Riboflavin works with other B vitamins like B6, folate, and B12 to break down homocysteine in the body. However, how riboflavin is regulated and transported in the heart in humans is not clearly understood. Epidemiological studies have not shown that lowering homocysteine levels with B vitamin supplementation reduces the risk of heart attacks or deaths from CVD. The American Heart Association does not advocate for the use of B vitamin supplements for reducing CVD risk. Even better, the children saw a decrease in migraine pain for up to 18 months after they stopped taking riboflavin supplements.
Health Benefits of Riboflavin (Vitamin B
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- People at risk of having low riboflavin levels include alcoholics, vegetarian athletes, and practitioners of veganism.
- It is commonly used to manage various conditions, including migraines, anemia, and certain skin disorders.
- Epidemiological studies have not shown that lowering homocysteine levels with B vitamin supplementation reduces the risk of heart attacks or deaths from CVD.
- It can also help prevent or treat migraines, certain cancers, cataracts, preeclampsia, seizures, and dementia.
- For children aged 1–14 years the PRIs increase with age from 0.6 to 1.4 mg/day.
- Riboflavin deficiency is rare and is usually accompanied by deficiencies of other vitamins and nutrients.
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A 2017 review reported that daily riboflavin taken at 400 mg per day for at least three months may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches in adults. Research on high-dose riboflavin for migraine prevention or treatment in children and adolescents is inconclusive, and so supplements are not recommended. Ongoing research is also investigating riboflavin’s potential role in preventing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While more research is needed, these findings suggest that riboflavin may play an important role in supporting long-term eye health. These interactions may affect how well riboflavin or the other medication works, or they could increase the risk of side effects. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications.
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- The American Heart Association does not advocate for the use of B vitamin supplements for reducing CVD risk.
- For U.S. food and dietary supplement labeling purposes the amount in a serving is expressed as a percent of Daily Value (%DV).
- Urine color is used as a hydration status biomarker and, under normal conditions, correlates with urine specific gravity and urine osmolality.
- Riboflavin is prescribed to treat corneal thinning, and taken orally, may reduce the incidence of migraine headaches in adults.
- Cows’ milk contains mainly free riboflavin, but both FMN and FAD are present at low concentrations.
- While rare, induced light sensitivity can increase the risk of eye damage from direct sun exposure.
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For U.S. food and dietary supplement labeling purposes the amount in a serving is expressed as a percent of Daily Value (%DV). A table of the old and new adult daily values is provided at Reference Daily Intake. FAD contributes to the conversion of tryptophan to niacin (vitamin B3) and the conversion of vitamin B6 to the coenzyme pyridoxal 5′-phosphate requires FMN.
Estimated Cost of Riboflavin Supplements
Most riboflavin is used immediately and not stored in the body, so excess amounts are excreted in the urine. An excess of dietary riboflavin, usually from supplements, can cause urine to become bright yellow. In the early 1900s, several research laboratories were investigating constituents of foods, essential to maintain growth in rats.
Riboflavin
The RDA is the intake that meets the nutrient requirements of 97% to 98% of the U.S. population. Riboflavin works to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation of nerves, which are contributors to migraine headaches. Therefore riboflavin has been studied as a prophylactic therapy for preventing migraines. The erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGRAC) provides a measure of tissue saturation and long-term riboflavin status.
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- Yes, riboflavin is not only safe but also essential for both maternal health and the infant’s growth and development.
- A diet rich in vitamin B2 and other B-complex vitamins may lower your risk of cataracts.
- However, it’s important to avoid high doses unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.
- People with riboflavin in their diet have a lower risk of developing cataracts.
- These interactions may affect how well riboflavin or the other medication works, or they could increase the risk of side effects.
- FAD contributes to the conversion of tryptophan to niacin (vitamin B3) and the conversion of vitamin B6 to the coenzyme pyridoxal 5′-phosphate requires FMN.
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Vitamin B2 Side Effects
Because riboflavin assists many enzymes with various daily functions throughout the body, a deficiency can lead to health problems. Animal studies show that the brain King’s Chip casino and heart disorders and some cancers can develop from long-term riboflavin deficiency. Riboflavin regulates circulating levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that enters the diet from animal protein foods like meat.
Homocysteinemia
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dose. There is growing evidence that riboflavin exerts a protective effect against certain types of cancer. A diet rich in vitamin B2 and other B-complex vitamins may lower your risk of cataracts.
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Micronutrient metabolism
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In humans, there is no evidence for riboflavin toxicity produced by excessive intakes and absorption becomes less efficient as dosage increases. Any excess riboflavin is excreted via the kidneys into urine, resulting in a bright yellow color known as flavinuria. The National Academy of Medicine updated the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for riboflavin in 1998. The EARs[update] for riboflavin for women and men aged 14 and over are 0.9 mg/day and 1.1 mg/day, respectively; the RDAs are 1.1 and 1.3 mg/day, respectively. RDAs are higher than EARs to provide adequate intake levels for individuals with higher than average requirements. As for safety, the IOM sets tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for vitamins and minerals when evidence is sufficient.
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Can you get too much riboflavin?
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An EGRAC of 1.0 to 1.2 indicates that adequate amounts of riboflavin are present; 1.2 to 1.4 is considered low, greater than 1.4 indicates deficient. Urinary excretion load tests have been used to determine dietary requirements. Dietary deficiency of riboflavin can decrease the production of NAD and NADP, thereby promoting niacin deficiency. Conversion of vitamin B6 to its coenzyme, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, involves the enzyme, pyridoxine 5′-phosphate oxidase, which requires FMN. Unlike folate and vitamin B6, which occur in several chemically related forms known as vitamers, riboflavin is only one chemical compound.
