Children and adolescents with migraine have low levels of several micronutrients. A formal dietary analysis may help identify nutritional patterns and deficiencies in these patients.
LOUISVILLE—Low intake of calcium, fiber, potassium, vitamins D and E, and choline were observed among children and adolescents with migraine, according to research presented at the 38th National Meeting of the Child Neurology Society. In addition, the level of riboflavin exceeded the recommended daily intake (RDI) in most children with migraine, reported Sita Kedia, MD, and colleagues.
“We identified in our cohort low intake of several micronutrients, suggesting formal dietary analysis may identify nutritional patterns and deficiencies in migraine patients,” stated Dr. Kedia, Resident in Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado in Denver. “Riboflavin levels were above the RDI, and serum values were very low. Therefore, migraine pathogenesis may involve riboflavin metabolism.”
The researchers used the Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire to quantify intake and identify deficiencies of micro- and macronutrients among children and adolescents with migraine. “The [questionnaire] is a reproducible and valid assessment evaluating children’s eating habits to understand the associations of dietary intake and disease,” stated Dr. Kedia’s group. The investigators also compared dietary intake and the serum values of three micronutrients—magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)—potentially involved in migraine pathogenesis.
All participants (ages 5 to 18) had migraine, based on International Headache Classification-2 criteria, for at least six months. Subjects submitted a completed food questionnaire and underwent serum analysis of magnesium, riboflavin stores using erythrocyte glutathione reductase level, and CoQ10.
“Micronutrient intake of the first nine consecutive individuals enrolled revealed deficiencies in calcium, fiber, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and choline,” stated Dr. Kedia. Choline had the lowest level among the nutrients that were measured (less than 20% of RDI). In addition, magnesium intake “trended low,” with seven participants having a level lower than the RDI.
Serum analysis demonstrated a normal serum magnesium level, low riboflavin level, and low CoQ10 level.
“Although others have demonstrated use of magnesium supplementation for headache prevention, our cohort showed normal serum values,” reported Dr. Kedia and colleagues. “CoQ10 serum values are low, and supplementation may be useful in migraineurs. Further studies are necessary to understand the relationship between dietary patterns and deficiencies in the pathogenesis of and treatments for migraines.”
—Colby Stong