Melbourne, Jan 21: 
In a relief to migraine sufferers, Australian scientists have claimed that Vitamin B and folic acid supplements can treat severe headaches.
Researchers from Griffith University are on the final phase of this study to determine the most effective Vitamin B and folic acid dosage required to treat this debilitating condition.
They have recruited women aged between 18 and 65 who suffer at least four migraine episodes a year, as they are three times more likely than men to experience migraines.
Queensland researcher Bridget Maher said the remedy would help the 20 per cent of migraine sufferers whose condition is genetic.
“It basically reduces the frequency and severity of the migraines,” she was quoted as saying by AAP.
One in five people prone to migraines have an enzyme that doesn’t work as well as other people, she said adding “By supplementing them with Vitamin B and folate you can get around that enzyme’s defect.”
Migraines linked to genetics are associated with auras, which refers to the experiencing temporary neurological disturbances such as seeing stars, getting pins and needles and numbness.
The team at Griffith is working on the correct dose of the supplements and Maher said the treatment could be available in the market by next few years.
Some people don’t respond to current migraine remedies so the new research could significantly help those with a genetic predisposition to the condition.