Riboflavin and migraine: the bridge over troubled mitochondria

Neurol Sci. 2014 May:35 Suppl 1:141-4. doi: 10.1007/s10072-014-1755-z.

Abstract

Brain energy metabolism has been found to be disturbed in migraine. A mitochondrial defect may reduce the threshold for migraine attacks both increasing neuronal excitability and leading migrainous brain to a hyper-responsiveness to triggering stimuli. Riboflavin, a major co-factor in oxidative metabolism, may overcome this impairment. RCT studies in adult confirmed that riboflavin is safe and probably effective in migraine prophylaxis, based on level B evidence. Improving brain energy metabolism may reduce the susceptibility to migraine when brain energy demand increases due to both physiological and biopsychological factors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Mitochondria / physiology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Riboflavin / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Riboflavin