What the Science Says About Food & Migraine
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Key Questions
- Why does the topic of food and migraine generate so much confusion and contradictory advice?
- How has research into diet and migraine evolved in recent years?
- What does the evidence show regarding the ketogenic diet for migraine, and for whom is it most suitable?
- What are the findings of studies on diets high in omega-3 and low in omega-6 fats, and how can these be implemented?
- What is the rationale for low-glycemic diets in migraine management, and what does this eating pattern involve?
- What are the considerations regarding gluten in the context of migraine?
- What role can whole-food, plant-based diets play in managing migraine?
- Which three supplements have the most supporting evidence for migraine prevention?
- What are the recommendations regarding the forms of magnesium supplementation?
- What are the suggested first steps for an individual looking to improve their diet for migraine management?
- What constitutes a balanced and sustainable, migraine-friendly plate for most people?
Interview Notes
- Margaret Slavin, PhD, RDN
- Study: “Efficacy and safety of exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate for preventive treatment in episodic migraine: A single-centred, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial”
- Study: “Dietary alteration of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids for headache reduction in adults with migraine: randomized controlled trial”
- Study: “Targeted alteration of dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids for the treatment of chronic headaches: A randomized trial”
- Article: “Which Types of Magnesium Supplements Are Best for Migraine Relief?”
- Magnesium Test
- MyPlate – USDA
Treatments Mentioned
- Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Creatine
- Exercise
- Hydration
- Iron
- Ketogenic diet
- Low-glycemic diet
- Magnesium
- Magnesium citrate
- Magnesium glycinate
- Magnesium oxide
- Mediterranean diet
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Omega-6 fatty acids
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Sleep hygiene
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin D
- Whole-food plant-based diet
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Disclaimer: The Migraine World Summit aims to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, free from bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan. Captions are auto-generated and may contain errors.
Margaret Slavin, PhD, RDN
Associate Professor of Nutrition & Food Science
University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Margaret Slavin is an associate professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Maryland, College Park, and a registered dietitian recognized for her pioneering work at the intersection of nutrition, food science, and neurological health.
Her research explores how diet influences migraine and other brain-related conditions, focusing on the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and migraine, the gut microbiome, and food bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and other polyphenols. Dr. Slavin’s studies range from clinical interventions to molecular and population-level analyses, offering a comprehensive view of how diet affects migraine outcomes and overall well-being.
A widely published researcher and educator, Dr. Slavin’s work is helping to advance evidence-based dietary strategies for people living with migraine and deepen scientific understanding of how food impacts brain health.
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At AbbVie, we are committed to empowering people living with migraine disease. We advance science that enables health care providers to care for people impacted across the spectrum of migraine. Through education and partnerships with the migraine community, we strive to help those with migraine navigate barriers to care, access effective treatments and reduce the impact of migraine on their lives. To learn more, visit AbbVie.com.
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