Vitamin B2
Supplement Forms/Alternate Names
Introduction
Vitamin B2 is found in nuts, leafy greens, and yeast. The body uses vitamin B2 to create energy. Vitamin B2 has been used to improve migraine pain and athletic performance. It is also used to manage vitamin B12 deficiency. It can be taken as a pill or powder.
Dosages
1.1 milligrams per day for women and 1.3 milligrams per day for men
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
- High blood pressure —may lower blood pressure A1, A2
- Migraine —may reduce frequency C1-C3
Not Enough Data to Assess
- Keratoconus B1
- Multiple sclerosis D1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take vitamin B2 in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take large doses of vitamin B2.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References►
A. High Blood Pressure
A1. Wilson CP, Ward M, et al. Riboflavin offers a targeted strategy for managing hypertension in patients with the MTHFR 677TT genotype: a 4-y follow-up. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Mar;95(3):766-772.
A2. Wilson CP, McNulty H, et al. Blood pressure in treated hypertensive individuals with the MTHFR 677TT genotype is responsive to intervention with riboflavin: findings of a targeted randomized trial. Hypertension. 2013;61(6):1302-1308.
B. Keratoconus
B1. Caporossi A, Mazzotta C, et al. Riboflavin -UVA-induced corneal collagen cross-linking in pediatric patients. Cornea. 2012;31(3):227-231.
C. Migraine
C1. Namazi N, Heshmati J, et al. Supplementation with Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) for Migraine Prophylaxis in Adults and Children: A Review. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2015;85(1-2):79-87.
C2. Gaul C, Diener HC, et al. Improvement of migraine symptoms with a proprietary supplement containing riboflavin, magnesium and Q10: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial. J Headache Pain. 2015;16:516.
C3. Thompson DF, Saluja HS. Prophylaxis of migraine headaches with riboflavin: A systematic review. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2017 Aug;42(4):394-403.
D. Multiple Sclerosis
D1. Naghashpour M, Majdinasab N, et al. Riboflavin supplementation to patients with multiple sclerosis does not improve disability status nor is riboflavin supplementation correlated to homocysteine. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2013;83(5):281-290.
Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC Last Updated: 3/26/2020