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After administering weight-based doses of riboflavin, we observed substantial decreases in the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches, along with reduced medication usage and fewer missed school days. These findings suggest that riboflavin can be a beneficial option for pediatric migraine management.
We analyzed data from eight randomized trials involving 673 participants. The findings suggest that Vitamin B2 can be a helpful non-pharmaceutical option for people seeking to lessen the burden of migraines.
The study highlights that adverse events related to riboflavin consumption are minimal, making it a generally safe option for adults looking for natural preventative measures against headaches. While vitamin B2 may not be a guaranteed cure-all, it offers an appealing option for those seeking alternative treatments for migraines.
Overall, the evidence points toward vitamin B2 being a helpful supplement for migraine prevention in adults, but we need more research to fully understand its effectiveness, especially in younger populations.
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Interestingly, while these compounds worked best when given beforehand, they showed no signs of causing additional pain sensitivity themselves. This suggests a promising new direction for migraine treatment that doesn't come with the central nervous system side effects of traditional cannabinoids.
After administering weight-based doses of riboflavin, we observed substantial decreases in the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches, along with reduced medication usage and fewer missed school days. These findings suggest that riboflavin can be a beneficial option for pediatric migraine management.
Specifically, the treatment responders exhibited reduced connectivity among various brain regions, indicating a shift toward a calmer state of cortical function. However, the non-responders did not show similar changes, suggesting that this medication may not work for everyone.
Adverse reactions to riboflavin are generally minimal, making it a safe option. While other substances like Coenzyme Q10 and magnesium also exhibit some efficacy with low side effects, caution is advised for feverfew due to uncertain safety.
Thus, while we identified potential benefits, it's essential to approach these treatments with care and consultation.
We analyzed data from eight randomized trials involving 673 participants. The findings suggest that Vitamin B2 can be a helpful non-pharmaceutical option for people seeking to lessen the burden of migraines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A headache is a common condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration, and is often classified into two primary categories: primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches, such as tension-type headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, are not caused by other medical conditions. Instead, they are conditions in themselves, often resulting from factors like stress, hormonal changes, or environmental triggers. Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are symptoms of an underlying issue, such as an infection, injury, or other medical conditions.
The experience of a headache can differ widely among individuals. Depending on the type, headaches can be throbbing or constant and may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light, or aura effects before the headache strikes. Effective management strategies vary by headache type and may include over-the-counter pain relievers, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, prescription medications. Understanding the specific triggers and patterns related to your headaches can be crucial for prevention and treatment, so maintaining a headache diary may be beneficial for those experiencing frequent or severe episodes.
B2 can refer to several things depending on the context, but in many cases, it is commonly known as a vitamin, specifically Vitamin B2, which is also called riboflavin. Riboflavin is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in energy production and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. It is also important for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and nerve functions. This vitamin is water-soluble and is found naturally in various foods, including eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and dairy products, making it relatively easy to incorporate into a balanced diet.
However, B2 might also refer to different entities in different fields, such as a business model (B2B for business-to-business or B2C for business-to-consumer), a model of aircraft, or even a specific grade in education. Without a specific context, it's challenging to provide a precise definition. If you are looking for information on a specific B2 reference, please clarify the context to get a more targeted response.
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, has garnered attention for its potential role in headache management, particularly migraine headaches. Some studies suggest that taking riboflavin supplements may reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks. It is thought that B2 plays a role in energy production at the cellular level, which could be beneficial for those who suffer from migraines due to the energy demands of the brain.
While riboflavin is not a primary treatment for headaches, incorporating it into your daily regimen may be a worthwhile consideration, especially for people who experience frequent migraines. As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and does not interfere with any existing treatments.
Based on user reviews, the timeline for experiencing relief from headaches when taking this supplement varies. Some users have noted immediate benefits, while others find it takes a bit longer for noticeable results. One user reported that taking 400 mg per day has helped alleviate symptoms such as dizziness and headaches, suggesting some users may experience improvement relatively quickly (Read Review).
However, not all experiences have been as favorable. A user highlighted that, despite their regular intake, they did not see any improvement in their headache condition, suggesting that the effectiveness may differ from person to person (Read Review). Some users, like another who followed a regimen including magnesium, reported only a reduction in the intensity of their headaches after some time (Read Review). Therefore, if you are considering this supplement for headaches, it might be prudent to give it some time while monitoring your individual response.
