Along with magnesium, Riboflavin (B2) 400mg is the supplement I recommend most in my clinic. Why: clear RCT evidence for migraine prevention, minimal side effects, one dose per day.
1. Clinical Evidence — 50% Reduction
Schoenen et al. (1998, Neurology) — The landmark migraine prevention RCT. Riboflavin 400mg/day for 3 months produced 50% reduction in migraine frequency vs placebo. AHS guidelines: Level B (probably effective).
2. Mechanism of Action
Riboflavin is a key coenzyme in mitochondrial ATP energy production. Migraine patients show reduced mitochondrial function; B2 normalizes this, raising the cortical excitability threshold.
3. Recommended Dosage & Administration
- Dose: 400mg/day (far higher than standard multivitamins)
- Timing: Once daily after breakfast (water-soluble; low excess risk)
- Duration: 8–12 weeks+ — allow at least 4 weeks before results appear
⚠️ Bright yellow urine is a normal reaction — unabsorbed riboflavin being excreted. No concern. Virtually no other side effects.
4. Product Recommendations
Riboflavin (B-2) 100mg × 250 tablets
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5. Precautions
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Standard doses are safe, but consult an obstetrician for high-dose 400mg use
- Drug interactions: May interact with some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antimalarials. Consult your doctor if you are taking other medications
- Children: Pediatric migraine doses of riboflavin differ — prescription by a pediatric specialist is recommended
Safe to combine with magnesium. In clinical practice, the triple combination of “Magnesium + B2 + CoQ10” is the most common protocol. The mechanisms differ and offer synergy, and RCTs have reported greater effects when combined.