Now B vitamins and folate combo to improve enzymes connected to migraines (1)
Australian scientists are in the final stages of testing a pill which could help as many as 20% of all migraine sufferers in the country.
It has been noted that migraineurs often have a mutation in the gene called MTHR (or Methylene Tetra-Hydrofolate Reductase). Due to this mutated gene, there exists a deficiency in the enzyme that the gene is responsible for releasing. This enzyme is actually responsible for regulating levels of folate and homocysteine in the body.
But because there are low levels of the enzyme released due to the mutation of the gene, homocysteine levels cannot be controlled efficiently leading to migraines, increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disorder.
However, the new pill undergoing final stages of trials, is essentially a cocktail of folate and B vitamins and is being seen to improve the functionality of the enzyme that regulates homocysteine levels
As per lead researcher Professor Lyn Griffiths who is also heading a new unit at the Queensland University of Technology that is investigating gene mutations linked to migraines and other chronic illnesses, “A cofactor for the enzyme is vitamins and we’ve done a phase-one and phase-two trial that showed they could make the enzyme work better.” (2)
The final rounds of phase-three trial include some 600 migraine sufferers to test the efficacy of the pill. Though the pill does not claim that it will cure migraines, especially in those without the gene mutation, it does assure that it will reduce both their frequency as well as the severity of the pain in those who do carry the mutation MTHR.
Note:
Migraine sufferers who want to find out if they have the MTHR gene mutation can have a blood sample taken and sent to the university for a $66 DNA test. Professor Griffiths is urging people who suffer from migraine to join the Headache Register at headacheaustralia.org.au. The site allows sufferers to access the latest in migraine news and research, learn about current and upcoming treatment trials and download a Headache Diary to help them manage their disorder.
SOURCES
- Image Credit: Young Female Having Headache by imagerymajestic; freedigitalphotos.net; Web September 2013; http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Emotions_g96-Young_Female_Having_Headache_p74906.html
- Hopes vitamin pill will ease crippling migraines; News.com.au; Web September 2013; http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/hopes-vitamin-pill-will-ease-crippling-migraines/story-fneuzlbd-1226721310920
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