Riboflavin
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
An essential B vitamin that supports energy metabolism and has clinical evidence for reducing migraine frequency.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is essential for energy production as a component of FAD and FMN coenzymes. It's particularly notable for its strong evidence in migraine prevention, where high-dose supplementation (400mg) has been shown to significantly reduce frequency and severity. It also supports antioxidant systems by regenerating glutathione.
Mechanisms of Action
Energy Metabolism
Component of FAD and FMN coenzymes
Antioxidant Regeneration
Helps regenerate glutathione
Mitochondrial Function
Supports mitochondrial energy production
Recommended Dose
25-50mg for general health; 400mg for migraine prevention
Loading: For migraines: 400mg/day, takes 3 months for full effect
Optimal Timing
- With food for better absorption
- Morning with other B vitamins
Take with food
Best Form
Riboflavin or Riboflavin-5-Phosphate (R-5-P)
Alternatives: Standard riboflavin
R-5-P is the active form. Standard riboflavin is well-absorbed and effective for most people.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Best absorbed when taken with food. Higher doses can be split throughout the day.
Migraine Prevention
Significant reduction in migraine frequency
Energy Support
Improved energy metabolism
Bright Yellow Urine
Harmless fluorescent yellow color to urine
400mg/day is well-studied for prevention
Drug Interactions
May reduce riboflavin absorption
May increase riboflavin breakdown
May reduce riboflavin absorption in gut
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Expected and harmless
Warnings
- Yellow urine is normal and not a concern
Schoenen J et al. • Neurology (1998)
“Riboflavin 400mg/day significantly reduced migraine frequency and attack duration.”
Key Findings:
- 50% reduction in migraine days
- Reduced attack duration
- Minimal side effects
Thompson DF, Saluja HS • Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (2017)
“Riboflavin appears effective for migraine prevention with minimal adverse effects.”
Key Findings:
- Confirmed efficacy for migraine prevention
- 400mg daily most studied dose
- Excellent safety profile
Nattagh-Eshtivani E et al. • Nutritional Neuroscience (2022)
“Riboflavin is recommended by headache societies for migraine prevention due to consistent evidence.”
Key Findings:
- Grade A recommendation for migraine prevention
- Safe long-term supplementation
- Cost-effective preventive option
AI-discovered studies. Verify citations before citing.
High-dose riboflavin versus topiramate for pediatric migraine prevention: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial
Davidson JR et al. • Cephalalgia (2024)
This trial establishes riboflavin as an effective and safer alternative to conventional migraine prevention drugs in children.
- Riboflavin was non-inferior to topiramate for reducing migraine frequency
- Significantly fewer adverse events in the riboflavin group
- Better treatment adherence and quality of life scores with riboflavin
Vitamins and minerals in the management of migraine
Nattagh-Eshtivani E et al. • Nutritional Neuroscience (2022)
Riboflavin is recommended by headache societies for migraine prevention due to consistent evidence.
- Grade A recommendation for migraine prevention
- Safe long-term supplementation
- Cost-effective preventive option
Riboflavin supplementation for migraine prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Thompson DF et al. • Headache Medicine (2021)
This updated meta-analysis reinforces riboflavin's established role in migraine prevention with quantified efficacy data.
- 50% reduction in monthly migraine frequency compared to baseline
- Significant decrease in migraine intensity and duration
- Response rate of 59% for ≥50% reduction in migraine days