Effects of Dietary Interventions in Patients With Migraine: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: Migraine is a disabling neurological disorder. Diet may be a factor to consider because measures of diet quality have been linked to both frequency and severity of attacks.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of dietary interventions on the clinical symptoms of migraine, quality of life, and body composition of patients with migraine.

Data sources: The MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Sciences databases were searched since database inception to February 13, 2024. We included articles on randomized clinical trials that assessed the effect dietary interventions on clinical symptoms of migraines and the quality of life and body composition of individuals with migraine.

Data extraction: Data from the included articles were independently extracted by 2 researchers; another independent reviewer further verified the extractions. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias of selected studies, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to assess the methodological quality.

Results: Eight articles were included in this review. Of these, 3 reported on studies that assessed the ketogenic diet (KD), 2 reported on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and 3 reported on studies of other dietary strategies. Strong evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of the KD and DASH in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks, whereas their efficacy in improving patients' quality of life was supported only by limited evidence. There also is strong evidence regarding the effectiveness of DASH in reducing migraine's severity and patients' body weight. Insufficient evidence was found regarding the effectiveness of the other dietary interventions on all variables.

Conclusions: The DASH and KD may help reduce migraine frequency and severity. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO No. CRD42024516161.

Keywords: diet; food; headache; migraine; nutrition.