Painful migraines can go on for hours -- or days. Several complementary and alternative remedies claim to prevent the frequency and duration of migraine headaches, and riboflavin, or B2, is one on the list. Before taking riboflavin for migraines, remember that this vitamin is considered a dietary supplement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please talk to your doctor before taking riboflavin for your migraines or any other health condition.
Migraine Basics
The exact cause of migraines is still a mystery, says MayoClinic.com, although your genetics and environment may be two components. When you have a migraine, changes have occurred in your trigeminal nerve. Lower serotonin levels lead to the release of neuropeptides, which may cause migraine pain. Migraines can be triggered by a number of things, such as stress, physical exertion, foods, medications, sleep deprivation, bright lights, loud noises, strong odors and, in women, changes in estrogen levels.
Riboflavin or Vitamin B2
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin in the B vitamin family, reports the University of Maryland Medical Clinic (UMMC). Riboflavin helps you process fats and protein, helps your nervous system work properly and encourages healthy skin, hair and eyes and liver function. According to the UMMC, most people get enough riboflavin from the foods they eat. Riboflavin is found in most multivitamins and B-complex vitamins, but riboflavin supplements can also be purchased in varying strengths, from 25 to 100 mg tablets. Riboflavin is sometimes suggested to prevent or treat cataracts, sickle-cell anemia and migraines.
Riboflavin as Treatment
The UMMC states that several studies have examined riboflavin for migraines, but only as a way to reduce the frequency and duration of these painful headaches. The UMMC and National Migraine Association defer to a Belgium study that examined the effects of riboflavin on 55 migraine sufferers who experienced between 2 to 8 migraines each month. Results indicated that those who took riboflavin experienced around one-third fewer migraines than those who took a placebo. However, the UMMC points out that this particular study didn't examine how riboflavin matched up to conventional medications used for the same purpose. More clinical studies on riboflavin as a migraine preventative are needed. According to MayoClinic.com, riboflavin for migraines is given a "C" rating, indicating that scientific evidence is "unclear" for this particular use.
Keep in Mind
Riboflavin or B2 supplements are classified by the FDA as dietary supplements -- not drugs. Therefore, no supplement can claim to treat or cure your health problems. Additionally, marketers of these supplements bear responsibility for making sure their product is safe before it goes on the market. The only assurance you have is the manufacturer's word.
Other Alternatives
MayoClinic.com indicates that there are other nontraditional treatments for migraines that may be beneficial, citing acupuncture, massage and biofeedback among them. Other herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements may also help. There's mixed evidence to indicate that oral magnesium sulfate reduces migraine frequency, while there's better evidence to support its use intravenously. The herbs butterbur and feverfew may also prevent migraines, although these herbal supplements should not be taken by expecting mothers. However, never self-treat; ask your physician if complementary and alternative treatments for migraines are safe for you.
