Expanding the gut-brain axis? Live cultures could reduce migraines

23 Apr 2019 --- A supplement containing 14 strains of “gut-friendly” bacteria was shown to significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of migraine headaches in adults, according to a study published in Cephalalgia. Although this area of research is relatively novel, the researchers note that the link between migraines and the functioning of the gut has been suspected for a long time. The multi-strain supplement used in the study was ADM’s Bio-Kult, and its potential for use in supplements targeting migraines is extremely “promising,” but requires further research.

Previous evidence has demonstrated that gut microbiota play a key role in the gut-brain axis. As such, disturbances in intestinal flora may be associated with imbalanced brain and nerve function, including migraines. Globally, up to one in seven people experience debilitating headaches, otherwise known as migraines, note the researchers.

“There is certainly a link between migraine and the functioning of the gut, as many sufferers tell us about their digestive symptoms,” says Dr. Katy Munro, Headache Specialist at the National Migraine Centre in the UK. “It is an interesting new approach to look at better gut health by the use of multi-strain supplements. Further research in this space is necessary, and we look forward to seeing the results of a larger-scale trial.”

The study, conducted at the Iranian Center of Neurological Research at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, is the “first successful trial of its kind to show a beneficial role of live bacterial products in alleviating migraine attacks.”

The researchers recruited 100 patients suffering from migraines, who received either the 14 strains of bacteria or a placebo for 8-10 weeks. By the end of the trial, the mean frequency of migraine attacks had significantly decreased in the supplement groups compared to placebo; 40 percent in the episodic migraine group (EM) and 45 percent in the chronic migraine group (CM). 

Migraine intensity also significantly improved in the supplement groups compared to placebo; 29 percent in the EM and 31 percent in CM. In addition, the use of medication was greatly reduced in both supplement groups and attack duration was also significantly reduced in the CM supplement group.

The study notes that 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 promotion of healthy cerebral function.

These findings show the promising potential for the use of multi-strain bacterial products in the management of head discomfort, Dr. Ashton Harper, Medical Director at ADM Protexin, tells NutritionInsight.

“The participants took Bio-Kult in addition to standard pharmaceutical medication and thus did not replace them. It is unknown at this point whether a bacterial product could entirely replace standard medications; however, based on this study they seem to offer benefit as a preventative supplementary adjunct. In the Bio-Kult trial, the use of acute/abortive medications was significantly reduced in the active groups. However, these were not stopped altogether,” he explains.

However, Harper notes that further research is warranted. Large scale human clinical trials are needed to confirm the positive findings, and the researchers are currently in discussions in the US and UK regarding such trials.

The researchers also need to “establish the mechanism of action of the bacteria related to head discomfort in patients.” The communication pathways that exist between gut bacteria and the brain are complex and there are numerous potential ways in which manipulating gut bacteria may influence neurological physiology and disease. For example, the researchers hope to incorporate functional brain imaging in further studies to identify the impact live bacteria may have on the activity of pain centers within the brain, Harper explains.

The gut-brain axis
Previous research has demonstrated a strong link between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system – the “gut-brain axis.” There is also mounting evidence linking imbalances in the microbial species that make up the gut microbiome to a number of health problems including allergies, autoimmune disorders and psychiatric mood disorders. Probiotics have even been flagged as a potential avenue of treatment to alleviate bipolar and other psychiatric mood disorders, such as depression. 

“It’s not entirely surprising that gut health influences the brain considering the various connections which exist between them. The vagus nerve runs between the brain and the gut and approximately 80 percent of its fibers actually transmit information from the gut to the brain,” Harper says.

ADM’s Bio-Kult has previously been found to reduce symptoms of people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), as well as alleviate anxiety. The findings regarding anxiety were not a planned aim of the study, but a positive effect of the probiotic, the researchers noted. 

Digestive health is an ongoing discussion and science continues to link a healthy microbiome to nearly every facet of health. The continuous media reporting on gut health has also helped stimulate consumer interest in probiotics. The gut health platform offers a wealth of opportunities to formulators, but due to regulatory demands, research data gaps and increasing consumer scrutiny, a clear view of how to navigate this space is vital.

By Laxmi Haigh