High-dose riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in children: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

J Child Neurol. 2008 Nov;23(11):1300-4. doi: 10.1177/0883073808318053.

Abstract

This is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in children. This was a randomized, double-blind study of riboflavin (200 mg daily) versus placebo in 48 children. The primary efficacy measure was the number of patients achieving a 50% or greater reduction in the number of migraine attacks per 4 weeks. Other outcome measures were the mean severity of migraine per day, mean duration of migraine, days with nausea or vomiting, analgesic use, and adverse effects. A 50% or greater reduction in headaches was seen in 14/21 patients in the placebo group and 12/27 patients in the riboflavin group (not significant P = .125). There were no differences between riboflavin and placebo for primary or secondary outcome variables. These results suggest that riboflavin is not an effective therapy for preventing migraine in children. A high placebo responder rate was seen, with implications for other studies of migraine in children.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Riboflavin / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin B Complex / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Riboflavin