Alternative medicine

Alternative and complementary treatments may help prevent vomiting episodes, although none of these treatments has been well studied. These treatments include:

• Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), a natural substance made in the body that is available as a supplement. Coenzyme Q10 assists with the basic functions of cells.
• L-carnitine, a natural substance that is made in the body and is available as a supplement. L-carnitine helps your body turn fat into energy.
• Riboflavin (vitamin B-2), a vitamin found in certain foods and available as a supplement. Riboflavin plays a role in the body's mitochondrial processes.

Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine and riboflavin may work by helping your body overcome difficulty in converting food into energy (mitochondrial dysfunction). Some researchers believe mitochondrial dysfunction may be a factor causing both cyclic vomiting syndrome and migraine.

Be sure to see a doctor and have the diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome confirmed before starting any supplements. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements to be sure you or your child is taking a safe dose and that the supplement won't adversely interact with any medications you're taking. Some people may experience side effects from coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine, including diarrhea and fishy body odor.