The relationship between dietary nutrients patterns and intensity and duration of migraine headaches

Migraine is a complicated brain disorder which affects approximately 12 % of the population, whilst the presence of migraine headaches is typically higher in women than men. Several nutrients are posited to improve headache severity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary nutrients patterns and intensity and duration of migraine headaches. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 266 women. Physical activity, general characteristics, anthropometric values and dietary intake were collected. Nutrient patterns were derived using principal component analysis with varimax rotation, and based on the correlation matrix, after completing the 147 item semi-quantitative FFQ, we discerned three nutrients patterns. The validated Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used for assessing migraine intensity. Duration of headaches were defined as the hours the participants had headache in 1 d in last month. ANOVA, χ² and linear regression tests were used to interrogate the data. Linear regression showed there was a positive relationship between second pattern rich in vitamin B₁, carbohydrate, vitamin B₃, vitamin B₉, protein, and total fibre and VAS and pain duration. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between MIDAS and the first nutrient pattern characterised by dietary Ca, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₂, and Mg among women. Furthermore, there was a positive significant association between vitamin D and B₁₂ (pattern 3) and headache duration. Dietary nutrients patterns should be monitored closely in individuals suffering with migraine.