Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B2 (mixed)
For the health condition: Migraine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, has scientific support for its use in migraine prevention. Several clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, have investigated riboflavin supplementation for reducing migraine frequency and severity. The proposed mechanism involves riboflavin’s role in mitochondrial energy production; migraine sufferers may have underlying mitochondrial dysfunction, and riboflavin is a key cofactor in mitochondrial metabolism. A pivotal double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Neurology (1998) found that 400 mg/day of riboflavin significantly reduced migraine attack frequency compared to placebo. Subsequent meta-analyses and systematic reviews have generally supported these findings, though the magnitude of effect can be modest and evidence quality varies. Riboflavin is well-tolerated with minimal side effects, making it a low-risk option for migraine prophylaxis. Major headache societies, including the American Headache Society and the European Federation of Neurological Societies, include riboflavin among non-pharmacologic preventive treatments for migraine. However, not all studies have found benefit, and some methodological limitations exist in the literature. Overall, riboflavin’s role is supported by moderate-quality evidence and is recognized in clinical guidelines, particularly for adults and, with less evidence, in children and adolescents.
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
Flavin mononucleotide
Ficus religiosa
Fish
Flavanones
Ficus simplicissima
Frankincense
Goldthread
Gelsemium
Ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
Ketone Salts
Little ironweed
Spikenard
Sandalwood