Relationship: Migraine and riboflavin (vitamin B2)

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

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Synopsis

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

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is scientifically studied as a preventive treatment for migraine. The rationale stems from its key role in mitochondrial energy production. Migraine pathophysiology is thought to involve mitochondrial dysfunction, which may impair energy metabolism in the brain. Riboflavin, as a precursor for flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), is essential for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Supplementation is hypothesized to enhance mitochondrial efficiency, potentially reducing migraine frequency.

Several clinical trials have evaluated riboflavin’s efficacy. Notably, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in Neurology (1998) found that 400 mg/day of riboflavin significantly reduced migraine attack frequency and headache days in adults compared to placebo. Subsequent studies and meta-analyses have reported modest but statistically significant benefits, especially for reducing attack frequency and duration, with minimal side effects. Riboflavin is included in some national and international headache society guidelines as a level B or C evidence option for migraine prophylaxis.

However, while evidence is generally positive, effect sizes are moderate and not all studies have reported significant benefit. The evidence is stronger in adults than in children, where results are mixed. Riboflavin is well-tolerated and considered safe, making it a reasonable option for patients seeking non-pharmacological preventive strategies. Overall, its use for migraine prophylaxis is scientifically supported, though not to the highest level of clinical certainty.

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Other ingredients used for Migraine

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
ashwagandha
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
black tea
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
Chinese salvia root
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
fish oil
ginger
ginkgo biloba
gooseberry
gotu kola
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
luteolin
magnesium
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
purple butterbur root
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
almond fruit
ubiquinol
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
atractylodes
blackboard tree
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
chrysanthemum
soursop
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Apple Cider Vinegar
Albizia
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blepharis
Balsam
Banyan
Brahmi
Butterbur
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
Chinese Silkvine
Crocin
Creatine
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folic Acid
Goldthread
Ketone Salts
Little ironweed
Spikenard
Sandalwood

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

Brands

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

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Migraine

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: Migraine

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Migraine

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: Migraine