Effects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background: The existing evidence on the effect of dietary supplements for preventing migraines has generated conflicting results.

Methods: We assessed alterations in migraine clinical features corresponding to the intake of dietary supplements. Our main outcomes included the frequency (number of attacks), duration (in hours), the severity (intensity) and the monthly migraine days. Using a dose-response meta-analysis, we estimated the dose-dependent impact. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool.

Results: Finally, twenty-two trials were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Magnesium supplementation reduced migraine attacks (mean difference (MD) = -2.51), severity (MD = -0.88), and the monthly migraine days (MD = -1.66) compared with the control group. CoQ10 decreased the frequency (MD = -1.73), severity (MD = -1.35), and duration of migraine (MD = -1.72). Riboflavin decreased attack frequency (MD = -1.34). Alpha-lipoic acid decreased attack frequency (MD = -1.24) and severity (MD = -0.38). Probiotics decreased the frequency (MD = -1.16), severity (MD = -1.07) and the monthly migraine days (MD = -3.02). Vitamin D reduced migraine frequency (MD = -1.69) and the monthly migraine days (MD = -2.41). In adults, compared with placebo, these supplements did not significantly affect other outcomes, and omega-3 supplementation did not yield a statistically significant reduction in any of these outcomes.

Conclusion: The use of certain dietary supplements has resulted in a significant decrease in migraine prophylaxis. Further clinical trials of high quality appear to be beneficial.

Keywords: Clinical features; Dietary supplements; Dose–response meta-analysis; Migraine.