Low-Glutamate Diet for Migraine Relief

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Researchers will compare a low-glutamate diet to a wait-list control in adults with chronic or episodic migraine. After a 4-week run-in to track headaches, eligible participants are randomized to start the low-glutamate diet or continue their usual diet for one month, with outcomes including migraine frequency, severity, duration, and quality of life. The study also examines changes in blood markers related to migraine and, in a subset, potential brain changes. Dietary training is provided to participants in the intervention arm, focusing on avoiding foods high in free glutamate and emphasizing nutrient-rich whole foods. The trial is conducted at American University with collaboration from Georgetown University.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women of all races and ethnicities
* Age 18-75 years
* Documented diagnosis of chronic or episodic migraine for at least 6 months, based on International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-III) criteria, defined as:

  * 8 headache days per month, and
  * 4 migraine days per month
* Migraine onset before age 50
* On a stable medication regimen for at least 1 month prior to enrollment
* Willing to maintain stable medications throughout the study
* Willing to discontinue supplements during the study period
* Women of childbearing potential must be willing to use birth control during the study timeframe

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current pregnancy, plans to become pregnant during the study timeframe, or current breastfeeding
* Current use of medications affecting glutamatergic or gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) neurotransmission (unless discontinued under physician guidance)
* Current use of quarterly injectable migraine preventive medications
* Unwillingness to modify dietary intake or to stop alcohol and marijuana use during the study
* Substance use disorder within the past year
* Diagnosed seizure disorder
* Severe asthma requiring past hospitalization

Where it's running

• American University
  Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kathleen Holton
• Email: holton@american.edu
• Phone: 5037571578

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.