Vitamin D Deficiency and Supplementation in Migraine: A Scoping Review of Clinical Efficacy, Evidence Gaps, and Research Priorities
Abstract
Background and objectives: Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder affecting 10%-20% of the global population, with significant socioeconomic burdens. Vitamin D deficiency, prevalent in over 1 billion individuals, has been proposed as a modifiable risk factor in migraine management due to its potential role in pain modulation and neuroinflammation. This scoping review aimed to map global vitamin D deficiency prevalence across migraine subtypes and geographic regions, synthesize clinical correlations between vitamin D status and migraine characteristics, and explore heterogeneity in therapeutic evidence across paediatric, chronic, and refractory migraine subgroups.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase was conducted, identifying 3,447 records initially. After screening and eligibility assessment, 30 studies were included. These encompassed observational studies (n = 14), randomized controlled trials (n = 9), and systematic reviews (n = 7). Data were synthesized narratively due to clinical heterogeneity and the predominance of cross sectional evidence.
Results: Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] 40°N: 75%-90%). Inverse correlations were observed between vitamin D levels and headache frequency and disability scores. High dose vitamin D supplementation (≥50,000 IU/week) reduced migraine attacks by 50%-72% in deficient adults, while minimal benefit was seen in replete individuals. Single trials revealed enhanced efficacy when…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 14 participants or records.
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