Vitamin B2

Category: Food & Diet

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Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, which is involved in vital metabolic processes in the body and is necessary for normal cell

function, growth, and energy production. Small amounts of riboflavin are present in most animal and plant tissues.

Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need riboflavin supplements. Especially good dietary sources of riboflavin are milk (and other dairy products), eggs, enriched cereals/grains, meats, liver, and green vegetables (such as asparagus or broccoli). Intake may be lower in vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians.

Riboflavin is often used as a tracer of medication compliance in the treatment of patients with alcohol dependence, mental disorders, and other conditions. Urinary riboflavin levels may be measured in order to determine the level of compliance.

Conditions

Migraines

Recommendations

1.3 mg daily; 400 mg for migraines
Dairy products

Interactions & Side Effects

In general, the limited capacity of human adults to absorb orally administered riboflavin limits its potential for harm. Riboflavin intake many times higher than the RDA is apparently without demonstrable toxicity. Nevertheless, the photosensitizing (sensitivity to light) properties of riboflavin raise the possibility of some potential risks. Other possible reactions to very high doses include itching, numbness, burning/prickling sensations, and yellow discoloration of the urine.

Very low birth weight infants who receive pre-term infant formulas (PIF) augmented to provide riboflavin at levels five times that in term infant formulas have demonstrated high plasma levels of riboflavin and urinary riboflavin concentrations; lower doses can be considered in this setting.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Riboflavin is generally regarded as being safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regime, it is advisible to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.