Experimental and Clinical Evidence of the Effectiveness of Riboflavin on Migraines

Abstract

Riboflavin, a water-soluble member of the B-vitamin family, plays a vital role in producing energy in mitochondria and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Migraine pathogenesis includes neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, riboflavin is increasingly being recognized for its preventive effects on migraines. However, there is no concrete evidence supporting its use because the link between riboflavin and migraines and the underlying mechanisms remains obscure. This review explored the current experimental and clinical evidence of conditions involved in migraine pathogenesis and discussed the role of riboflavin in inhibiting these conditions. Experimental research has demonstrated elevated levels of various oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines in migraines, and riboflavin’s role in reducing these marker levels. Furthermore, clinical research in migraineurs showed increased marker levels and observed riboflavin’s effectiveness in reducing migraines. These findings suggest that inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with migraine pathogenesis, and riboflavin may have neuroprotective effects through its clinically useful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress properties. Riboflavin’s safety and efficacy suggests its usefulness in migraine prophylaxis; however, insufficient evidence necessitates further study.

Association between Oxidative Balance Score and Migraine among American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“…Our ndings on OBS and migraine were reliable and similar to most previous studies.The dietary components of OBS encompass numerous ingredients, many of which have been substantiated in prior studies for their antioxidant effects.A research demonstrated that increasing the intake of ber-rich foods can prevent severe headaches or migraines [31].Ribo avin plays a crucial role in preventing various health conditions, including migraines [32,33].Ribo avin may exert neuroprotective effects through its clinically bene cial anti-in ammatory and antioxidant stress properties. A German randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial has demonstrated that intervention with a patented supplement containing magnesium, ribo avin, and Q10 signi cantly reduces the frequency of migraine attacks, migraine symptoms, and disease burden in individuals suffering from migraine attacks compared to a placebo [34].Niacin is an essential coenzyme in mitochondrial energy metabolism.…”

Dietary intake of thiamine and riboflavin in relation to severe headache or migraine: A cross‐sectional survey

“…Several previous studies proved that riboflavin as a single component was effective in migraine prophylaxis and treatment. 19,[21][22][23][35][36][37] A randomized controlled trial by Schoenen et al 21 compared oral riboflavin (400 mg/day) and placebo among 55 patients with migraine of 3 months duration, and revealed that riboflavin was superior in decreasing headache days and frequency with minor adverse effects (p < 0.05).…”

FAD-deficient P187S mutation of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1*2) binds and accelerates β-amyloid aggregation

“…NQO1 is increased by oxidative stress as a part of the Nrf2 battery of stress response genes and the elevation of NQO1 associated with AD pathology is commonly viewed as a neuroprotective response to the oxidative stress that accompanies AD [ 6–8 ]. Interestingly, riboflavin is a neuroprotective agent known to limit oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation [ 43 , 44 ] and to slow the rate of cognitive decline in the elderly [ 45 , 46 ].…”