Most vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements are relatively inexpensive when compared to prescription migraine drugs. And because they have been around considerably longer than most drugs, many have proven safety and low-side-effect profiles. This makes them a good alternative for migraineurs, especially those who can't tolerate the side effects of prescription migraine drugs.

Clinical studies of vitamin B2 or riboflavin, as a migraine treatment have pointed toward the efficacy of the vitamin in migraine prevention. Riboflavin seems to have little effect on the length of a migraine attack, but it can reduce the severity of a migraine attack and appears to have a significant impact on reducing migraine frequency in most studies. One trial found that doses of 400 mg daily for three months reduced migraine days by half. But yet another study indicated that a dose as low as 25 mg may have similar efficacy.

Further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to confirm the value of riboflavin therapy as a migraine prophylactic. But researchers seem to agree that riboflavin is best used as an adjunct, or companion, therapy to other migraine treatments. It is largely safe, inexpensive, and apparently effective with few side effects.

Riboflavin helps to regulate cellular metabolism and increase energy production in the mitochondria of the cells. It has been theorized that migraineurs may have reduced energy activity within the mitochondria of the cerebral blood vessels, and this could be why riboflavin works as a migraine therapy.

Dietary sources of riboflavin include milk and dairy products, eggs, cereals, meats, and dark green vegetables. Riboflavin is light sensitive, and the riboflavin content of these foods quickly degrades with prolonged exposure to light (e.g., milk in a cardboard container may retain riboflavin better than milk in a glass bottle). Riboflavin deficiency is uncommon, and is usually a result of a diet that is inadequate in these riboflavin-rich foods. However, it can also be caused by certain gastrointestinal disorders and liver disease. And the condition rarely occurs on its own; it is usually in connection with other B-vitamin deficiencies.

Side effects of riboflavin supplementation include upset stomach, diarrhea, and flavinuria — or dark yellow urine. Flavinuria is a harmless side effect. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to riboflavin supplementation, indicated by a skin rash, breathing problems, or swelling.

Riboflavin can interfere with the efficacy of certain antibiotics and sulfa drugs, so tell your doctor if you are prescribed these medications while taking riboflavin supplementation — you may have to suspend your supplements temporarily.