Recent scientific research supports the use of certain supplements for headache relief, particularly migraines. One notable example is riboflavin (vitamin B2), which has been shown to have a significant impact on reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. In a comprehensive review involving multiple studies, participants who took 400 mg of riboflavin daily reported a considerable decrease in migraine days, frequency, and pain intensity [6]. Additionally, population studies indicate that riboflavin is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects, making it a viable option for those seeking non-pharmaceutical treatments for migraines [15].
Further investigation into the use of riboflavin has provided promising results for both adults [13] and children [9] suffering from migraines. While its effectiveness can vary among individuals, riboflavin appears to be particularly advantageous due to its safety profile. Along with riboflavin, other supplements like Coenzyme Q10 and magnesium also show potential benefits, though caution is warranted, particularly regarding the herb feverfew [15]. Overall, there is scientific backing for the use of certain dietary supplements in headache management, providing a natural alternative for individuals seeking relief.
Users have reported a range of improvements in their symptoms when taking this supplement. Some, like one reviewer, have found it particularly effective for headaches and migraines, taking two capsules at night to experience its benefits (Read Review). Another user noted a daily intake of 400 mg helped alleviate dizziness, headaches, and light sensitivity, indicating that for some individuals, relief can come relatively quickly (Read Review).
Other users have mentioned varying degrees of improvement. For instance, one individual, advised by their GP to use B2 alongside magnesium, found that while their migraines were not entirely eliminated, the intensity of their headaches had significantly decreased (Read Review). In contrast, some users have had less favorable experiences; one noted they did not see any improvement despite trying the supplement specifically for headaches (Read Review). This suggests that while many individuals experience positive outcomes, individual results can vary widely.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report positive experiences when combining this supplement with others for headache relief. One user mentioned that incorporating magnesium into their routine alongside B2 has led to a significant reduction in the intensity of their migraines, although not a complete elimination of symptoms (Read Review). Another user praised the supplement for its effectiveness in treating headaches when taken in conjunction with other methods, specifically mentioning a regimen of two capsules at night (Read Review).
Conversely, not every user has experienced success with this combination. One reviewer noted that despite taking the supplement for headaches, they saw no improvement, raising questions about whether adding multivitamins might yield better results (Read Review). However, another found that taking 400 mg per day helped alleviate not only headaches but also dizziness and light sensitivity, indicating that results can vary significantly among individuals depending on their unique circumstances (Read Review). Overall, while combining this supplement with others may enhance its effectiveness for some users, individual responses can differ widely.
The optimal dose of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) for treating headaches, particularly migraines, has been identified through various studies. Research indicates that a daily dose of 400 mg is effective in reducing the number of migraine days, frequency, duration, and pain intensity. In a thorough review of randomized trials involving 673 participants, this dosage showed significant promise as a non-pharmaceutical option for migraine management [6]. Additionally, this vitamin is well-tolerated and adverse reactions are minimal, making it a compelling option for those seeking relief from migraines without the side effects commonly associated with conventional medications [15].
Furthermore, riboflavin has demonstrated its capacity to lessen the severity and frequency of headaches in both adults and in pediatric cases, albeit more research is needed for its effectiveness in children [9], [15]. Overall, taking 400 mg of B2 daily over a sustained period can provide substantial relief for migraine sufferers looking for alternative treatments [13]. However, individuals considering this supplement should consult with a healthcare provider to ensure proper dosage and address any specific health needs.
We analyzed data from eight randomized trials involving 673 participants. The findings suggest that Vitamin B2 can be a helpful non-pharmaceutical option for people seeking to lessen the burden of migraines.
The study highlights that adverse events related to riboflavin consumption are minimal, making it a generally safe option for adults looking for natural preventative measures against headaches. While vitamin B2 may not be a guaranteed cure-all, it offers an appealing option for those seeking alternative treatments for migraines.
Overall, the evidence points toward vitamin B2 being a helpful supplement for migraine prevention in adults, but we need more research to fully understand its effectiveness, especially in younger populations.
