Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) has been studied primarily for its role in preventing and reducing the frequency of migraine headaches, rather than tension-type headaches. The scientific interest stems from riboflavin’s function in cellular energy metabolism, particularly within mitochondria. Some research suggests that migraines may be linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, and riboflavin supplementation at high doses (typically 400 mg/day) has been shown in several randomized controlled trials to reduce migraine frequency and severity. These findings have led to its recommendation by certain neurological guidelines for migraine prophylaxis.

However, evidence for riboflavin’s benefit in treating or preventing tension-type headaches is much weaker. Tension headaches are believed to have different underlying mechanisms (muscle tension and stress) compared to migraines, and there is little direct research evaluating riboflavin’s effect on this type of headache. Most support for its use in headaches generally is extrapolated from migraine studies. As of now, there are no robust clinical trials specifically demonstrating riboflavin’s efficacy for tension-type headaches, and major guidelines do not recommend it for this indication.

In summary, while riboflavin has scientific support for migraine prevention, its use for tension headache lacks direct evidence and is not well-justified by current research.

More about Riboflavin (B2)
More about Headache (tension)

Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)

ashwagandha
waterhyssop
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
turmeric
feverfew
ginger
greek mountain tea
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
moringa
passionflower
passionflower
Peppermint
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
Szechuan lovage
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black willow
black salt
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black Hellebore
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Citron
Cajuput
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
Fernbush
Gnaphalium
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Henna
Herb Robert
Hempnettle
Horsemint
Indian Coraltree
Indian Fagonia
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Linden
Ligustilides
Lotus
Labrador Tea
Large-Leaved Linden
Loranthus
Linalool
Mentha haplocalyx
Mustard
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Mountain mahogany
Matapalo Tree
Morning Glory
Meadowsweet
Macaranga indica
Nardostachys
Nymphaea nouchali
Osha
Onosma bracteatum
Osmanthus
Premna
Piper chaba
Pulsatilla
Pluchea
Pimpinella
Paeoniflorin
Poppy
Plectranthus amboinicus
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Rue
Rubiaceae
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Semecarpus anacardium
Stereospermum
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sedanenolide
Tamarind
Vervain
Water Pepper
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Yerba buena
Zingerone

Other health conditions supported by Riboflavin (B2)

Anemia
Cataracts
Dermatitis
Fatigue
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Migraine
Wounds and Sores

Products containing Riboflavin (B2)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.