Migraine-prevention trials used riboflavin 400 mg/day in adults for about 3 months; seek clinical advice
Reviewed · Published
Riboflavin
Forms flavin coenzymes used in energy metabolism and redox reactions.
Established functions
- Forms flavin coenzymes used in energy metabolism and redox reactions.
Dietary sources
- milk
- eggs
- almonds
Claims and evidence
Claims that Riboflavin alone prevents or treats disease, or invariably improves health without deficiency, are unsupported.
Japanese reference amounts
- Japanese adults (age and sex as specified): Adult men 1.3–1.6 mg/day; women 1.0–1.2 mg/day (RDA)
Amounts studied
- Migraine-prevention trials used riboflavin 400 mg/day in adults for about 3 months; seek clinical advice
Tolerable upper limits
- No UL is established; limited absorption is not a reason for unrestricted intake.
Forms and bioavailability
Supplement forms: riboflavin, riboflavin 5-phosphate
- Light-sensitive; fractional absorption falls at large single doses.
Safety and interactions
Adverse effects
- bright-yellow urine and occasional diarrhea
Medicine and nutrient interactions
- some anticholinergic medicines may delay absorption
Contraindications and cautions
- No major known contraindication, but it should not replace migraine care.
Practical selection
- Compare Riboflavin amount per serving, form, allergens, and batch testing; prefer a single-ingredient product suited to the intended use.
Sources and review
- Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2025)Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan)
- NIH ODS vitamin fact sheetsNIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Daiki Minaki (editorial and evidence review) ·