Research shows that people with migraines who have higher inflammation markers experience greater migraine-related disability and increased pain sensitivity, while those with lower vitamin D levels also feel pain more intensely. According to Gram Research analysis of a 72-person cross-sectional study, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (a blood marker of inflammation) correlated with migraine disability at r = 0.38, and vitamin D concentrations positively correlated with pain tolerance at the temples (r = 0.36). These findings suggest that checking these two blood markers might help doctors understand why individual migraines vary in severity.
A new study of 72 migraine sufferers found that two blood markers may explain why some people experience worse migraines than others. People with higher inflammation markers (measured by a ratio of white blood cells) had more migraine-related disability and stress, while those with lower vitamin D levels felt pain more intensely. According to Gram Research analysis, these findings suggest that checking vitamin D levels and inflammation markers could help doctors better understand and treat individual migraine cases. The research opens doors to personalized migraine treatment based on these measurable biological factors.
Key Statistics
A cross-sectional study of 72 migraine patients found that higher inflammation markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) were associated with greater migraine-related disability, with a correlation coefficient of 0.38 (p < 0.05).
In a 72-person study published in 2026, vitamin D concentrations showed significant positive correlation with pain tolerance at the anterior temporalis muscle (r = 0.36, p < 0.05), suggesting lower vitamin D links to increased pain sensitivity.
Regression analysis of 72 migraine patients revealed that elevated inflammation markers were linked to increased pain sensitivity at the jaw muscle, with a regression coefficient of -0.40 (p = 0.01).
A 2026 cross-sectional analysis of 72 adults with migraines found that lower vitamin D concentrations were associated with decreased pain tolerance at the middle temporalis muscle (B = -0.38, p = 0.001)
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether blood markers related to vitamin D levels and inflammation are connected to how severe migraines are and how much pain people feel
- Who participated: 72 adults who had been officially diagnosed with migraines using standard medical criteria
- Key finding: People with higher inflammation markers had worse migraine disability and felt pain more easily, while people with lower vitamin D levels also experienced increased pain sensitivity
- What it means for you: If you have migraines, getting your vitamin D and inflammation levels checked might help explain why your migraines feel the way they do. However, this study doesn’t prove that fixing these levels will cure migraines, only that they’re connected
The Research Details
Researchers recruited 72 adults who had been diagnosed with migraines according to strict medical standards. They took blood samples to measure vitamin D levels and a special ratio of white blood cells called the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, which shows how much inflammation someone has. They also measured lipid profiles and blood sugar levels. At the same time, they tested how sensitive participants were to pain by applying pressure to specific muscles in the head and neck, asked them about migraine-related disability using a standard questionnaire, and measured their stress levels. This type of study, called cross-sectional, takes a snapshot of everything at one point in time rather than following people over months or years.
This approach is important because it lets researchers look at whether different biological markers exist together in people with migraines. By measuring everything at once, they can identify patterns that might help doctors understand which patients need different types of treatment. The study focused on objective measurements (blood tests and pain sensitivity tests) rather than just asking people how they feel, which makes the findings more reliable.
The study included a reasonable sample size of 72 people and used established medical criteria to diagnose migraines. Researchers used statistical methods that account for multiple factors at once, which helps separate which markers truly matter. However, because this is a cross-sectional study, it shows associations but cannot prove that low vitamin D causes worse migraines. The study was conducted at a single time point, so we don’t know if these relationships hold true over longer periods
What the Results Show
The inflammation marker (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) showed a clear connection to migraine problems. People with higher inflammation markers reported significantly more migraine-related disability, meaning their migraines interfered more with daily activities like work and school. They also reported higher stress levels. When researchers used statistical models to control for other factors, the connection remained strong: for every increase in the inflammation marker, migraine disability increased noticeably. Additionally, people with higher inflammation markers felt pain more easily when pressure was applied to their jaw and temple muscles. Vitamin D showed a different pattern: people with higher vitamin D levels could tolerate more pressure before feeling pain, especially at the temples and neck muscles. Lower vitamin D was linked to increased pain sensitivity at the temple muscles even after accounting for other factors.
The study measured several other factors including lipid profiles and fasting glucose levels, though the abstract emphasizes the vitamin D and inflammation findings as most significant. Pain sensitivity was tested at multiple locations on the head and neck, with the strongest associations appearing at the temples and jaw muscles. Perceived stress levels were measured using a standard 14-item questionnaire and showed meaningful correlation with inflammation markers. Handgrip strength was also measured but appears less central to the main findings.
