A Published Study Warns Link In Between Caffeine and Migraine Risk

(Newswire.net — February 16, 2022) Orlando, FL — Over one billion adults suffer from a migraine, which is the third most prevalent illness on a global scale.  Researchers have been carrying out research studies to investigate its risk factors.

One study was carried out by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH).

In this research, it has been found migraine risk increases with caffeine intake. This condition leads to symptoms like severe headache, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, mood changes, as well as visual and auditory hallucinations.

Those who suffer from this condition also report triggers like hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, weather patterns, stress, medications, and some food and beverages. 

The findings of this research were published in the American Journal of Medicine. 

It was spearheaded by Elizabeth Mostofsky, ScD, an investigator in BIDMC’s Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit and a member of the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH.

Researchers had individuals with episodic migraine who consumed one to two servings of caffeinated beverages, intake of which was not linked with headaches. However, three or more servings of caffeinated beverages may be linked with higher odds of migraine headache occurrence on that day or the following day.

“While some potential triggers — such as lack of sleep — may only increase migraine risk, the role of caffeine is particularly complex, because it may trigger an attack but also helps control symptoms,” said Mostofsky. 

The investigators also revealed that the effects of caffeine depend on both the dose and frequency.  In the past, there have actually been few prospective studies about how caffeinated drink intake leads to immediate risk of migraine headaches.

Aside from Mostofsky, this prospective cohort study was carried out along with Principal Investigator Suzanne M. Bertisch, MD, MPH, of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School.

Studies investigating the various aspects of migraines continue to pile up. It is worth keeping in mind that aside from avoiding caffeine, intake of certain nutrients may also help combat migraine attacks. 

Some B vitamins have been found by studies to be particularly helpful. These nutrients have long been studied due to their disease-fighting effects. 

They are popularly obtained nowadays through the use of supplements like Divine Bounty B Vitamin Complex. It contains Choline, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin, and vitamin B6. (www.amazon.com/dp/B07414752B).