Associations between diet quality, DASH and Mediterranean dietary patterns and migraine characteristics

Abstract

Objectives/background: This study was conducted to describe the dietary patterns and diet quality and to examine the correlation between diet quality, dietary patterns (Mediterranean or DASH) and migraine attributes. Methods: Individuals between the ages of 18–64 who applied to the headache outpatient clinic and were diagnosed with episodic migraine were evaluated by a neurologist. Healthy Eating Index-2010 was used to determine the diet quality. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension compliance scale and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener were used to describe the dietary patterns. Results: It was found that individuals with a low Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener score had more severe disability and more severe and frequent attacks (p <0.05). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener score and attack severity (r =−0.733, p <0.05). Individuals with a low Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension compliance scale score had more severe and frequent attacks (p <0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between attack severity and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension compliance scale scores (r =−0.700, p <0.001). Individuals with poor diet quality had more severe migraine attacks compared to others (p <0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between diet quality total score and attack severity (r =0.458, p <0.05). High diet quality scores and higher vegetables, fruits, legumes, and oil seeds subscores, DASH and Mediterranean dietary patterns were associated with lower migraine attack severity (p <0.05). Conclusion: A nutritional approach that adopts the Mediterranean diet or involves a good diet quality pattern can help alleviate the symptoms of individuals with migraine.