Riboflavin is an essential, inexpensive, and very safe vitamin central to cellular energy and activating other B vitamins. Correcting a shortfall reliably restores health. Its strongest targeted use is preventing migraine in adults at high daily doses. In people with a specific folate-related gene variant, it may help lower blood pressure. Broader energy and longevity claims outpace the evidence. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRAC) | ≤ 1.20 (adequate); 1.20–1.40 marginal | Gold-standard functional test of riboflavin status |
| Plasma/serum riboflavin | ~4–24 nmol/L (adequate) | Direct measure of circulating vitamin |
| Homocysteine | ≤ 7–8 µmol/L | Tracks the metabolic effect relevant to MTHFR carriers |
| Blood pressure | < 120/80 mmHg | Primary outcome for the MTHFR 677TT rationale |
| MTHFR C677T genotype | Identifies TT carriers | Determines who is likely to respond to the metabolic/blood-pressure use |
| Complete blood count (hemoglobin, MCV) | Hemoglobin ~13.5–15 g/dL; MCV 85–92 fL | Detects anemia that riboflavin repletion can help correct |
Cadence: Baseline, then recheck at 8–12 weeks; every 6–12 months if continued. Blood pressure in TT-genotype users checked more frequently (baseline, 4–8 weeks, periodically).