The effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with migraine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Objective

Imbalances in immune regulation are important features of migraine pathophysiology. In line with this, the current study investigated the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in patients with migraines.

Materials and Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial consisted of 40 patients that were prone to experiencing episodic migraines. For two months, participants were randomized into one group that received omega-3 supplementation (n= 20), 600 mg of EPA and 300 mg of DHA, twice daily) or another group that received a placebo (n= 20). Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), interleukin (IL)-4, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin (IL)-17 serum levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods at baseline and following the intervention. The current study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the registration number NCT02532023.

Results

After two months of intervention, the administration of omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a significant rise in the concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 (p=0.010) as well as a significant reduction in concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ (p=0.001) compared with the placebo. However, no significant changes were observed in serum TGF-β and IL-17 levels.

Discussion

Our findings indicated consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may have a potentially beneficial response on the inflammatory immune response in patients with migraines. Larger trials are needed to corroborate these findings.

Keywords:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• inflammation
• migraine
• anti-inflammatory
• trial

Acknowledgments

The present research was accepted by the TUMS Ethics Committee (code: IR.TUMS.REC.1394.462).

Author contributions

M.DJ, M.A. and E.DJ contributed in data collection, investigation, and conceptualization. S. T. and N.T. contributed in drafting of the manuscript, formal analysis and editing. M.DJ. contributed in management of project, conceptualization, study design and supervised the study. All authors approved the manuscript for submission.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.