Micronutrient deficient Levels tied to Increased Migraine Frequency and Severity in Children: Study

Researchers have found in a new study that In pediatric migraine patients, lower levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and ferritin were associated with increased attack frequency and prolonged duration of migraine episodes.

The new study published in the Journal of Child Neurology highlighted the potential connection between micronutrient deficiencies and the frequency and severity of migraines in pediatric patients. The findings suggest that certain micronutrient levels (vitamin D, vitamin B12, and ferritin) might play a significant role in influencing the nature and management of migraines in young patients.

This research reviewed 171 children between February and December 2022 who were diagnosed with migraines at 2 hospitals. The study population included children with a mean age of 14.3 years. This research analyzed serum levels of key micronutrients and compared them against migraine attack frequency, duration, and the use of prophylactic treatments. Sharp differences were observed in nutrient levels across these parameters.

One of the standout findings was the relationship between vitamin D levels and migraine attack frequency. Children experiencing 1 to 3 migraine attacks per month had a median 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 15.6 μg/L, significantly higher than the 11.9 μg/L observed in children suffering from more than three attacks monthly. This difference was statistically significant (P = .005), suggesting that higher vitamin D levels may be associated with fewer migraine episodes.

Vitamin B12 levels were also found to correlate with migraine attack duration. Children whose migraines lasted between 2 to 6 hours had a median vitamin B12 level of 386 ng/L, whereas the children with longer migraines (12-24 hours) had a lower median level of 343.5 ng/L (P = .048). These results imply that vitamin B12 deficiencies could contribute to prolonged migraine episodes in children.

Also, the study highlighted a marked association between ferritin levels and the use of prophylactic migraine treatments. The patients not on prophylactic medication had a median ferritin level of 34 μg/L when compared to 24 μg/L among those receiving preventive therapies (P = .019). While this finding may warrant further investigation, it raises questions about the potential influence of ferritin levels on treatment efficacy or selection.

Overall, the findings of this study emphasize the importance of evaluating serum micronutrient levels as part of a comprehensive approach to managing pediatric migraines. Clinicians may have an opportunity to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in children by addressing deficiencies and potentially improving their quality of life.

Source:

Akif Özdemir, F. M., & Çelik, H. (2025). Assessment of micronutrient levels in pediatric migraine patients. Journal of Child Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1177/08830738241304868