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Published on: June 2, 2014
The effects of the multispecies probiotic mixture Ecologic®Barrier on migraine: results of an open-label pilot study
N M de Roos1, C G T Giezenaar1, J M P Rovers2
11 Wageningen UR, Division Human Nutrition, P.O. Box 8129, 6700 EV Wageningen, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
Migraine prevalence is associated with gastrointestinal disorders. Possible underlying mechanisms could be increased gut permeability and inflammation. Probiotics may decrease intestinal permeability as well as inflammation, and therefore may reduce the frequency and/or intensity of migraine attacks. Therefore we assessed feasibility, possible clinical efficacy, and adverse reactions of probiotic treatment in migraine patients. 29 migraine patients took 2 g/d of a probiotic food supplement (Ecologic(®)Barrier, 2.5×10(9) cfu/g) during 12 weeks. Participants recorded frequency and intensity of migraine in a headache diary and completed the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and Henry Ford Hospital Headache Disability Inventory (HDI) at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Compliance was measured every 4 weeks by counting the remaining sachets with probiotics. The study was completed by 27/29 (93%) patients who took 95% of the supplements. Obstipation was reported by 4 patients during the first 2 weeks of treatment only. The mean±standard deviation (SD) number of migraine days/month decreased significantly from 6.7±2.4 at baseline to 5.1±2.2 (P=0.008) in week 5-8 and 5.2±2.4 in week 9-12 (P=0.001). The mean±SD intensity of migraine decreased significantly from 6.3±1.5 at baseline to 5.5±1.9 after treatment (P=0.005). The MIDAS score improved from 24.8±25.5 to 16.6±13.5 (P=0.031). However, the mean HDI did not change significantly. In conclusion, probiotics may decrease migraine supporting a possible role for the intestine in migraine management. Feasibility and lack of adverse reactions justify further placebo-controlled studies.
Insights
Probiotic supplementation may reduce migraine frequency and intensity by improving gut health. This study found probiotics feasible and safe for migraine patients, suggesting further research is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Migraine is frequently linked to gastrointestinal disorders.
- Increased gut permeability and inflammation are potential mechanisms connecting these conditions.
- Probiotics may mitigate these gut issues, potentially alleviating migraine symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility, clinical efficacy, and safety of probiotic treatment in migraine patients.
- To investigate the impact of probiotics on migraine frequency, intensity, and disability.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week study involving 29 migraine patients consuming 2g/day of a probiotic supplement.
- Patients used headache diaries and completed disability assessments (MIDAS, HDI).
- Feasibility was assessed by completion rates and compliance; adverse reactions were recorded.
Main Results:
- High compliance (95%) and completion rate (93%) indicated feasibility, with only mild, transient side effects (obstipation).
- Significant reductions were observed in monthly migraine days (P=0.001) and migraine intensity (P=0.005).
- Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) scores improved significantly (P=0.031), though Henry Ford Hospital Headache Disability Inventory (HDI) scores did not.
Conclusions:
- Probiotic treatment appears feasible and safe for migraine patients.
- Results suggest probiotics may reduce migraine frequency and intensity, supporting the gut-brain axis in migraine pathophysiology.
- Further placebo-controlled studies are justified to confirm these findings.
