Migraine headache is a condition marked by severe headaches that are typically accompanied by feelings of nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and visual disturbances. Migraines often occur on one side of the head but can present on both sides. Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, has been explored as a prevention for migraines. Riboflavin can be found in grains and cereals, vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, and mushrooms, and fruits such as apples, berries, pears, almonds, eggs, lean meats, and poultry. Riboflavin is recommended for migraine treatment since it can be bought over the counter at lower costs than traditional prescription medications. Riboflavin is also less toxic, with fewer side effects than other alternatives prescribed for migraines.
Although the exact cause of migraines has not been confirmed, theories behind the cause of migraines are related to cortical excitability, mitochondrial defects, and unbalanced hormones [1, 2]. The cerebral cortex is the brain’s outermost layer and is responsible for cognitive function, emotions, senses, and consciousness. Cortical excitability relates to increased communication between the neurons in the brain. Mitochondrial defects potentially lower the threshold for cortex stimulation, making you more susceptible to migraines. Taking riboflavin has been proven to help with mitochondrial function and cortical excitability and, therefore, help with migraine frequency, severity, and duration. Riboflavin can be consumed in daily nutrition or through vitamin capsules.
References
1. Thompson DF, Saluja HS. Prophylaxis of migraine headaches with riboflavin: A systematic review. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2017 Jan 10;42:394-403.
2. Colombo B, Saraceno L, Comi G. Riboflavin and migraine: the bridge over troubled mitochondria. Springer. 2014; 35:141-144.
