Relationship: Headache (tension) and riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Evidence supporting the use of: Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) has some scientific evidence supporting its use in the prevention of headache, specifically for migraine headaches, but not primarily for tension-type headaches. Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated that high-dose riboflavin supplementation (typically 400 mg per day) can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks in adults, with some benefit also observed in children. The proposed mechanism is related to riboflavin's role in mitochondrial energy metabolism; since migraine sufferers may have impaired mitochondrial function, riboflavin supplementation could improve cellular energy production and reduce the occurrence of migraines. Guidelines from organizations such as the American Academy of Neurology and the Canadian Headache Society include riboflavin as a potentially effective, low-risk preventive therapy for migraines.

However, there is little direct scientific evidence supporting the use of riboflavin specifically for tension-type headaches. Tension headaches have different underlying mechanisms, often involving muscle tension and stress, rather than the neurological and metabolic factors seen in migraines. As such, while riboflavin is commonly used and recommended for migraine prevention, its use for tension headaches is not well supported by clinical trials or guideline recommendations. The evidence rating is 2, reflecting modest support for migraines but insufficient data for tension-type headaches.

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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 oil
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Acetylsalicylic acid
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
Elephant's Head
Galangal
Lotus
Mustard
Mallow
Poppy
Sandalwood
Vervain

Other health conditions supported by riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Anemia
Cataracts
Dermatitis
Fatigue
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Migraine
Seborrhea

Products containing riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Health Concerns

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Evidence supporting the use of: Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)

Other health conditions supported by riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Products containing riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Riboflavin (vitamin B2)For the health condition: Headache (tension)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)

Other health conditions supported by riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Products containing riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Evidence supporting the use of: Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
For the health condition: Headache (tension)