during a migraine attack, leads to irritation of the sensory nerves via vasodilation. By degranulation of mast cells, the inflammatory mediator TNF-α is increasingly released. Since TNF-α further stimulates the release of CGRP, there is an increase in vasodilation and a further increase in symptoms.

Migraine is one of the most common forms of headache. The cause is an increased release of inflammatory and vasodilator neurotransmitters, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). As a new therapeutic option, an antibody directed against the CGRP receptor has been developed, whose efficacy has been confirmed in clinical trials. A reduction in CGRP levels and an improvement in migraine symptoms could also be demonstrated by supplementation with the body’s own coenzyme Q10. However, coenzyme Q10, which is taken up in the form of powder capsules, is absorbed only to a small extent. By formulation with phospholipids, which occur naturally in the bile, the bioavailability can be significantly increased.