The impact of riboflavin on the duration of sport-related concussion: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the time to recovery after an SRC comparing riboflavin 400mg daily to placebo in a group of elite level athletes from multiple sports. Methods The study was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with intention to treat conducted from 2016–2020 at two different academic institutions. The study enrolled varsity student-athletes (SA) at each institution. The investigators and participants were blinded to treatment allocation. The treatment group received 14 capsules of either riboflavin 400mg or placebo to take daily until completed. The team physician made the diagnosis of an SRC within 24 h of the injury. Results A total of sixty participants enrolled in the study. Fifty-two participants completed the study. Subjects in the riboflavin group had a statistically significant lower number of average days to recovery of 9.92 days (CI ± 2.8) compared to placebo of 22.2 days (CI ± 11.5) (P < 0.05). Subjects matched for age, gender, history of SRCs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Periodic Health Questionnaire-9 scores. Conclusions This is one of the first studies that documents an effective treatment option for an SRC at the time of injury. Riboflavin is safe, inexpensive, and readily available making it an ideal treatment.