Higher Dietary Intake of Calcium and Magnesium Associated With Reduced Migraine Occurrence

Migraines are frequently characterized by intense, debilitating headaches. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling, and sensitivity to light and sound. According to a new study, higher dietary intake of calcium and magnesium may help reduce migraine occurrence.

For their study, the researchers used data from 10,798 adults who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys of America. Participants self-reported severe headache or migraine in the miscellaneous pain section of the questionnaire. Participants completed dietary surveys used to determine the type and amount of foods and beverages consumed within a 24-hour period.

Participants with the highest intake of dietary calcium (>1,149 mg/day) had significantly lower odds of getting migraines compared to those with the lowest intake of dietary calcium (378-571 mg/day). Female participants with the highest dietary intake of magnesium (>371 mg/day) also had significantly lower odds of getting migraines compared to those with the lowest dietary intake of magnesium (161-271 mg/day). No significant association was found in male participants between migraines and dietary magnesium intake.

The study was conducted by researchers from Harbin Medical University. It was published online ahead of print on March 5, 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.