While we found riboflavin to be safe and generally well-tolerated in adults, the evidence isn't strong enough to recommend it as a treatment for children or as an adjunct therapy.
After administering weight-based doses of riboflavin, we observed substantial decreases in the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches, along with reduced medication usage and fewer missed school days. These findings suggest that riboflavin can be a beneficial option for pediatric migraine management.
References
- Szabo E, Bolo NR, Borsook D, Burstein R, Ashina S. Peripherally acting anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies attenuate cortical resting-state connectivity in migraine patients. Cephalalgia. 2025;45:3331024241313377. doi:10.1177/03331024241313377
- Tepper SJ, Tepper K. Nutraceuticals and Headache 2024: Riboflavin, Coenzyme Q10, Feverfew, Magnesium, Melatonin, and Butterbur. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2025;29:33. doi:10.1007/s11916-025-01358-3
- Tavasoli A, Rezazadeh M, Kachuei M. Eyebrow bleeding as a rare migraine symptom: a case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024;86:7377. doi:10.1097/MS9.0000000000002655
- Son H, Zhang Y, Shannonhouse J, Gomez R, Kim YS. PACAP38/mast-cell-specific receptor axis mediates repetitive stress-induced headache in mice. J Headache Pain. 2024;25:87. doi:10.1186/s10194-024-01786-3
- Kaur K, Hernandez V, Al Hajaj SW, Ebrahim AM, Razack M, et al. The Efficacy of Herbal Supplements and Nutraceuticals for Prevention of Migraine: Can They Help?. Cureus. 2021;13:e14868. doi:10.7759/cureus.14868
- Chen YS, Lee HF, Tsai CH, Hsu YY, Fang CJ, et al. Effect of Vitamin B2 supplementation on migraine prophylaxis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Neurosci. 2022;25:1801. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2021.1904542
- Yamamoto T, Mulpuri Y, Izraylev M, Li Q, Simonian M, et al. Selective targeting of peripheral cannabinoid receptors prevents behavioral symptoms and sensitization of trigeminal neurons in mouse models of migraine and medication overuse headache. Pain. 2021;162:2246. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002214
- Vikelis M, Dermitzakis EV, Vlachos GS, Soldatos P, Spingos KC, et al. Open Label Prospective Experience of Supplementation with a Fixed Combination of Magnesium, Vitamin B2, Feverfew, Andrographis Paniculata and Coenzyme Q10 for Episodic Migraine Prophylaxis. J Clin Med. 2020;10. doi:10.3390/jcm10010067
- Das R, Qubty W. Retrospective Observational Study on Riboflavin Prophylaxis in Child and Adolescent Migraine. Pediatr Neurol. 2021;114:5. doi:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2020.09.009
- Onofri A, Necozione S, Tozzi E. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in headache of children and adolescents: open-label Italian study. Clin Ter. 2020;171:e393. doi:10.7417/CT.2020.2246
- Cesarone MR, Dugall M, Hu S, Belcaro G, Hosoi M, et al. Episodic primary migraine headache: supplementary prophylaxis with Pycnogenol® prevents attacks and controls oxidative stress. Panminerva Med. 2020;62:102. doi:10.23736/S0031-0808.19.03745-5
- Chu H, Hu B. [Triple acupuncture method at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) for cervicogenic headache: a randomized controlled trial]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2016;36:29.
- Namazi N, Heshmati J, Tarighat-Esfanjani A. Supplementation with Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) for Migraine Prophylaxis in Adults and Children: A Review. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2015;85:79. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000225
- Rahimdel A, Zeinali A, Yazdian-Anari P, Hajizadeh R, Arefnia E. Effectiveness of Vitamin B2 versus Sodium Valproate in Migraine Prophylaxis: a randomized clinical trial. Electron Physician. 2015;7:1344. doi:10.14661/1344
- Tepper SJ, Tepper K. Nutraceuticals and Headache 2024: Riboflavin, Coenzyme Q10, Feverfew, Magnesium, Melatonin, and Butterbur. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2025;29:33. doi:10.1007/s11916-025-01358-3
- Tavasoli A, Rezazadeh M, Kachuei M. Eyebrow bleeding as a rare migraine symptom: a case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024;86:7377. doi:10.1097/MS9.0000000000002655
