Riboflavin is one of several B vitamins your body requires to produce red blood cells and harness the energy acquired from carbohydrates. Occurring naturally in many foods, riboflavin is found in green leafy vegetables, eggs, lean cuts of meat, nuts and legumes. Some foods are also fortified with the vitamin to help meet daily intake needs. When taken in high doses, riboflavin can be used to treat and prevent conditions such as migraines.
Effectiveness
A medical study published in the February 1998 edition of the "Journal of Neurology" shows high doses of riboflavin supplements may help prevent migraine headaches. Its effectiveness appears linked to the necessity of riboflavin to produce two conezymes present in cellular mitochondria -- a component of your body's cells responsible for making energy. Studies have also shown that when mitochondria cannot metabolize oxygen normally, migraines may occur. Because these two coenzymes are necessary for oxygen metabolism, it may help prevent migraine headaches, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reports. In the Neurology journal study, researchers concluded a daily dose of riboflavin taken for three months was able to prevent migraines in half the 55 study participants, compared with 15 percent of those taking a placebo.
Dosage
When taken to prevent migraine headaches, the recommended dose for riboflavin supplements is 400 mg per day, MedlinePlus reports. However, to achieve the vitamin's full benefit in preventing the headaches, you may need to take it for up to three months, according to the 1998 study published in the "Journal of Neurology." The dosage recommended is that used in the study, which found half of participants experienced fewer migraines while taking riboflavin. Always consult with a doctor before using riboflavin to help prevent migraines.
Side Effects
Riboflavin is considered safe when taken as a dietary supplement to treat and prevent conditions such as migraines, MedlinePlus reports. However, doses in excess of 10 mg per day can cause the sun to damage the eyes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because of this risk, people taking riboflavin supplements should always wear sunglasses outdoors to protect their eyes. High doses of riboflavin can also cause the urine to appear an orangish-yellow color, and you may experience burning, tingling, itching or numbness. Although they may be bothersome, none of these effects is cause for concern. Always discuss potential side effects with your doctor before taking riboflavin to prevent headaches.
Drug Interactions
Riboflavin supplements may interact with other medications. For example, tricyclic antidepressants used to treat depression can decrease the amount of riboflavin in your body, while the drug probenecid -- used to increase uric acid excretion -- can increase the amount of the vitamin in the body, MedlinePlus reports. When taken with anticholinergic drugs that help improve lung function, your body may absorb more riboflavin, although it is now known if this effect is harmful. The anti-seizure medication phenobarbital can cause your body to break down riboflavin more quickly, although whether this causes any ill effects is unknown. Always discuss all the medications you are taking with your doctor before taking riboflavin supplements.
References
- MedlinePlus; Riboflavin; Nov. 19, 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Riboflavin; September 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Riboflavin; June 1, 2009
- PubMed.gov: Effectiveness of High-Dose Riboflavin in Migraine Prophylaxis; Neurology, February 1998
- MedlinePlus; Riboflavin; March 7, 2009
