A small study published in the Headache (2006; 46(5):788–793) examined antioxidant supplementation in 12 individuals with migraine who had not responded to prior treatments, including beta blockers, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor agonists, and other medications.
Participants received a daily antioxidant supplement for three months consisting of vitamin C (60 mg), vitamin E (30 IU), and pine bark extract (120 mg). Migraine-related disability was assessed using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire during the three months prior to supplementation and again at the end of the three-month intervention period.
Following supplementation, a reduction in MIDAS scores was reported, with a mean change of approximately 50%. Participants also reported fewer headache days and reduced headache severity. Given the small sample size and lack of a control group, the findings were considered preliminary.
