Dietary intake of thiamine and riboflavin in relation to severe headache or migraine: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of severe headache or migraine and the association between dietary thiamine and riboflavin intake with headache history using a large, nationally representative population sample. Background Severe headache and migraine are common and disabling neurological disorders worldwide. Previous studies revealed that the B vitamin group, as an important nutrient of diet, can reduce migraine disability. Methods We performed a cross‐sectional study of American adults surveyed in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004. Information on headache history was collected in the Miscellaneous Pain section of the Questionnaire Data. Dietary intake data of thiamine and riboflavin were obtained by 24‐h dietary recall interview. Results The present study included 13,439 participants and indicated that 2745/13,439 (21.6%) adults (aged ≥20 years) experienced severe headache or migraine in the past 3 months. Dietary thiamine intake was significantly inversely associated with severe headache or migraine (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.88–1.00, p = 0.046). In the stratified analysis, the relationship was maintained in the female group (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82–0.98, p = 0.022), and the sex interaction term was significant (p = 0.020). However, no significant interaction was found between the age groups (p = 0.352). For dietary riboflavin, no significant negative association was observed between dietary riboflavin intake and headache history (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.94–1.02, p = 0.367). After stratifying by sex or age, there remained no significant relationship between dietary riboflavin and migraine. Conclusions We found that high intake of thiamine was significantly associated with lower odds of migraine, especially in females. In the future, more clinical studies are needed to confirm our conclusions, and additional experiments are needed to explore the possible mechanisms of prevention and treatment for migraine.

Association between dietary folate intake and severe headache among adults in the USA: a cross-sectional survey

“…In 2015, Menon et al had already explored dietary folate intake and clarified its negative association with headache frequency (23) . There were also other nutrients that have been extensively investigated, among them vitamin B 2 (riboflavin) and co-enzyme Q10 supplementation which have been shown to be beneficial for migraine patients (19,24) . Headache may be associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia (25) .…”

“…Various potential covariates were assessed based on previous literature (18)(19)(20) . Demographic covariates included age, gender, ethnicity, education level, marital status and family income, all of which were obtained through self-expression during the interview process.…”

B1 and/or B2? That is the question

“…The current paper by Li et al suggests ways to address both the "why" of migraine and the "how to" of treating the disorder. 1 The authors make use of a nationwide population-based survey to analyze the correlation between dietary intake of two essential substances, thiamine and riboflavin, and reduced burden of headache, likely migraine, in a large and diverse population, controlling for other factors already known to influence an individual's risk of migraine (sex, race, socioeconomic status, and education).…”

From diet to disasters, lifestyle factors can affect headaches and migraine

“…Two cross‐sectional studies examining the results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999–2004) in relation to headaches have been conducted recently. The first assessed thiamine and riboflavin intake and reported that individuals with higher thiamine intake had reduced odds of headache, while no significant reduction in headache was seen with higher riboflavin intake 7 . The second examined magnesium and reported that inadequate dietary magnesium intake was associated with a higher likelihood of having migraine in adults 8 …”

“…The first assessed thiamine and riboflavin intake and reported that individuals with higher thiamine intake had reduced odds of headache, while no significant reduction in headache was seen with higher riboflavin intake. 7 The second examined magnesium and reported that inadequate dietary magnesium intake was associated with a higher likelihood of having migraine in adults. 8 Further, hunger is a well-known trigger for headaches.…”