Abstract
Background- Migraine is a common neurological disorder. It affects 11% of the world's population and 2.6-5 % of the Saudi population. Its prevalence in women is 3 times more than in men. Although the pathogenesis of migraine headache is not fully understood but there is an assumption that some nutrients may be related to headache. This study was designed to measure the levels of vitamin D, calcium, sodium, and potassium that might have a relationship with migraine in Saudi females. Methods- The sample comprised 91 previously diagnosed migraine patients and 54 healthy control subjects. We collected data regarding age, weight, height, marital status, education, medical history, and consumption of vitamin and mineral supplements for each participant. Blood sample was obtained, and serum vitamin D, calcium, sodium and potassium were measured at the chemistry lab in King Abdulaziz Hospital. For between group comparisons independent-sample t-test analysis of variance was done. Results-There were 91 migraine patients aged (mean +/- SEM) 32.91 +/- 1.187 years and 54 controls aged (mean +/- SEM) 30.00 +/- 1.320 years. No significant differences were found in migraine patients compared with the healthy controls in vitamin D, sodium and potassium concentrations (p>0.05). However, we found a significant difference in calcium serum level between the two groups (p= 0.00002). Conclusion- A higher significant difference in calcium level in migraine patients was observed compared to the healthy controls, while no significant differences were observed in the other parameters. Future studies should attempt to confirm the relationship between calcium deficiency and migraine. In addition, there is a need for well-designed clinical trials to investigate the effects of serum vitamin D, calcium, sodium and potassium serum levels on higher risk of migraine.