Association between Malnutrition and Migraine Risk Assessed Using Objective Nutritional Indices

Abstract

Dietary triggers are frequently linked to migraines. Although some evidence suggests that dietary interventions might offer a new avenue for migraine treatment, the connection between migraine and nutrition remains unclear. In this study, we explored the association between nutritional status and migraines. Clinical data spanning 11 years were sourced from the Smart Clinical Data Warehouse. The nutritional statuses of 6603 migraine patients and 90,509 controls were evaluated using the Controlling Nutrition Status (CONUT) score and the Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI). The results showed that individuals with mild, moderate, and severe malnutrition were at a substantially higher risk of migraines than those with optimal nutrition, as determined by the CONUT score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63–1.82; aOR: 5.09, 95% CI: 4.44–5.84; aOR: 3.24, 95% CI: 2.29–4.59, p < 0.001). Similarly, moderate (PNI: 35–38) and severe (PNI < 35) malnutrition were associated with heightened migraine prevalence (aOR: 4.80, 95% CI: 3.85–5.99; aOR: 3.92, 95% CI: 3.14–4.89, p < 0.001) compared to those with a healthy nutritional status. These findings indicate that both the CONUT and PNI may be used as predictors of migraine risk and underscore the potential of nutrition-oriented approaches in migraine treatment.