Riboflavin (vitamin B2) : Health Benefits

by MedlinePlus

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 level of compliance.

Synonyms

7,8-dimethyl-10 (1'-D-ribityl) isoalloxazine, B-complex vitamin, Dolo-Neurotrat , flavin, flavine, lactoflavin, riboflavine, vitamin B2, Vitamin G.

Supplements: The most common forms of riboflavin available in supplements are riboflavin and riboflavin 5'-monophosphate. Riboflavin is most commonly found in multivitamin and vitamin B-complex preparations.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidencr

Riboflavin deficiency (ariboflavinosis)

Studies suggest that riboflavin is beneficial in patients with riboflavin deficiency (ariboflavinosis). Ariboflavinosis may cause weakness, throat swelling/soreness, glossitis (tongue swelling) angular stomatitis/cheilosis (skin cracking or sores at the corners of the mouth), dermatitis (skin irritation), or anemia. Clinical signs of deficiency in humans may appear at intakes of less than 0.5-0.6 mg/day.Particular groups may be particularly susceptible to riboflavin deficiency, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, the poor, and those with alcohol dependency. Patients with suspected riboflavin deficiency should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. Riboflavin depletion may be measured by decreased urinary excretion of riboflavin or increased erythrocyte reductase activity coefficients.

Neonatal jaundice

Riboflavin supplementation is included in the treatment of neonatal jaundice with phototherapy.

Anemia

Some research suggests that riboflavin may play an adjunct role in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and sickle cell anemia; levels of riboflavin may be low in these conditions. Animal and human research suggests that riboflavin deficiency may impair iron absorption, increase intestinal loss of iron, and/or impair iron utilization for the synthesis of hemoglobin, and riboflavin nutritional status may affect circulating hemoglobin levels. Correction of riboflavin deficiency in individuals who are both riboflavin deficient and iron deficient appears to improve response to iron therapy.

Anorexia / bulemia

Levels of important nutrients are often low in individuals with anorexia or bulimia, with up to 20-33% of patients deficient in vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B6 (pyridoxine). Dietary changes alone, without additional supplements, can often bring vitamin B levels back to normal. However, extra B2 and B6 may be required. Nutritional and medical guidance for such patients should be under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional, such as a nutritionist, physician, or nurse.

Cataracts

It has been suggested that low riboflavin levels may be a risk for developing cataracts, or that riboflavin supplementation may be beneficial for prevention. Additional evidence is needed before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

Cognitive function

Adequate nutrient supplementation with riboflavin may be required for the maintenance of adequate cognitive function. Treatment with B-vitamins including riboflavin has been reported to improve scores of depression and cognitive function in patients taking tricyclic antidepressants. This may be related to tricyclic-caused depletion of riboflavin levels.

Depression

Adequate nutrient supplementation with riboflavin may be required for the maintenance of adequate cognitive function. Treatment with B-vitamins, including riboflavin, has been reported to improve depression scores in patients taking tricyclic antidepressants. This may be related to tricyclic-caused depletion of riboflavin levels.

Esophageal cancer (prevention and treatment)

Riboflavin supplementation has been studied in the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer, mostly in China, with mixed results. No clear conclusion can be drawn at this time.

Ethylmalonic encephalopathy

Although the exact pathogenesis of this disorder is unknown, some research suggests that riboflavin may lead to slight improvements in motor function, cognitive behavior, and diarrhea.

Malaria

Low riboflavin levels have been associated with anti-malarial effects, and anti-riboflavin therapies were proposed in the 1980s, although more recent evidence has challenged this proposed association.

Migraine headache prevention

Several studies suggest benefits of high-dose riboflavin in preventing migraine headaches.

Preeclampsia

Limited study has reported an association between low riboflavin levels and an increased risk of preeclampsia. However, it is not clear if low riboflavin levels are a cause or consequence of this condition, or if additional supplementation is warranted in pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia/eclampsia (beyond the routine use of prenatal vitamins). The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for riboflavin in pregnant women is higher than for non-pregnant women, and is 1.4mg daily (1.6mg for breastfeeding women).

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Acne, aging, alcohol dependence, ataxia, atherosclerosis, athletic performance, burning eyes, burning feet syndrome, burns, canker sores, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical cancer, colon cancer, congenital methemoglobinemia, Crohn's disease, excess tearing, dermatitis, dementia, diabetes, digestion disorders, eczema, eye strain/fatigue, fatigue, glaucoma, glossitis, growth disorders, healthy hair, HIV, hypertension, immune system function, keratoconus, lactic acidosis, leg cramps, liver disease, memory loss, mitochondrial disorders, mood disorders, mouth cancer, multiple acylcoenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency, multiple sclerosis, peptic ulcer disease, postoperative muscle cramps, neural tube defects, pain, red blood cell aplasia, reproduction disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, skin disorders, stress, stroke, ureteral colic pain, vitality problems.

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