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.

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.

*Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;

B: Good scientific evidence for this use;

C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;

D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;

F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.

Grading rationale

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.

Riboflavin Deficiency:

The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for riboflavin was revised in 1998, with the goal to prevent riboflavin deficiency. Clinical signs of deficiency in humans may appear at intakes less than 0.5-0.6 milligram per day, and excess urinary excretion of riboflavin can be seen at intake levels of approximately 1 milligram per day. Riboflavin deficiency (ariboflavinosis) can be associated with weakness, throat soreness/swelling, tongue swelling (glossitis), angular stomatitis/cheilosis (skin cracking or sores at the corners of the mouth), dermatitis (skin irritation), and anemia. 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). Riboflavin is easily destroyed by exposure to light (for example, riboflavin in milk stored in clear glass bottles).

Particular groups of people may be particularly susceptible to riboflavin deficiency, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, the poor, and those with alcohol dependence.

Adult Dosing (18 years and older):

The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults (by mouth) is 1 milligram for female adolescents (14-18 years old); 1.3 milligrams for male adolescents (14-18 years old); 1.1 milligrams for female adults (older than 18 years); 1.3 milligrams for male adults (older than 18 years); 1.4 milligrams for pregnant women (any age); 1.6 milligrams for breastfeeding women (any age).

Children Dosing (younger than 18 years):

The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for infants and children (by mouth) is 0.3 milligram for 0-6 months old; 0.4 milligram for 7-12 months old; 0.5 milligram for 1-3 years old; 0.6 milligram for 4-8 years old; 0.9 milligram for 9-13 years old; 1 milligram for female adolescents (14-18 years old); 1.3 milligrams for male adolescents (14-18 years old).

Allergies

Riboflavin supplementation has been associated with rare reports of allergy/anaphylaxis.