Effect of flaxseed supplementation on headache characteristics and quality of life in patients with migraine: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Background: Migraine is a prevalent neurologic disorder that is linked to neuroinflammation. Flaxseed is a plant source of omega-3 (n‒3) fatty acids, which may display anti-inflammatory effects through conversion to long-chain ω-3 fatty acids with known anti-inflammatory potential.
Objectives: We examined the effect of flaxseed supplementation on headache characteristics and psychosocial well-being in patients with migraine.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 68 patients with migraine. Participants consumed 20 g/d of either flaxseed powder (intervention) or roasted wheat powder (control) for 8 wk. Primary outcomes included: headache frequency, duration, and severity. Secondary outcomes were psychological states (depression, anxiety, and stress), quality of life, sleep quality, weight, and blood pressure. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: At the end of the 8-wk intervention, the flaxseed group showed significant improvements in headache severity (‒5.0 ± 2.2 compared with ‒1.0 ± 1.9, P < 0.001), headache impact score (quality of life) (‒15.7 ± 11.0 compared with ‒2.3 ± 8.1, P < 0.001), and insomnia severity index (‒4.6 ± 6.5 compared with ‒1.6 ± 4.9, P = 0.029) compared with the control group. Changes in headache frequency or duration, as well as other measurements, were not significant between groups. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses yielded identical results.
Conclusions: Daily consumption of flaxseed for 8 wk may improve headache…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 68 participants or records.
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