What Is the Evidence that Riboflavin Can Be Used for Migraine Prophylaxis?
Individuals with migraine often have recurrent, painful symptoms, and symptomatic treatments have detrimentalside effects and do not prevent further attacks. Studies indicate that riboflavin can be used to decrease headachefrequency and lessen the need for symptomatic treatment. Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a role in migrainepathogenesis by interfering with oxygen metabolism. Daily doses of riboflavin, vitamin B2, may improve mitochondrialfunction by increasing the reserve of brain mitochondrial energy, and there are minimal side effects with dailytreatment. However, there is a need for further randomized, double-blind controlled studies to determine the effectivedose. Although riboflavin may not fully eliminate migraine nor take effect for several months, riboflavin is apromising prophylactic agent with minimal adverse effects that may significantly reduce the frequency of migraine.