Modifying dietary intake of specific fatty acids can reduce the intensity of headaches

Worldwide, migraines rank among the most significant triggers of disability. Traditional treatments sometimes fail to deliver comprehensive relief for sufferers. A recently published study in The BMJ presents a novel approach for patients aiming to reduce their migraines and headaches - a...

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2025 September 12 . 1:48 AM

2 min read

Altering the intake of particular fatty acids might decrease the intensity of headaches.

Modifying dietary intake of specific fatty acids can reduce the intensity of headaches

A collaborative study involving 24 interdisciplinary researchers, including first co-authors Zamora and Christopher Ramsden, MD, has found that a diet high in omega-3 and low in omega-6 fatty acids may significantly improve migraine and headache symptoms. The study, published in The BMJ, focused on the balance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3), in the diet.

The research involved 182 migraine patients who followed one of three diets for 16 weeks as part of a randomized, controlled trial. The diets included a control diet, a diet that increased n-3 and maintained n-6 fatty acids, and a diet that increased n-3 and decreased n-6 fatty acids.

The study tested n-3 fatty acids from fish and not from dietary supplements. Participants reported fewer days a month with headaches, and some were able to decrease the amount of medication they needed for their pain. However, the study did not show a change in quality of life for participants.

The project was funded in part by a grant from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sixteen of the study's co-authors are affiliated with the University of North Carolina.

The biochemical hypothesis of how certain fatty acids affect pain applies to a wide variety of chronic pain, not just migraines and headaches. The study's authors suggest that a modification in diet could be impactful for migraine and headache relief. Zamora and her colleagues are currently working on a new study to test diet modification in other pain syndromes.

It's important to note that the study's findings do not apply to supplement use. Most people in the U.S. consume substantially more n-6 and fewer n-3 fatty acids due to the high consumption of processed foods. This imbalance in the diet could potentially contribute to the prevalence of migraines and headaches.

The study's results do not provide specific names of the researchers involved in the University of North Carolina study on the effects of fatty acids on migraine and headaches. The study published in The BMJ suggests a change in diet as an additional option for migraine and headache relief.