Food-specific IgG-based elimination diet decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and CGRP and improved symptoms in adults with migraine

Background: Food-specific IgG antibodies have been proposed to be biomarkers to identify food that triggers an inflammation response. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a food-specific IgG-based elimination diet by assessing the changes in the symptoms of migraine and its comorbidities, inflammatory cytokines, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters, and their correlation. Methods: = 46). At baseline and at the end of 12 weeks, seven questionnaires were administered regarding the symptoms of migraine, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. Fourteen food-specific IgG antibodies, such as IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, 5-HT, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), in serum were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: At the end of 12 weeks, the true diet group had a larger reduction in questionnaires of migraine (except for MSQ), gastrointestinal symptoms, and poor sleeping, as well as food-specific positive IgG, IL-6, TNF-α, and CGRP in the serum. The difference in the change of "days with migraine in past 4 weeks" between the sham and true diet groups was significantly attenuated after adjusting for IL-6 and TNF-α. Conclusion: An IgG-positive food elimination diet improved migraine and its comorbidities and reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and CGRP, which might be associated with the alleviated systemic chronic inflammation and downregulation of the sensitivity of trigeminal nerve endings. Clinical trial registration: Chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2000039278.