Supplements for migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind controlled trials
Abstract
Migraine headaches are severe neurological conditions that significantly affect patients' daily activities. They are caused by vascular alterations in the brain, which can be preceded by prodromal symptoms referred to as aura and often accompanied by gastrointestinal issues. Numerous pharmaceutical strategies are employed to reduce attack frequency and severity. Although effective, many prophylactic and abortive medications have adverse effects. Among the proposed triggers, energy-consuming biological responses and nutrient deficiencies have been identified and clinically verified. This discovery prompted research focused on evaluating the impact of minerals, vitamins, and herbal supplements-such as vitamin D, magnesium, and Coenzyme Q10-as preventive integrative therapies. To evaluate the effectiveness of supplements in reducing migraine attack frequency and severity and to aid clinical evaluation, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies involving 1222 participants. Statistically significant negative overall mean difference values indicate the beneficial effects of these interventions, supporting their potential use in clinical practice. However, variability in study designs and concomitant prophylactic and abortive medication use were identified as sources of bias, suggesting that the present results should be interpreted with caution. These findings indicate that specific supplements could serve as adjuncts to conventional treatments, offering a…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,222 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Bioactive Molecules Released in Food by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Encrypted Peptides and Biogenic Amines
- A central role for amyloid fibrin microclots in long COVID/PASC: origins and therapeutic implications
- Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of phenolic compounds
- The Glutamate Hypothesis in ALS: Pathophysiology and Drug Development
- Therapeutic Approaches to Genetic Ion Channelopathies and Perspectives in Drug Discovery
- Effects of the Mediterranean Diet on the Components of Metabolic Syndrome Concerning the Cardiometabolic Risk
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.