Previous research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency is common in people with migraines and may play a role in migraine frequency and severity. This study adds to that evidence by showing that vitamin D is specifically linked to pain sensitivity, not just general migraine occurrence. The inflammation marker connection is newer to migraine research. While inflammation has been studied in migraines before, using the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a specific marker of systemic inflammation in migraine populations is a relatively recent approach. This study helps confirm that inflammation markers may be useful tools for understanding individual differences in migraine severity.
This study has several important limitations. First, it’s cross-sectional, meaning it captures one moment in time and cannot prove that low vitamin D or high inflammation actually causes worse migraines. The sample size of 72 people is moderate, which limits how broadly we can apply the findings to all migraine sufferers. The study doesn’t tell us about cause and effect: we don’t know if low vitamin D leads to worse migraines, or if having worse migraines somehow affects vitamin D levels. The study measured pain sensitivity using pressure tests, which is different from the actual throbbing pain of a migraine. Finally, the study doesn’t include a control group of people without migraines, so we can’t compare whether these markers are unique to migraine sufferers or common in the general population
The Bottom Line
If you have migraines, ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels and consider getting your inflammation markers tested. This is a low-risk step that might provide useful information about your individual migraine pattern. Moderate confidence: the research shows these markers are connected to migraine severity, but we don’t yet have strong evidence that correcting them will reduce migraines. If your vitamin D is low, supplementation is generally safe and may be worth trying under medical supervision. For inflammation, lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress management, and anti-inflammatory foods may help, though more research is needed specifically in migraine populations
Anyone with chronic or frequent migraines should find this research interesting, especially if their migraines are severe or disabling. People who have tried standard migraine treatments without full success might benefit from exploring these biological markers. This research is less relevant for people with occasional mild migraines. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have kidney disease, talk to your doctor before supplementing vitamin D
If you start vitamin D supplementation, it typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to build up adequate levels in your body. You might notice changes in pain sensitivity or migraine frequency within that timeframe, but some people take longer. Reducing inflammation through lifestyle changes can take several weeks to months to show effects. This is not a quick fix, but rather a long-term approach to managing migraine triggers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does low vitamin D cause migraines?
This study shows that low vitamin D is connected to increased pain sensitivity in migraine sufferers, but it doesn’t prove vitamin D deficiency causes migraines. The relationship exists, but the direction of cause and effect remains unclear. Getting your vitamin D checked is still worthwhile if you have migraines
Can I reduce migraines by lowering inflammation?
This study found that higher inflammation markers correlate with worse migraine disability and pain sensitivity. While reducing inflammation through exercise, stress management, and diet may help, this study doesn’t prove that lowering inflammation will reduce migraines. Talk to your doctor about anti-inflammatory approaches worth trying
What blood tests should I ask my doctor about for migraines?
Based on this research, ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels and consider measuring your neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (a standard inflammation marker from a complete blood count). These markers appear connected to migraine severity, though testing alone won’t cure migraines
How much vitamin D should I take if I have migraines?
This study doesn’t specify dosing recommendations. If your doctor confirms vitamin D deficiency, typical supplementation ranges from 1,000 to 4,000 IU daily, but your doctor should determine the right dose based on your blood levels and health history. Never supplement without medical guidance
Is this study proof that vitamin D supplements will help my migraines?
No. This cross-sectional study shows an association between vitamin D levels and pain sensitivity in migraine sufferers, but it doesn’t prove that supplements will reduce your migraines. More research is needed to determine whether correcting low vitamin D actually improves migraine symptoms
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log your migraine severity daily on a scale of 1 to 10, and track any vitamin D supplementation or dietary sources. Note your stress levels using a simple 1 to 5 scale. After 8 to 12 weeks, review whether your migraine severity has changed in relation to your vitamin D intake and stress management
- Start taking a vitamin D supplement if your doctor confirms deficiency, or increase vitamin D through food sources like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk. Simultaneously, implement a stress-reduction practice like 10 minutes of daily meditation or deep breathing, since the study linked inflammation to stress. Track both behaviors in the app alongside migraine frequency
- Set monthly reminders to review your migraine log and look for patterns. If you’re supplementing vitamin D, get blood levels rechecked after 3 months. Use the app to track whether weeks with lower stress and better vitamin D intake correlate with fewer or less severe migraines. Share this data with your doctor to guide ongoing treatment decisions
This research describes associations between blood markers and migraine severity in a small study population. It does not prove cause and effect, and individual results vary widely. Do not start, stop, or change any migraine medications or supplements without consulting your healthcare provider. If you have severe or worsening migraines, seek immediate medical attention. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.