The August 12 2019

Researchers at Harvard University have shown that one or two cups of coffee a day does not increase the risk of migraine. However, caffeine can lead to more frequent migraines from three cups of coffee a day.

The link between coffee and migraine

Scientists have studied the effects of coffee on 98 patients with regular migraines. The objective of the study which was published in The American Journal of  Medicine was from to determine if caffeine consumption could be linked to migraine attacks. 

These attacks are characterized by severe headaches, or headaches. Elizabeth Mostofsky’s team noticed that the impact of caffeine depended on the dose, but also on the frequency with which the coffee was consumed. To carry out this study, patients filled out a logbook each morning and evening for six weeks indicating their condition. 

No more than two cups

Participants also indicated other factors that could trigger migraines, such as alcohol consumption, medication, sleep patterns or their level of physical activity. Migraine, which affects around 15% of the world’s population, is also due to genetic factors associated with environmental factors.

Comparing all of this data, the researchers noted that drinking one or two cups of coffee was not associated with an increased risk of migraine headaches. The study shows that the risk can increase from three cups of coffee a day or more. Further work will be necessary to validate these results.

Stephanie Haerts

Read also: Learn more about the effects of coffee on health