High‐dose riboflavin treatment is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis: an open study in a tertiary care centre

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of riboflavin for the prevention of migraine. An open label study was performed in a specialized outpatient clinic. Patients received 400 mg riboflavin capsules per day. Headache frequency, duration, intensity and the use of abortive drugs were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Headache frequency was significantly reduced from 4 days/month at baseline to 2 days/month after 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). The use of abortive drugs decreased from 7 units/month to 4.5 units/month after 3 and 6 months of treatment (P < 0.05). In contrast, headache hours and headache intensity did not change significantly. We could demonstrate a significant reduction of headache frequency following riboflavin treatment. In addition, the number of abortive anti-migraine tablets was reduced. In line with previous studies our findings show that riboflavin is a safe and well-tolerated alternative in migraine prophylaxis.

Modulation of zymosan-induced peritonitis by riboflavin co-injection, pre-injection or post-injection in male Swiss mice

“…In clinical trials riboflavin was described as an alternative agent in the prophylactic anti-migraine treatment (Boehnke et al, 2004).…”

Suppression of nitrosative and oxidative stress to reduce cardiac allograft vasculopathy

“…This suggests that a cascade of oxidizing events triggered (or inhibited) during the peritransplant period can have profound long-term consequences for a cardiac graft. Whether or not this might be of any therapeutic utility remains a subject of conjecture, but clinical studies have reported that high-dose riboflavin appears to be safe, without long-term toxicity, and has relatively few adverse effects (8,28). These findings argue for the clinical study of a peritransplant antioxidant strategy as being one that is simple, safe, inexpensive, and potentially efficacious.…”

Adverse Effects and Side Effects on Vitamin Therapy: A Review

“…Good sources of riboflavin include wheat flour and bread, dairy products, eggs, nuts, green vegetables, and meat. An earlier study reveals that riboflavin could reduce migraine attack frequency [37].…”