Riboflavin and migraines:
Research shows diet and supplements decrease the frequency of headaches. A detailed study of nutritional history and identification of food triggers led the authors to specifically recommend riboflavin as one of the preventive treatments for migraines. (4)
Riboflavin, migraine frequency, and abortive medications was evaluated by Boehnke, et al. An open label study using 400 mg per day of riboflavin in outpatients found that frequency of migraines was not only reduced in half at 3 month and 6 month reassessments, but also reduced the amount of abortive medication (7).
Riboflavin and migraine headaches in children and adolescents:
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, was reported to be an effective treatment for migraine headaches in children and adolescents. In a retrospective study, 41 participants received either 200 or 400 mg/day of riboflavin orally for 3, 4, or 6 months. At the end of the study, the number and severity of migraine attacks significantly decreased during treatment. Additionally, during follow up, a reduction by at least 50% in the number of migraine headaches was reported in 68.4% of patients and in intensity in 21%. (1)
