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 three and six months after treatment. Headache frequency was significantly reduced from four days/month at baseline to two days/month after three and six months (P < 0.05). The use of abortive drugs decreased from seven units/month to four and a half units/month after three and six 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.
References:
Boehnke, C., Reuter, U., Flach, U., Schuh-Hofer, S., Einhäupl, K. M., & Arnold, G. (2004). High-dose riboflavin treatment is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis: an open study in a tertiary care centre. European journal of neurology, 11(7), 475–477. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-1331.2004.00813.x