High CRP level is a modifiable risk factor for chronic migraine

A large population-based 11-year long study just published by Norwegian researchers confirmed that an elevated level of an inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic migraine.

Inflammation is a well-established part of the pathophysiology of migraine. Pro-inflammatory aspects of obesity are thought to underly the correlation between excessive weight and the frequency of migraines. While it is not clear how high CRP leads to chronification of migraines, there are several ways to lower this marker.

CRP is also a well-documented marker of risk for cardiovascular disease. Statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) lower CRP levels independently of their lipid-lowering effect. Metformin is another drug that can lower CRP levels.

There are several ways to lower CRP without drugs including lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and moderate alcohol consumption.

A Japanese study of over 2,000 people showed that blood levels of vitamin C are inversely correlated with CRP levels. A review of 12 published studies of the effect of vitamin C on CRP showed that vitamin C lowers CRP levels.

A meta-analysis of 12 published studies showed that vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol) is another vitamin that lowers CRP levels.