Caffeine, MSG May Trigger Migraine

A new literature review suggests that caffeine withdrawal and monosodium glutamate (MSG) consumption may trigger headache or migraine attacks.

Previous studies have investigated the role of diet in managing patients with headache or migraine. However, the results are controversial.
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Therefore, the researchers performed a review of 180 current research studies to determine whether specific foods or ingredients in foods or beverages can trigger headaches or migraines.

In part 1 of their review, the researchers identified relevant studies by searching PubMed for specific terms, including “monosodium glutamate,” “caffeine,” and “aspartame,” and cross-referenced those with “headache” and “migraine.”

An analysis of provocation studies showed the strongest connection between caffeine withdrawal and consumption of MSG dissolved in liquid (ie, canned soup) for triggering headache attacks. Conflicting evidence was found for aspartame.

When analyzing observational studies, the researchers found a modest association for foods containing gluten and histamine as well as alcohol.

The results of randomized controlled trials suggested that eliminating foods containing IgG significantly decreased the frequency of headaches and/or migraines among trial participants.

“Certain foods, beverages, and ingredients within foods may trigger attacks of headache and/or migraine in susceptible individuals,” the researchers concluded. “Elimination diets can prevent headaches in subgroups of persons with headache disorders.”

—Amanda Balbi

Reference:

Martin VT, Vij B. Diet and headache: part 1 [published online October 4, 2016]. Headache: J Head Face Pain. doi:10.1111/head.12953.