Riboflavin
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Evidence Summary
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is an essential nutrient with significant research interest in neurological and ophthalmic applications. While it shows strong evidence for migraine prophylaxis, its roles in managing hypertension and depression remain inconclusive.
Evidence by Condition
Riboflavin is an effective prophylactic agent for reducing migraine frequency and symptoms in both adults and children.
Riboflavin is used in conjunction with UV-A light for corneal collagen cross-linking to treat keratoconus.
Evidence regarding the efficacy of riboflavin for lowering blood pressure in adults is currently inconclusive.
Meta-analyses indicate that the association between dietary B2 intake and depression risk is inconsistent.
Riboflavin is suggested as part of a supplement regimen to help prevent kwashiorkor in preschool children.
Effective Doses
The RDA is 1.3 mg/day for males aged 19-50; research also explores medium and high-dose regimens for migraine prophylaxis.
Key Findings
- Riboflavin supplementation is effective for migraine prophylaxis (PMID: 33779525).
- Riboflavin and UV-A are used for corneal collagen cross-linking in keratoconus (PMID: 24999102).
- Dietary B2 intake shows inconsistent links to depression risk (PMID: 33912967).
Limitations
Research on the impact of riboflavin on blood pressure and depression is inconsistent, and more studies are needed regarding the effects of colon-delivered riboflavin on the gut microbiome.
Safety & Interactions
No specific contraindications or drug interactions were identified in the provided research.
AI-generated summary from 22 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 85% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 48% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 1% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 0% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (22)
**Qi et al., 2024** | BMJ Open | Systematic Review Qi Shangwen, Luo Xu, ... Jin Hua. Effect of vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid in adults with essential hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ Open. ...
**Chen et al., 2022** | Nutr Neurosci | Meta Analysis Chen Yu-Shiue, Lee Huan-Fang, ... Hu Fang-Wen. Effect of Vitamin B2 supplementation on migraine prophylaxis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Neurosci. 2022-Sep;25(9):1801-1812. doi:10....
BACKGROUND: Protein Energy Malnutrition is an important cause of child morbidity and mortality in middle- and low-income countries. It has been suggested that excessive free radical activity may be responsible for the clinical manifestation of kwashi...
RATIONALE: Higher blood pressure is strongly related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There has been interest in riboflavin (vitamin B2) as a potential intervention to lower blood pressure, particularly for those with a common genetic ...
CONTEXT: The results from epidemiologic studies on the intake of dietary vitamin B1, B2, B6, and B12 and association with risk of developing depression have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to ...
**Thompson et al., 2017** | J Clin Pharm Ther | Systematic Review Thompson D F, Saluja H S. Prophylaxis of migraine headaches with riboflavin: A systematic review. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2017-Aug;42(4):394-403. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12548 WHAT IS KNOWN AND OB...
**Bruijn et al., 2010** | Cephalalgia | Rct Bruijn Jacques, Duivenvoorden Hugo, ... Arts Willem-Frans. Medium-dose riboflavin as a prophylactic agent in children with migraine: a preliminary placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, cross-over tr...
**Fard et al., 2023** | Int Ophthalmol | Meta Analysis Fard Ali Mahdavi, Patel Sangita P, Nader Nader D. The efficacy of 2 different phakic intraocular lens implant in keratoconus as an isolated procedure or combined with collagen crosslinking and in...
**Craig et al., 2014** | Ocul Surf | Meta Analysis Craig Joyce A, Mahon James, ... Figueiredo Francisco. Epithelium-off photochemical corneal collagen cross-linkage using riboflavin and ultraviolet a for keratoconus and keratectasia: a systematic rev...
**Gaul et al., 2015** | J Headache Pain | Rct Gaul Charly, Diener Hans-Christoph, Danesch Ulrich. Improvement of migraine symptoms with a proprietary supplement containing riboflavin, magnesium and Q10: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind,...
**NCT ID**: NCT06425081 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 185 **Completion**: 2025-01-30
**Source**: IOM 1998 Dietary Reference Intakes for Riboflavin **Unit**: mg/day | Population | RDA | |---|---| | Male 19-50 | 1.3 mg/day |
**MacLennan et al., 2008** | J Child Neurol | Rct 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):13...
**NCT ID**: NCT05803811 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 348 **Completion**: 2023-07-06
**Maizels et al., 2004** | Headache | Rct Maizels Morris, Blumenfeld Andrew, Burchette Raoul. A combination of riboflavin, magnesium, and feverfew for migraine prophylaxis: a randomized trial. Headache. 2004-Oct;44(9):885-90 OBJECTIVE: To determine t...
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus continues to inexorably rise in the United States and throughout the world. Lower limb amputations are a devastating comorbid complication of diabetes mellitus. Osteomyelitis increases the risk of amput...
PURPOSE: To quantitate corneal haze and analyze the postoperative time course of corneal haze after transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking (TECXL) in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: Patients underwent TECXL and were randomized into 2 grou...
**NCT ID**: NCT02622386 **Phase**: PHASE2 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 23 **Completion**: 2020-04-06
**NCT ID**: NCT02929459 **Phase**: PHASE2 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 105 **Completion**: 2019-12-01
**Schoenen et al., 1998** | Neurology | Rct Schoenen J, Jacquy J, Lenaerts M. Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis. A randomized controlled trial. Neurology. 1998-Feb;50(2):466-70 A deficit of mitochondrial energy metabolism ...
**Mattimoe et al., 1998** | J Fam Pract | Rct Mattimoe D, Newton W. High-dose riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis. J Fam Pract. 1998-Jul;47(1):11 *No abstract available* *Requires manual extraction from full text* - *Requires manual extraction*
**Source:** [Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH](https://ods.od.nih.gov:443/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/) **Reading Level:** Health Professional This fact sheet from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides evidence-based informati...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Riboflavin and what are its main uses?
Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is an essential nutrient. There is strong evidence for its use in migraine prevention and moderate evidence for its use in treating keratoconus when combined with UV-A light.
Does Riboflavin help prevent migraines?
Yes, there is strong evidence that Riboflavin acts as an effective preventive agent. It can help reduce both the frequency and the symptoms of migraines in both children and adults.
Can Riboflavin help with depression or high blood pressure?
The evidence for these uses is currently weak. Research regarding Riboflavin's ability to lower blood pressure is inconclusive, and studies on the link between B2 intake and depression risk have shown inconsistent results.
How much Riboflavin should I take daily?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 1.3 mg per day for males aged 19-50. For specific purposes like migraine prophylaxis, researchers also study the effects of medium and high-dose regimens.
Are there any side effects or drug interactions with Riboflavin?
There are no documented drug interactions or specific contraindications identified in the current research. However, you should always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
Is Riboflavin safe to take?
Based on available research, no specific safety concerns or contraindications have been identified. There are no known groups that specifically need to avoid it, but professional medical advice is recommended.
How is Riboflavin used to treat eye conditions?
There is moderate evidence supporting its use for keratoconus. In this application, Riboflavin is used in conjunction with UV-A light to perform corneal collagen cross-linking.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.