40%-100% Chronic Headaches and Migraines Are Linked to Low Vitamin D – Here’s the Research

Written By Anna Zhai

The Connection Between Vitamin D and Chronic Headaches

If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, your vitamin D levels could be playing a major role. A study in Neurological Sciences has found that between 45% and 100% of people with chronic headaches are deficient in vitamin D. Low serum vitamin D levels have been directly linked to an increased risk of frequent and severe headaches. [1]

How Vitamin D Deficiency Contributes to Headaches

Vitamin D is essential for multiple brain functions, and a deficiency can impact headache frequency and intensity through several mechanisms:

  • Inflammation – Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased inflammation, which can trigger migraines and chronic tension-type headaches (CTTH). [2]

  • Magnesium Absorption – Vitamin D aids in magnesium absorption, and since low magnesium levels are linked to migraines, a deficiency in vitamin D can worsen the issue. [3]

  • Nitric Oxide Regulation – Excess nitric oxide is a known contributor to migraines. Vitamin D may help reduce its production, decreasing headache severity. [4]

  • Neurotransmitter Balance – Vitamin D plays a role in serotonin and dopamine regulation, neurotransmitters closely linked to migraine development.

The Headache Clinic’s Approach

At the Headache Clinic, we help identify key nutritional deficiencies that contribute to chronic headaches and migraines, one of which include vitamin D. Our approach includes:

  • Comprehensive assessments to determine underlying headache triggers.

  • Personalised supplementation plans based on your specific needs.

  • Holistic treatments to address brainstem sensitivity and improve overall headache management.

  • Guidance on the best next steps – whether it’s supplementation, dietary changes, or additional specialist referrals, we provide recommendations to help you find the most effective path to relief.

Take the Next Step Toward Headache Relief

If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, your vitamin D levels could be the missing piece to effective treatment. Book a consultation with the Headache Clinic today.

Reference

  1. Pathophysiology of Migraine: A Disorder of Sensory Processing

    Goadsby PJ, Holland PR, Martins-Oliveira M, Hoffmann J, Schankin C, Akerman S. Pathophysiology of migraine: A disorder of sensory processing. Physiol Rev. 2017;97(2):553-622. doi:10.1152/physrev.00034.2015. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28179394/.

  2. The Prevalence and Impact of Migraine and Severe Headache in the United States: Figures and Trends from Government Health Studies

    Burch R, Rizzoli P, Loder E. The prevalence and impact of migraine and severe headache in the United States: Figures and trends from government health studies. Headache. 2018;58(4):496-505. doi:10.1111/head.13281. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29527677/.

  3. Serum Magnesium Concentration in Migraine Patients: A Case-Control Study

    Shahbeigi S, Fereshtehnejad SM, Mohammadi N, Modabbernia A, Saberi M, Sadeghi M, et al. Serum magnesium concentration in migraine patients: A case-control study. Iran J Neurol. 2012;11(1):21-4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24250840/.

  4. Migraine: Epidemiology, Burden, and Comorbidity

    Burch RC, Buse DC, Lipton RB. Migraine: Epidemiology, burden, and comorbidity. Neurol Clin. 2019;37(4):631-49. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2019.06.001. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31471076/.

Anna Zhai
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