Discover a more natural approach for treating migraine in children, including supplements and dosing recommendations.

Author: Norton Children's

Medically reviewed by:
Elizabeth S Doll, MD

Published: July 22, 2025

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Your kid is complaining about headaches, so you probably reach for the ibuprofen — but have you considered trying magnesium for migraine in children? Certain dietary supplements, or nutraceuticals, and other alternative therapies may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine in children.

“If your child experiences headaches, exploring safe alternative and complementary therapies can be an option for first-line treatment or to supplement existing treatments,” said Elizabeth S. Doll, M.D., pediatric neurologist and headache medicine specialist with Norton Children’s Neuroscience Institute. “However, always be sure to notify your child’s pediatrician if your child is experiencing chronic or severe headache or migraine symptoms.”

Magnesium for migraine

Magnesium is an evidence-based supplement for migraine in children. Low magnesium levels have been linked to increased brain excitability, a trait often associated with migraine in children. Taking magnesium has natural anti-inflammatory effects and supports stabilizing nerve function and blood vessel regulation.

Safe magnesium dosing for children:

• Children 1 to 8 years: 200 milligrams daily
• Children 10 to 18 years: 400 milligrams daily.  

Although magnesium oxide has been most studied in pediatric migraine, other soluble forms like magnesium glycinate or citrate are also safe to use. Side effects can include upset stomach or diarrhea.

 CoQ10 for migraine

Coenzyme Q10 has shown promise in reducing both migraine frequency and severity in children. This antioxidant supports cellular energy production in brain cells, potentially preventing the energy deficits that trigger migraine.

Safe CoQ10 dosing for children:

• Children under 90 pounds: 50-100 milligrams daily
• Children over 90 pounds: 100-200 milligrams daily
• Take with food for better absorption

Riboflavin for migraine

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) supports mitochondrial energy production and repair. Studies show that using riboflavin for migraine in children can result in significant reductions in migraine frequency by improving brain cell energy generation.

Safe riboflavin dosing for children:

• Children under 90 pounds: 100 milligrams daily
• Children over 90 pounds: 200 milligrams daily
• Take with food for better absorption
  

Many health care providers recommend taking a combination of CoQ10, riboflavin and/or magnesium, as each targets different pathways involved in migraine development.

Vitamin D may be beneficial for children, especially when deficient or low, but there are no controlled studies supporting vitamin D for migraine prevention in children.

Safety precautions with supplements
All supplement dosages should be calculated based on your child’s age and weight. Start with lower doses and increase gradually as tolerated. Always choose high-quality supplements from reputable manufacturers for safety and effectiveness.

Several supplements sometimes associated with migraine reduction are not recommended for children, including:

Butterbur is no longer recommended due to concerns with carcinogenic effects and potential liver toxicity.

Feverfew has not been adequately studied in children and is not recommended for pediatric use.

Other complementary therapies

Massage therapy: Stress and tension can trigger a migraine episode. Regular massage can reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, helping decrease migraine frequency and intensity in children.

Acupuncture: When performed by qualified practitioners experienced with children, acupuncture has shown promise in migraine prevention and is generally well tolerated by pediatric patients.

Consult your child’s pediatrician

Always consult with your child’s pediatrician or pediatric neurologist when starting any supplements such as magnesium for migraine or other complementary therapies.

The most successful approach to managing migraine in children often combines:

• Prescribed medications as needed
• Targeted supplements (magnesium, riboflavin, CoQ10)
• Lifestyle modifications (regular sleep, meals, hydration)
• Stress management techniques
• Complementary therapies like massage or acupuncture
  

Health care providers can help ensure treatments for migraine in children are appropriate for your child’s specific condition and/or won’t interact with any existing medications.