Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is an essential vitamin involved in mitochondrial energy production and the antioxidant system. B2-dependent enzymes are also essential in metabolizing cholesterol, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, and brain lipids [Lienhart, 2013]. In addition, B2 is an important part of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant systems [Tardy, 2020].
In clinical studies, high-dose B2 (400 mg) per day over three months is proven to help relieve migraine in adults and children [Boehnke, 2004; Condo, 2009; Schoenen, 1998]. Lower doses of 200 mg [MacLennan, 2008] and 50 mg [Brujin, 2010] have failed to show any superiority over placebo. Higher B2 intake is associated with better cognitive performance [Kim, 2014].
You will notice that vitamin B2 will turn your urine bright yellow. While somewhat striking, this is quite harmless.
References
Boehnke C, Reuter U, Flach U, et al. High-dose riboflavin treatment is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis: an open study in a tertiary care centre. Eur J Neurol 2004;11:475-7
Bruijn J, Duivenvoorden H, Passchier J, et al. Medium-dose riboflavin as a prophylactic agent in children with migraine: a preliminary placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, cross-over trial. Cephalalgia 2010;30:1426-34
Condo M, Posar A, Arbizzani A, Parmeggiani A. Riboflavin prophylaxis in pediatric and adolescent migraine. J Headache Pain 2009;10:361-5
Kim H., Kim G., Jang W., et al. Association between intake of B vitamins and cognitive function in elderly Koreans with cognitive impairment. Nutr J 2014;13:118
Lienhart WD, Gudipati V, Macheroux P. The human flavoproteome. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013;535:150-62
MacLennan SC, Wade FM, Forrest KM, et al. High-dose riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in children: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Child Neurol 2008;23:1300-4
Schoenen J, Jacquy J, Lenaerts M. Effectives of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis. A randomized controlled trial. Neurology 1998;50:466-70
Selhub J, Bagley LC, Miller J, Rosenberg IH. B vitamins, homocysteine, and neurocognitive function in the elderly. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:614S-20S
