There is uncertainty regarding the prevention of migraine crises
by changing the lifestyle of patients. The aim of this randomized, crossover intervention trial was
to evaluate the effects of a low lipid intake on the incidence and severity of migraine crises, in
comparison to a diet with moderate lipid intake.
Methods and results: After a 2-month run-in when patients received preventive medication but
were left on their habitual diet, a low-lipid or a normal-lipid diet was randomly prescribed for
3 months and thereafter diets were crossed over for the following 3 months. Headache was diagnosed
based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (IHCD) III criteria. The
number and severity of attacks were assessed using a self-reported calendar. Adherence to the
diet was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. An analysis was performed on the 83
episodic or chronic migraineurs (63 female and 20 male), in the age range of 18e57 years,
who completed both intervention periods. Obese subjects had a significantly higher number of
attacks than those overweight or with normal body weight (24.7 8, 16.3 12, and
15.6 11, respectively, p < 0.03) with a significant relationship between the body mass index
(BMI) and the number of monthly attacks (r Z 0.238, p < 0.03). The number (2.9 3.7 vs.
6.8 7.5, p < 0.001) and severity (1.2 þ 0.9 vs. 1.7 0.9, p < 0.01) of attacks significantly
decreased during both intervention periods, with a significant difference in favour of the lowlipid
diet.