Riboflavin supplementsSupplements

Supplements may be of benefit for those at risk of deficiency, particularly for elderly people, alcoholics or those with absorption difficulties. Stress and heavy exercise may increase riboflavin needs.

Therapeutic uses of supplements

Riboflavin supplements are used to treat or prevent riboflavin deficiency.

Anemia

Riboflavin supplements may be of benefit in the treatment of sickle cell anemia and may also enhance the effectiveness of iron supplements when these are used to treat anemia.

Migraine

High doses of riboflavin may be effective in the treatment of migraine. In a 1998 study done in Belgium, researchers tested the effects of either 400 mg of riboflavin or a placebo on 55 patients with migraine in a randomized trial lasting three months. The results showed reductions in attack frequency and headache days. Fifty nine per cent of patients in the riboflavin group improved compared to 15 per cent in the placebo group. No serious side effects occurred. The researchers felt that because of its effectiveness, excellent tolerability, and low cost, riboflavin is a valuable option for migraine prevention.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Riboflavin may help to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a neurological disorder of the wrists and hands which causes pain and stiffhess.Riboflavin is usually combined with vitamin B6 to treat this disorder and treatment with both vitamins may be more effective than treatment with B6 alone.This is possibly due to the fact that riboflavin is involved in the conversion of vitamin B6 to its active form.

Other uses

Skin problems such as acne, dermatitis, eczema and ulcers; eye problems such as cataracts; and muscle cramps, may be improved by treatment with riboflavin supplements. Like the other B vitamins, riboflavin can be used to treat stress.

Riboflavin Categories:

Riboflavin
Riboflavin health
Riboflavin absorption
Riboflavin deficiency
Riboflavin sources
Riboflavin recommended daily
Riboflavin overdose
Riboflavin supplements
Riboflavin interactions

Other Vitamins:

Vitamin A
Carotenes
Beta carotene
Lycopene
Lutein
Thiamin
Riboflavin
Niacin
Vitamin B6
Folate
Vitamin B12
Biotin
Pantothenic acid
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K