Riboflavin & Headaches

Like other B vitamins, riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, is water-soluble. It is easily eliminated in your urine and is not stored in your tissues in significant amounts. Doctors and nutritionists promote riboflavin supplementation for common conditions, including cataracts, stress, fatigue, allergies, acne, eczema and chemical sensitivities. There is little scientific evidence to support many of these uses, but riboflavin has shown promise for preventing migraine headaches.

Functions

Riboflavin serves as a precursor for two coenzymes important in cellular growth and energy production. These coenzymes, called flavin nucleotides, are instrumental in producing ATP, a high-energy molecule derived from carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Riboflavin is necessary for converting the amino acid tryptophan to niacin and for converting vitamin B-6 to its active form, pyridoxal phosphate. It also participates in the metabolism of two neurotransmitters, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Researchers have not yet fully defined riboflavin's role in headache treatment or prevention.

Riboflavin Souces

Riboflavin is found in most foods that contain B vitamins, though not in high amounts. Brewer's yeast is a rich source, as are liver and other organ meats, tongue, nori seaweed and oily fish. Some foods, such as breads and wheat flour, are riboflavin-fortified. Nutritionist Dr. Elson Haas says dietary intake of riboflavin is generally inadequate and supplementation could prevent what many authorities claim is "the most common nutrient deficiency in America." Some migraine sufferers might benefit from taking additional riboflavin.

Migraine Prevention

The exact cause of migraines is unknown. Abnormal magnesium or calcium levels, cellular energy deficits, neurotransmitter imbalances and excess nitrous oxide are all possible mechanisms. According to experts at the New England Center for Headache, riboflavin may improve cellular energy production. A 1998 "Neurology" study demonstrated that high-dose riboflavin -- 400 mg daily for 3 months -- reduced the frequency of migraine episodes. However, a 2006 "American Family Physician" review contended there was insufficient data to support the use of riboflavin for migraine prevention.

Considerations and Recommendations

Riboflavin has shown some benefit for preventing migraine headaches in a limited number of clinical trials. Its use for other types of headaches or for treating acute migraines is untested. If riboflavin deficiency is as widespread as some authors claim, supplementation for migraine prevention would seem reasonable. In one trial, a dosage of 400 mg daily reduced the frequency of migraines by 50 percent. Side effects of high doses include stomach upset and a harmless, bright-yellow discoloration of your urine. If you suffer from frequent migraines, ask your doctor if riboflavin supplements could be helpful for you.