Good news for migraine sufferers - it is now believed that taking regular doses of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may help you have less migraines and make the ones that you do have, shorter.
What is Riboflavin?
Vitamins B Complex
It's one of eight B vitamins that are soluble in water. It plays a major role in converting carbohydrates into sugar, which is then burned to produce energy.
The eight B vitamins (which are often called B complex vitamins) are also needed to breakdown fats and proteins. They also keep good muscle tone in the digestive system and help with good health in the nervous system, skin, hair eyes mouth and liver.
What happens if we don't get enough of it? We can start to suffer from:
Headaches Visual disturbances photophobia Tiredness Problems with digestion Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth
Which foods is it found in?
Unlike the other seven B vitamins, riboflavin isn't in many foods, so the most common reason for not getting enough of it is dietary. This is especially a problem in elderly people.
It's also destroyed by light, so any foods containing it, or supplements, should be kept in the dark. This is why many dairies changed to cartons.
Riboflavin can be found in:
Brewer's yeast Almonds Wild rice Wheat germ Mushrooms Milk Yogurt Eggs Broccoli Brussels sprouts Spinach
Riboflavin can withstand heat but as it is a soluble vitamin, it can be lost in the water when foods are cooked. You can counteract this by keeping the water from your sprouts to make gravy. Many varieties of flour and breakfast cereals have riboflavin added to them.
Can't I just take a supplement?
Yes - that's a good idea if you don't eat a balanced diet. Look for a multivitamin that has 100-300% of the recommended daily intake for all of the essential vitamins and minerals that it contains. Riboflavin absorbs into your stomach best if taken with a meal. It's recommended that if you are taking B2, you should also take a single B vitamin with it, to prevent the B vitamins from becoming unbalanced.
Can anyone take it?
Riboflavin levels in the body can be reduced by some medications. It may also affect how some medications work.
If you are taking any of the following, check with your doctor before taking Riboflavin/Vitamin B2 supplements:
Tricyclic antidepressants Anti-malaria drugs Chlorpromazine or other antipsychotic medications Birth control pills Doxorubicin (a chemotherapy used for some cancers) Methotrexate Phenytoin Probenecid (for gout) Selegiline (for Parkinson's disease) 'sulfa' medications - certain antibiotics Thiazide diuretics
Are there any side-effects to taking it?Riboflavin doesn't appear to cause any serious side effects. If very high doses are taken (which should only be done after consulting with your doctor) you may experience:
Itching Numbness Burning or prickling feelings Sensitivity to light
If you experience any of these side effects let you doctor know, he may want to alter your dosage.