Effects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #dietary-supplements #magnesium #migraine-disorders #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Effects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Talandashti et al., 2025 | Neurol Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Talandashti Mahtab Karami, Shahinfar Hossein, ... Jazayeri Shima. Effects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neurol Sci. 2025-Feb;46(2):651-670. doi:10.1007/s10072-024-07794-0

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The existing evidence on the effect of dietary supplements for preventing migraines has generated conflicting results. METHODS: We assessed alterations in migraine clinical features corresponding to the intake of dietary supplements. Our main outcomes included the frequency (number of attacks), duration (in hours), the severity (intensity) and the monthly migraine days. Using a dose-response meta-analysis, we estimated the dose-dependent impact. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Finally, twenty-two trials were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Magnesium supplementation reduced migraine attacks (mean difference (MD) = -2.51), severity (MD = -0.88), and the monthly migraine days (MD = -1.66) compared with the control group. CoQ10 decreased the frequency (MD = -1.73), severity (MD = -1.35), and duration of migraine (MD = -1.72). Riboflavin decreased attack frequency (MD = -1.34). Alpha-lipoic acid decreased attack frequency (MD = -1.24) and severity (MD = -0.38). Probiotics decreased the frequency (MD = -1.16), severity (MD = -1.07) and the monthly migraine days (MD = -3.02). Vitamin D reduced migraine frequency (MD = -1.69) and the monthly migraine days (MD = -2.41). In adults, compared with placebo, these supplements did not significantly affect other outcomes, and omega-3 supplementation did not yield a statistically significant reduction in any of these outcomes. CONCLUSION: The use of certain dietary supplements has resulted in a significant decrease in migraine prophylaxis. Further clinical trials of high quality appear to be beneficial.

Key Findings

Finally, twenty-two trials were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Magnesium supplementation reduced migraine attacks (mean difference (MD) = -2.51), severity (MD = -0.88), and the monthly migraine days (MD = -1.66) compared with the control group. CoQ10 decreased the frequency (MD = -1.73), severity (MD = -1.35), and duration of migraine (MD = -1.72). Riboflavin decreased attack frequency (MD = -1.34). Alpha-lipoic acid decreased attack frequency (MD = -1.24) and severity (MD 

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Magnesium
  • Migraine Disorders
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09