Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B2 (riboflavin selenite)
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, has scientific evidence supporting its use in the prevention of certain types of headaches, particularly migraines. Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that high-dose riboflavin supplementation (commonly 400 mg/day) can reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks in some patients, likely due to its role in mitochondrial energy metabolism. Although riboflavin is more commonly associated with migraine prophylaxis rather than tension-type headaches, some clinicians may recommend it for general headache prevention given its favorable safety profile and the potential overlap in headache mechanisms.

However, the evidence for riboflavin's effectiveness in treating or preventing tension-type headaches specifically is limited and not as robust as it is for migraines. Most clinical guidelines recommend riboflavin for migraine prevention based on moderate-quality evidence, but do not extend this recommendation to tension headaches. The mechanism by which riboflavin may help migraines—improving mitochondrial dysfunction—has not been clearly established for tension-type headaches, which are thought to involve different pathophysiological processes such as muscle tension and stress.

In summary, while riboflavin is scientifically validated for migraine prevention, its use for tension headaches is not strongly supported by current evidence. The ingredient is sometimes used for general headache support, but its efficacy for tension headaches remains uncertain.

More about Vitamin B2 (riboflavin selenite)
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Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B2 (riboflavin selenite)

Cataracts
Dermatitis
Fatigue
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Migraine

Products containing Vitamin B2 (riboflavin selenite)

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