Riboflavin
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,540 participants, researched for Migraine Prevention, Energy Metabolism, Eye Health and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Migraine Prevention
StrongEnergy Metabolism
ModerateEye Health
ModerateAntioxidant Support
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Migraine Prevention
To evaluate the efficacy of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis.
Dose
400 mg/day riboflavin
Participants
55 patients with migraine with or without aura
Duration
3 months
Results
Riboflavin was significantly superior to placebo in reducing migraine attack frequency (p=0.005) and disability. Responder rate was 59% for riboflavin vs 15% for placebo.
How They Measured It
Migraine attack frequency, duration, and severity; responder rate (≥50% reduction)
To assess riboflavin as migraine prophylaxis in children and adolescents.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess riboflavin as migraine prophylaxis in children and adolescents.
Dose
200 mg/day riboflavin
Participants
48 paediatric migraine patients aged 6-16
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Riboflavin significantly reduced migraine frequency and duration compared to placebo in paediatric patients. It was well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
How They Measured It
Migraine frequency and duration diary, paediatric migraine disability scale
To systematically evaluate riboflavin for migraine prevention.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To systematically evaluate riboflavin for migraine prevention.
Dose
400 mg/day
Participants
Pooled data from multiple RCTs
Duration
Various (12-16 weeks)
Results
Meta-analysis confirmed significant reduction in migraine frequency with riboflavin supplementation. Effect size was moderate and riboflavin was well tolerated compared to pharmacological alternatives.
How They Measured It
Pooled analysis of RCTs: migraine frequency, duration, responder rate
Energy Metabolism
To investigate riboflavin status and its effects on energy metabolism in athletes.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate riboflavin status and its effects on energy metabolism in athletes.
Dose
Dietary intervention to achieve RDA
Participants
76 physically active adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Athletes with marginal riboflavin status showed suboptimal energy utilisation. Correcting riboflavin status improved VO2max and exercise efficiency measures.
How They Measured It
Erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRAC), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)
To examine riboflavin intake and cardiovascular risk biomarkers in adults with MTHFR polymorphism.
Study Type
Prospective cohort
Purpose
To examine riboflavin intake and cardiovascular risk biomarkers in adults with MTHFR polymorphism.
Dose
Dietary riboflavin intake
Participants
364 adults with MTHFR 677TT genotype
Duration
4 years
Results
Higher riboflavin intake was associated with lower blood pressure and homocysteine levels in individuals carrying MTHFR polymorphism, highlighting the gene-nutrient interaction for riboflavin.
How They Measured It
Homocysteine, blood pressure, EGRAC
Eye Health
To evaluate the role of riboflavin supplementation in reducing the risk of nuclear cataract.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the role of riboflavin supplementation in reducing the risk of nuclear cataract.
Dose
3 mg/day riboflavin
Participants
3,249 adults aged 45-74
Duration
5-6 years
Results
Riboflavin/niacin supplementation significantly reduced prevalence of nuclear cataract compared to placebo (p=0.009). No significant effect on other types of cataract.
How They Measured It
Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, lens opacity grading
To examine the association between dietary riboflavin intake and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Study Type
Cross-sectional study
Purpose
To examine the association between dietary riboflavin intake and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Dose
Dietary intake assessment
Participants
1,102 adults aged 55-80
Duration
Cross-sectional
Results
Higher dietary riboflavin intake was associated with significantly lower odds of early AMD. The protective effect was independent of other antioxidant nutrients.
How They Measured It
Fundus photography, food frequency questionnaire
Antioxidant Support
To evaluate riboflavin's role in maintaining glutathione levels and oxidative stress markers.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate riboflavin's role in maintaining glutathione levels and oxidative stress markers.
Dose
10 mg/day riboflavin
Participants
60 adults with low riboflavin status
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Riboflavin supplementation significantly increased erythrocyte glutathione levels and reduced MDA (a marker of lipid peroxidation) compared to baseline and placebo.
How They Measured It
Serum glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte EGRAC
To investigate riboflavin's protective effects against oxidative stress-induced liver injury.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate riboflavin's protective effects against oxidative stress-induced liver injury.
Dose
40 mg/kg riboflavin
Participants
Wistar rats
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Riboflavin pre-treatment significantly protected against chemically induced hepatic oxidative stress, increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activity while reducing liver enzyme leakage.
How They Measured It
Liver enzyme activity, antioxidant enzyme assays, histopathology
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Riboflavin research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), involving 1,540 total participants. Research covers Migraine prevention, Energy metabolism, Eye health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Riboflavin has been researched for: Migraine prevention, Energy metabolism, Eye health, Antioxidant support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 10 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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