Overview

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, forms the coenzymes FAD and FMN, which participate in oxidation-reduction reactions, mitochondrial energy production, and metabolism of other nutrients. See Vitamin B2 and B-complex vitamins.

Mechanism

FAD and FMN accept and donate electrons in flavoproteins involved in the respiratory chain, fatty-acid oxidation, antioxidant systems, and activation of vitamin B6 and folate pathways.

Uses

Riboflavin prevents or treats deficiency, which may occur with restricted diets, malabsorption, or selected metabolic disorders. High-dose riboflavin is also studied and clinically used in some migraine-prevention protocols under professional guidance.

Dosage

Adult reference intake is approximately 1.1–1.3 mg/day, varying by sex, pregnancy, and lactation. Migraine studies often use doses far above nutritional intake, but these should be discussed with a clinician because benefit is not immediate and diagnosis matters.

Adverse effects

Riboflavin commonly causes harmless bright-yellow urine. Gastrointestinal discomfort is uncommon; allergic reactions are rare. It has a wide safety margin, but supplements should not replace evaluation of persistent symptoms.

Claims and evidence

Correction of deficiency is evidence-based. Evidence for migraine prevention is promising but not uniform, and claims about broad detoxification, weight loss, or disease treatment are not established.

Research

Research includes mitochondrial disorders, migraine prevention, retinal health, and riboflavin transporter deficiency. Trials continue to define responders, optimal formulations, and long-term outcomes.