Decreased plasma levels and dietary intake of minerals in women with migraine

Abstract

ABSTRACT It has been suggested that an imbalance in mineral levels is involved in the pathophysiology of migraine. However, only a few studies have investigated the circulating levels of mineral in patients with migraine during the pain-free period (i.e. interictal). This study aimed to investigate whether the interictal plasma levels of minerals of women with migraine differ from those of women without migraine (controls). This is a cross-sectional study involving 67 women, of which 38 were diagnosed with migraine and 29 were controls. The groups were similar in age and body mass index. Plasma levels of magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) were measured. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour food recall, and migraine impact was evaluated using the Headache Impact Test, version 6 (HIT-6). The association between migraine disability, and plasma levels and dietary intake of minerals was assessed through correlation and logistic regression analyses. Women with migraine had significantly lower plasma levels of Mg, Ca, Cu, and Zn than controls. In parallel, dietary intake of Mg, Cu, and Fe was significantly lower in patients with migraine. Migraine impact was not associated with plasma levels or dietary intake of minerals. The results suggest that patients with migraine have lower plasma levels of minerals, and dietary intervention to ensure adequate mineral intake should be considered as a therapeutic strategy for migraine.