Association between oxidative balance score and self-reported severe headache or migraine based on NHANES 1999 to 2004 data: A cross-sectional study

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying migraine remain elusive, with oxidative stress hypothesized as a potential etiological factor. The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is a comprehensive tool for assessing the impact of diet and lifestyle on oxidative stress, thereby gauging an individual's overall antioxidant capacity. In this cross-sectional study, we explored the correlation between OBS and migraine prevalence among a cohort of US adults. We analyzed data from 6195 participants aged 20 years and above, drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 1999 and 2004. We employed multiple logistic regression, coupled with sensitivity analyses, to investigate the relationship between OBS and migraine. Subsequent subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed to assess the consistency of this association across the population. Multiple logistic regression revealed an inverse relationship between OBS and the likelihood of experiencing migraines. Specifically, individuals in the highest OBS quartile exhibited a significantly reduced migraine risk compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR = 0.98, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.97–0.99, P = 0.0001). Furthermore, restricted cubic spline curves indicated a non-linear association between dietary OBS and migraine incidence (non-linear P = 0.0258). Our findings suggest that adherence to an antioxidant-rich diet may be an effective strategy for mitigating migraine, potentially by influencing oxidative balance.