Can Vitamin D and Probiotic Co-Supplementation Improve Migraine Characteristics in Adults?

A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled trial assessed the impact of vitamin D  and probiotic co-supplementation on migraine characteristics, daily functioning, mental health, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in adults aged 18-55. The results demonstrated improvements in migraine frequency and severity among those receiving the co-supplementation, suggesting a potential adjunctive treatment.

Given that migraine remains a widespread public health issue, with current treatments not effective for all patients and associated with side effects, alternative interventions such as vitamin D and probiotics have gained attention. The study aimed to explore whether combining these two supplements could offer clinical benefits, particularly in reducing migraine burden.

The researchers enrolled 72 patients diagnosed with migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3). Participants were randomized to receive either a combination of vitamin D (50,000 IU every 2 weeks) and a daily probiotic dose (4.5 × 10^11 CFU) or a placebo for 12 weeks. They were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks using several clinical measures, including the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaires, a 30-day headache diary, and blood tests for serum vitamin D and hs-CRP levels.

The co-supplementation group experienced an increase in serum vitamin D levels compared to the placebo group (+12.86 ± 1.64 ng/mL vs. +1.12 ± 0.80 ng/mL, P < .001). Notably, patients receiving vitamin D and probiotics experienced a significantly greater reduction in migraine frequency (-3.17 ± 0.84 vs. -1.25 ± 0.34, P = .031) and severity (-1.55 ± 0.35 vs. +0.67 ± 0.29, P = .017). However, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding changes in headache duration, hs-CRP levels, or scores on the DASS and HIT-6 questionnaires.

“This trial showed that probiotic and vitamin D co-supplementation for 12 weeks has beneficial effects on migraine headache characteristics,” the study authors concluded. “Further research is needed to confirm this finding.”

Reference

Tirani SA, Khorvash F, Saneei P, Moradmand Z, Askari G. Effects of probiotic and vitamin D co-supplementation on clinical symptoms, mental health, and inflammation in adult patients with migraine headache. BMC Med. 2024;22(1):457. doi:10.1186/s12916-024-03684-6