The effects of concurrent alpha-linolenic acid, L-carnitine supplementation on clinical symptoms, mental health, and quality of life in women with migraine: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Background Migraine, as a widespread neurological condition, substantially impacts quality of life, particularly among women. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and L-carnitine co-supplementation on migraine symptoms, mental health, and life quality in women with migraine. Methods In this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 80 women with migraine were randomly assigned to receive either ALA (1000 mg) plus L-carnitine (500 mg) or matching placebos daily for 12 weeks. Migraine characteristics, mental health parameters, and quality of life measures were assessed at baseline and study end. Results The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in migraine frequency (-2.96; 95 CI (-3.48, -2.45) vs -0.07; 95 CI (-0.68, 0.53), P < 0.001), severity (-1.6; 95 CI (-2.05, -1.15) vs - 0.44; 95 CI (-0.91, 0.02), P = 0.001), and duration (-4.9; 95 CI (-6.34, -3.45) vs -0.5; 95 CI (-1.06, 0.66) hours, P < 0.001) compared to the placebo group. Mental health improvements were observed in depression (-7.4; 95 CI (-9.24, -5.55) vs 0.05; 95 CI (-1.16, 1.26), P < 0.001), and anxiety scores (-5.7; 95 CI (-7.26, -4.14) vs - 0.65; 95 CI (-2.33, 1.03), P < 0.001). Quality of life measures showed significant enhancement, with increased migraine-specific quality of life (9.75; 95 CI (8.01, 11.49) vs 1.22; 95 CI (-0.66, 3.11), P < 0.001) and decreased headache impact test-6 scores (-8.57; 95 CI (-11.79, -5.36) vs -1.35; 95 CI (-3.41, 0.71), P = 0.005) in the intervention group compared to the controls. Conclusion Co-supplementation with ALA and L-carnitine may offer a promising adjuvant therapy for managing migraine in women, addressing both physical symptoms and psychological burdens. Trial registration IRCT20121216011763N57.