Probiotics Shown to Significantly Reduce Frequency of Headaches and Migraine Symptom Severity in the Largest-Ever Published Study

A probiotic supplement containing 14 strains of “gut-friendly” bacteria has been shown to significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of migraine headaches in adults.

In the largest-ever double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial¹ (the gold standard for medical research) of probiotic supplements in the management of migraine headaches, dramatic improvements have been reported in patients diagnosed with either chronic migraine (CM – people that suffer with headaches >15 days per month) or episodic migraine (EM – people that suffer headaches <15 days per month).

• In the study, published in Cephalagia, one of the world’s leading headache journals, 100 patients suffering from migraines (50 CM and 50EM) received either the probiotic Bio-Kult® Advanced (14 bacterial strains; 4 billion CFU per day) or a placebo for 8-10 weeks.
• By the end of the trial, the mean frequency of migraine attacks had significantly decreased in the probiotic groups compared to placebo; 40% in the EM group and 45% in the CM group.
• Migraine intensity was also significantly improved in the probiotic groups compared to placebo; 29% in the EM and 31% in CM.
• In addition, the use of abortive medication was greatly reduced in both probiotic groups and attack duration was also significantly reduced in the CM probiotic group.

The study, conducted by Dr. S. R. Jahromi and colleagues, from the Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences is the first successful trial of its kind to show a beneficial role of probiotics in alleviating the frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks.

Previous evidence has demonstrated that gut microbiota play a key role in the gut-brain axis and disturbances of intestinal flora may be associated with neurological disorders, including migraine.²   The association between migraines and GI disorders may be explained by numerous mechanisms; one of which may be increased intestinal permeability, which allows leakage of bacterial compounds (endotoxins) into the bloodstream, thus triggering inflammation and possible migraine attacks.

Leading experts are encouraged by the research findings, which they believe are a significant breakthrough in understanding the role live bacteria and the gut play in the management of migraine headaches. “There is certainly a link between migraine and the functioning of the gut, as many sufferers tell us at the National Migraine Centre about their digestive symptoms” says Dr Katy Munro, headache specialist at the National Migraine Centre. “It is an interesting new approach to look at better gut health by the use of probiotics. This small study suggests further research is necessary and we look forward to seeing the results of a larger scale trial.”

Professor Glenn Gibson, professor of food microbiology at the University of Reading, and leading gut health expert continues, “We are finding out more and more about the role of the gut microbiome in health and disease. As long ago as the 1800’s, Arbuthnott Lane – a Scottish physician suggested that the gut could be involved in migraine and schizophrenia, these predictions were not taken seriously, at the time, but they are now. The gut microbiome is central to many disorders which previously we did not feel were linked. Principle among these are cognitive issues with anxiety, depression, autism and dementias all on the research agenda. This excellent study shows how alteration of the microbiome through a safe and efficacious probiotic mixture can positively help migraine suffers. This brings such hope to the millions of sufferers in the UK. Knowing that our gut microbiome can be changed with such interventions is a major area of research with massive clinical implications. I especially liked the mechanistic science that underpinned the research done here.” says Professor Gibson.

Dr Ashton Harper, Medical Director at ADM Protexin Healthcare adds, “This ground-breaking trial is the first of its kind to show that an oral live bacterial product is capable of improving multiple aspects of migraine headaches. These results support exciting research developments in the microbiome-gut-brain axis – the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain – which have identified the fascinating potential of our gut bacteria to influence neurological health and disease. The single most meaningful result of this current study was the substantial reduction in frequency of migraine attacks for those taking the probiotic. Although this area of probiotic research is relatively novel, and further confirmatory studies are required, it does hold promise for improving multiple symptoms in one of the world’s most disabling illnesses”.

“Any research that could potentially help a migraine sufferer is always welcome” concludes Dr Fayyaz Ahmed from the department of neurology, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. “This research opens new doors for further research into the link between Nervous System disorder and Gastrointestinal structures”

• Bio-Kult® contains 14 strains of probiotics including: Bacillus subtilis PXN 21, Bifidobacterium (B. bifidum PXN 23, B. breve PXN 25, B. infantis PXN 27,B. longum PXN 30), Lactobacillus spp.(L. acidophilus PXN 35, L. delbrueckii spp. Bulgaricus PXN39, L. casei PXN 37, L. plantarum PXN 47, L. rhamnosus PXN 54 , L.helveticus PXN 45,L. salivarius PXN 57) Lactococcuslactis PXN 63, Streptococcus thermophilus PXN 66].
• Bio-Kult® retails from £9.25 and is available from Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy as well as independent pharmacies, health food stores and online at Amazon.com and Bio-Kult.com

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 Notes for Editors

• Migraines are disabling headaches usually characterised by one sided pulsating pain. The two major sub-types are migraine with aura (~1/3) and migraine without aura; aura describes visual disturbance such as flashing lights or zigzagging lines. Migraine is further categorised into episode migraine (>15 headaches per month – approximately 14% of the general population) and chronic migraine (>15 headaches per month – approximately 1% of the general population). Nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, noise, movement and smell are often experienced with attacks.³
• Migraine is among the most common neurological disorders, with an estimated global prevalence of 14.7% (around 1 in 7 people).⁴ Research suggests that over 190,000 migraine attacks occur every day in the UK,⁵ with the majority of sufferers experiencing at least 1 attack a month, often causing severe impairment.⁶  Despite the high prevalence, less than 50% of  migraine sufferers are satisfied with their current treatment, the majority choosing to self-medicate  using non-prescription drugs,⁴ increasing the risk of medication-overuse headaches.⁷
• Migraines are multi-factorial in nature and despite extensive research, their pathophysiology is yet to be fully understood. Genetic components and environmental interactions are considered causal factors.⁸ Bidirectional interactions between the peripheral and the central nervous systems (CNS) are implicated, with migraine sufferers showing abnormal CNS neurophysiological patterns in the time between attacks.⁹  It has been observed that varying levels of ovarian hormones, especially oestrogen, may also play a role, making women more predisposed to migraines.¹⁰  Stress,¹¹  hidden food allergies/intolerances,¹²  inflammation,^{13 , 14} obesity,¹⁵  hormone imbalances,¹⁶  blood sugar dysregulation,¹⁷  certain medications¹⁸, poor sleep,¹⁹  elevated homocysteine levels,²⁰  alcohol,²¹  caffeine²²  and nutrient deficiencies²³, are common triggers for attacks. Interestingly, research also shows a clear association between migraines and gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, coeliac disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD),^24,25  indicating that the health of the gut may play an important role in migraines.
• One link between many gut disorders and migraine is enhanced pro-inflammatory immune responses.²⁶ Increased intestinal permeability, which allows leakage of undigested food particles and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into the bloodstream, is a strong trigger for inflammation.²⁷  Food allergies and intolerances are often associated with increased gut permeability²⁸, which may be relevant given many migraine sufferers identify foods as triggers. Beneficial strains of gut bacteria play a crucial role in supporting the health of the gut lining, whereas dysbiosis (ie. a qualitative and/or quantitative change to the bacteria living in the gut) is a risk factor for the development of intestinal hyper-permeability.²⁹  Probiotics have been shown to influence microbiota composition and play a key role in maintaining and improving gut barrier function, thereby modulating mucosal immune responses and reducing inflammation.³⁰

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