Research Study
A multi-strain probiotic in the management of chronic and episodic migraine headaches:
a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
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A multi-strain probiotic in the management of chronic and episodic migraine headaches:
a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trialQuestion
Is the multi-strain probiotic more effective than placebo at reducing frequency and severity of both chronic and episodic migraines?Methods
Chronic migraine (CM) = characterised by 15 or more headache days per month.
Episodic migraine (EM) = characterised by those with migraine who have 0 to 14 headache days per month.
100 patients suffering from CM (n=50) or EM (n=50), or as defined by International Headache Classification ICHD III criteria, were recruited to receive either the probiotic (14 bacteria strains; 4 billion CFU per day) or placebo capsules for 8 weeks (see flow chart).
Results
Chronic migraine:
- In the probiotic group, 21/25 individuals completed the trial, whilst in the placebo group, 18/25 completed the trial
- By end of trial, mean frequency of attacks in probiotic group had fallen by 45% (~22 attacks per month ~12 attacks per month), significantly better than the fall of 1% in the placebo group (P<0.001).
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)-assessed migraine intensity significantly improved over the course of trial in the probiotic group but not in the placebo group (31% reduction vs 2% reduction; P<0.001).
Results
Episodic migraine:
- In the probiotic group, 22/25 individuals completed the trial, whilst in the placebo group, 18/25 completed the trial
- By end of trial, the mean frequency of attacks significantly reduced in the probiotic group compared with placebo group (40% reduction from baseline vs <1% change; P<0.001)
- Migraine intensity measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) was also significantly improved with probiotics compared with placebo (29% reduction vs 2% increase; P<0.001)
- Migraine disability assessment score (MIDAS) by end of trial was significantly lower in probiotic group compared with placebo (~30% reduction vs ~7% increase; P<0.001).
Conclusion
The multi-strain probiotic achieved a significant reduction in the frequency of headaches, and migraine symptom severity in both groups.
Martami, F.,Togha, M., Seifishahpar, M et al. The effects of a multispecies probiotic supplement on inflammatory markers and episodic and chronic migraine characteristics: A randomized double-blind controlled trial. Cephalalgia. Jan 2019.
Probiotic Supplement used = Bio-Kult Advanced (Ingredients - Bulking agent: microcrystalline cellulose, Bacillus subtilis PXN® 21™, Bifidobacterium bifidum PXN® 23™, Bifidobacterium breve PXN® 25™, Bifidobacterium infantis PXN® 27™, Bifidobacterium longum PXN® 30™, Lactobacillus acidophilus PXN® 35™, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus PXN® 39™, Lactobacillus casei PXN® 37™, Lactobacillus plantarum PXN® 47™, Lactobacillus rhamnosus PXN® 54™, Lactobacillus helveticus PXN® 45™, Lactobacillus salivarius PXN® 57™, Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis PXN® 63™, Streptococcus thermophilus PXN® 66™, (milk, soya), vegetable capsule (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose).)