Supplementation with Riboflavin (Vitamin B₂) for Migraine Prophylaxis in Adults and Children: A Review

Abstract. Background and Aim: Migraine is a unilateral and pulsating headache associated with nausea, photophobia, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Low vitamin B₂ can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and may have an effect on migraine pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to carry out a review of existing evidence regarding the effects of riboflavin (vitamin B₂) supplementation on migraine prophylaxis in adults and children. Material and Methods: We searched the databases of PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Springer between 1990 and December 2013. Key words included vitamin B₂, riboflavin, migraine, vomiting headache, and prevention. We limited our search to human studies in the English language. Review articles and abstracts from symposiums and conferences were excluded. Results: Finally, eleven eligible articles were found: seven involved studies with adults and four involved studies with children. The results indicated that supplementation with vitamin B₂ in adults can play a positive role in reducing the frequency and duration of migraine attacks with no serious side effects. Conclusions: It seems that riboflavin is a safe and well-tolerated option for preventing migraine symptoms in adults, however, there is insufficient evidence to make recommendations regarding vitamin B₂ as an adjunct therapy in adults and children with migraine.