High-dose riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in children: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
High-dose riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in children: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
MacLennan et al., 2008 | J Child Neurol | Rct
Citation
MacLennan Suzanna C, Wade Fiona M, ... Antony Jayne. High-dose riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in children: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Child Neurol. 2008-Nov;23(11):1300-4. doi:10.1177/0883073808318053
Abstract
This is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in children. This was a randomized, double-blind study of riboflavin (200 mg daily) versus placebo in 48 children. The primary efficacy measure was the number of patients achieving a 50% or greater reduction in the number of migraine attacks per 4 weeks. Other outcome measures were the mean severity of migraine per day, mean duration of migraine, days with nausea or vomiting, analgesic use, and adverse effects. A 50% or greater reduction in headaches was seen in 14/21 patients in the placebo group and 12/27 patients in the riboflavin group (not significant P = .125). There were no differences between riboflavin and placebo for primary or secondary outcome variables. These results suggest that riboflavin is not an effective therapy for preventing migraine in children. A high placebo responder rate was seen, with implications for other studies of migraine in children.
Key Findings
A high placebo responder rate was seen, with implications for other studies of migraine in children.
Outcomes Measured
- Requires manual extraction
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | See abstract |
| Sample Size | 21 |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | See abstract |
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Child
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Migraine Disorders
- Prospective Studies
- Retrospective Studies
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin B Complex
Evidence Classification
- Level: Rct
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Vertical: riboflavin
Provenance
- PMID: 18984840
- DOI: 10.1177/0883073808318053
- PMCID: Not in PMC
- Verified: 2026-04-10 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10