Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2)

Brand names:
Vitamin B-2 Tablets
Riboflavin(R)
Riobin-50(R)
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? Yes
Prescription required? No
Fat-soluble or water-soluble: Water-soluble

NATURAL SOURCES

Almonds
Brewer's yeast
Cheese
Chicken
Organ meats (beef, kidney)
Wheat germ

REASONS TO USE

Aids in release of energy from food.

Maintains healthy mucous membranes lining respiratory, digestive, circulatory and excretory tracts when used in conjunction with vitamin A.

Preserves integrity of nervous system, skin, eyes.

Promotes normal growth and development.

Aids in treating infections, stomach problems, burns, alcoholism, liver disease.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Cures various eye diseases.

Treats skin disorders.

Prevents cancer.

Increases body growth during normal developmental stages.

Helps overcome infertility.

Prevents stress.

Stimulates hair growth in bald men.

Improves vision.

WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?

Anyone with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements.

Pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs.

People with a chronic wasting illness, excess stress for long periods or who have recently undergone surgery.

Athletes and workers who participate in vigorous physical activities.

Those with a portion of the gastrointestinal tract surgically removed.

People with recent severe burns or injuries.

Those who rely almost exclusively on processed foods for their daily diet.

Women taking oral contraceptives or estrogen.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Cracks and sores in corners of mouth

Inflammation of tongue and lips

Eyes overly sensitive to light and easily tired

Itching and scaling of skin around nose, mouth, scrotum, forehead, ears, scalp

Trembling

Dizziness

Insomnia

Slow learning

Itching, burning and reddening of eyes

Damage to cornea of eye

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

Mild anemia

Mild lethargy

Acne

Migraine headaches

Muscle cramps

LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

Serum riboflavin

Erythrocyte riboflavin

Glutathione reductase

DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION

Age	RDA
0-6 months	0.4mg
6-12 months	0.6mg
1-3 years	0.8mg
4-6 years	1.0mg
7-10 years	1.4mg
MALES
11-14 years	1.6mg
15-22 years	1.7mg
23-50 years	1.6mg
51+ years	1.4mg
FEMALES
11-22 years	1.3mg
23+ years	1.2mg
Pregnant	+0.3mg
Lactating	+0.5mg

What this mineral does:

Acts as component in two co-enzymes (flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide) needed for normal tissue respiration.

Activates pyridoxine

Miscellaneous information:

A balanced diet prevents deficiency without supplements.

Large doses may produce dark-yellow urine.

Processing food may decrease quantity of vitamin B-2.

Mixing with baking soda destroys riboflavin.

Available as:

Tablets: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Don't chew or crush. Take with or immediately after food to decrease stomach irritation.

A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:

Are allergic to any B vitamin.

Have chronic kidney failure.

Consult your doctor if you are:

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Over age 55:

Need for vitamin B-2 is greater.

Pregnancy:

Don't take megadoses.

Breast-feeding:

Don't take megadoses.

Effect on lab tests:

Urinary catecholamine concentration may show false elevation.

Urobilongen determinations (Ehrlich's) may produce false-positive results.

Storage:

Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze.

Store safely out of reach of children.

Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of vitamin.

Others:

Unlikely to cause toxic symptoms in healthy people with normal kidney function.

OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

Signs and symptoms:
Dark urine, nausea, vomiting.

What to do:

For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue vitamin, and consult doctor. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS section below.

For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle): Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

Reaction or effect	What to do
Yellow urine, with large doses	No action necessary.

INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS

Interacts with	Combined effect
Anti-depressants (tricyclic)	Decreases B-2 effect.
Phenothiazines	Decreases B-2 effect.
Probenecid	Decreases B-2 effect.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

Tobacco decreases absorption. Smokers may require supplemental vitamin B-2.

Alcohol prevents uptake and absorption of vitamin B-2.