EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MIGRAINE AND VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Background

Migraine is a common and debilitating neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Recent research suggests that nutritional deficiencies, particularly Vitamin B12 deficiency, may play a role in the pathophysiology of migraines due to its impact on neurological function and homocysteine metabolism. However, the association between Vitamin B12 deficiency and migraine occurrence remains controversial.

Objective

This case-control study aimed to explore the relationship between Vitamin B12 deficiency and the prevalence and severity of migraines.

Materials and Methods

A total of 300 participants were recruited, including 150 migraine patients and 150 age- and sex-matched controls without a history of migraines. Vitamin B12 levels were measured in all participants, and deficiency was defined as <200 pg/mL. The frequency and severity of migraines, along with associated symptoms, were assessed in the migraine group. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between Vitamin B12 deficiency and migraine risk, adjusting for potential confounders such as age, gender, smoking, and alcohol use.

Results

The mean Vitamin B12 level was significantly lower in migraine patients (210.5 ± 72.3 pg/mL) compared to controls (280.6 ± 78.4 pg/mL) (p < 0.001). Vitamin B12 deficiency was more prevalent among migraine patients (23.3%) compared to controls (10%) (p < 0.001), with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.87 (95% CI: 1.45–4.67), indicating that individuals with Vitamin B12 deficiency were 2.87 times more likely to experience migraines. Participants with borderline Vitamin B12 levels (200–350 pg/mL) also had a higher prevalence of migraines but did not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.62, p = 0.073). No significant associations were found between demographic or lifestyle factors and migraine occurrence.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a significant association between Vitamin B12 deficiency and the presence of migraines. Migraine patients exhibited lower mean Vitamin B12 levels and a higher prevalence of deficiency compared to controls, suggesting that addressing Vitamin B12 deficiency could be a key factor in migraine management. Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of Vitamin B12 supplementation in reducing migraine frequency and severity.