Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Migraine

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily found in fish oil, have been investigated for their potential role in migraine prevention and management. The scientific justification centers on the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which may modulate neuroinflammation thought to contribute to migraine pathophysiology. Several small clinical trials and observational studies have explored omega-3 supplementation in migraine patients. Some studies report a modest reduction in headache frequency, intensity, or duration, while others show little to no effect compared to placebo or standard treatment.

A 2021 randomized controlled trial published in BMJ found that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids led to a reduction in the frequency and duration of migraine attacks in adults, supporting the biological plausibility of omega-3’s benefits. However, these effects were generally mild and not all studies have been consistent, with some showing no significant improvement. Major neurological and headache societies do not currently recommend omega-3s as a first-line or standalone migraine therapy, citing insufficient robust evidence.

Historically, omega-3s have not been used in traditional medicine specifically for migraine, and their use is justified primarily by recent scientific investigation. Overall, the evidence supporting omega-3 fatty acids for migraine is promising but limited, and further large-scale, well-designed clinical trials are needed to clarify their efficacy and optimal dosing.

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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
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Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
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Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
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Vaginal Dryness