Can Ketogenic Diet Therapy Improve Migraine Frequency, Severity and Duration?

• Main Authors: Rebecca L. Haslam, Aaron Bezzina, Jaimee Herbert, Neil Spratt, Megan E. Rollo, Clare E. Collins
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Healthcare
• Subjects: migraine; ketogenic diet; anti-migraine diet
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/9/9/1105

Migraine is the third most common condition worldwide and is responsible for a major clinical and economic burden. The current pilot trial investigated whether ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) is superior to an evidence-informed healthy “anti-headache” dietary pattern (AHD) in improving migraine frequency, severity and duration. A 12-week randomised controlled crossover trial consisting of the two dietary intervention periods was undertaken. Eligible participants were those with a history of migraines and who had regularly experienced episodes of moderate or mildly intense headache in the previous 4 weeks. Migraine frequency, duration and severity were assessed via self-report in the Migraine Buddy© app. Participants were asked to measure urinary ketones and side effects throughout the KDT. Twenty-six participants were enrolled, and 16 participants completed all sessions. Eleven participants completed a symptom checklist; all reported side-effects during KDT, with the most frequently reported side effect being fatigue (<i>n</i> = 11). All completers experienced migraine during AHD, with 14/16 experiencing migraine during KDT. Differences in migraine frequency, severity or duration between dietary intervention groups were not statistically significant. However, a clinically important trend toward lower migraine duration on KDT was noted. Further research in this area is warranted, with strategies to lower participant burden and promote adherence and retention.