Neurology

2:1 ketogenic diet and low-glycemic-index diet for the treatment of chronic and episodic migraine: a single-center real-life retrospective study

Migraine is a common neurological condition that significantly impairs quality of life, ranking as the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Given its impact, there’s a pressing need for effective preventive treatments. Dietary interventions, especially the ketogenic diet, have been gaining traction as preventive measures against migraines. This study aimed to compare the effects of the Low-Glycemic Index Diet and the 2:1 ketogenic diet on patients with frequent migraines.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 60 migraine patients. 39 of these patients followed a Low-Glycemic-index diet, while 21 were on the 2:1 ketogenic diet. Over three months, data regarding migraine intensity and frequency were collected, along with MIDAS and HIT-6 scores. Additionally, anthropometric data like BMI, fat mass, free fat mass, and weight were recorded. Comparisons were made between baseline and post-diet data.

Results:

Improvements were noted in both groups in terms of migraine intensity, frequency, MIDAS and HIT-6 scores, fat mass, weight, and BMI.

Conclusions:

Both the Low-Glycemic Index Diet and the 2:1 ketogenic diet were effective in alleviating migraine symptoms and associated disability.