Dietary alteration of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids for headache reduction in adults with migraine: randomized controlled trial

RCT of 182 US subjects (67% met criteria for chronic migraine) found diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids reduced headache frequency vs diet with normal intake of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids at week 16 but did not significantly improve quality of life.

SPS commentary:

Compared to a control (standard) diet, the high omega 3 diet was associated with a reduction of two headache days per month and the high omega 3 plus low omega 6 diet group saw a reduction of four headache days per month.

A related editorial notes that these data suggest additional benefit from lowering dietary linoleic acid and recommending a high omega 3 diet to patients in clinical practice. Although adherence to this type of diet maybe a barrier, many people with migraine are highly motivated and interested in dietary changes, therefore clinicians may want to provide patients with information about the diet in this study.

British Medical Journal

Resource links:

BMJ Editorial