High Omega-3 / Low Omega-6 Diet

Summary:
This anti-inflammatory dietary pattern reduces dietary omega-6 fatty acids while increasing omega-3s, with the goal of shifting the balance of eicosanoids and improving pain sensitivity.

Biological Plausibility

Omega-3s are precursors to anti-inflammatory mediators, while omega-6s are precursors to pro-inflammatory ones. Reducing omega-6 intake and boosting omega-3 can modulate trigeminal nociception and inflammatory pathways relevant to migraine.

Evidence

A large RCT published in *BMJ* showed that this dietary shift significantly reduced headache frequency and intensity in chronic migraine patients.

Effect Size

2–3 fewer migraine days/month. Effects increased when both omega-3 was increased and omega-6 was reduced.

⚠️ Risk

Low. Requires dietary adherence and possible supplementation.

Cost

$$

Scores

  • Benefit: 3
  • Burden: 3
  • Ratio: 1.0

Clinical Takeaways

  • Promising evidence for anti-inflammatory diet patterns.
  • Requires planning and consistency to sustain benefits.
  • May be especially useful for patients with comorbid metabolic or inflammatory issues.

Key References

  • Ramsden CE, et al. *Dietary alteration of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids for headache reduction in adults with migraine: a randomized controlled trial.* BMJ. 2021.
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