Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is one of the eight B vitamins. It is a water-soluble vitamin and not stored in the body. It is formed by gut bacteria but not in sufficient amounts. Rich sources of vitamin B2 include meat, milk, eggs, nuts, fortified foods, and green vegetables.
Riboflavin is involved in various body processes. It is involved in the metabolism of folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and other vitamins. It helps maintain healthy skin, the lining of the digestive tract, blood cells, and brain function. It is required for the production of antioxidant glutathione in the blood.
The deficiency of vitamin B2 is often associated with other deficiencies and is rarely a standalone issue. Its deficiency increases oxidative stress in the body causing various skin problems. Riboflavin is mostly prescribed as a part of vitamin B - complex supplement in case of deficiency. Other uses of riboflavin include migraine and high homocysteine levels in the blood
What is the Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) test used for?
The vitamin B2 test is used to measure the levels of vitamin B2 in blood. It is available in three forms in blood: physiologically inactive riboflavin, the physiologically active coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Almost 90% of vitamin B2 is present in the body in the form of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). This test measures levels of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in blood
Symptoms of Vitamin B2 deficiency
Fatigue
Slowed growth
Cracks and sores around the corners of the mouth
Sore throat
Swollen reddish tongue
Hair loss
Who should get tested?
The following group of people may have a deficiency of vitamin B2 and should be tested under the supervision of a treating physician
Alcoholics
Elderly
Patients with chronic liver disease
Patients on total parenteral nutrition
HIV patients
Patients with hyperthyroidism
Preparation for Test
The patient needs to fast overnight before the test. The patient should inform the doctor if taking any
over-the-counter medications. It is important not to take vitamin supplements at least 24 hours before
the test. A blood sample is collected by inserting a needle in the vein in the arm. The sample is further
sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Interpretation of Test Results
Normal values of riboflavin in blood are between 137-370 mcg/L. Reference interval reflects flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) which accounts for more than 90% of total riboflavin in whole blood.3
Marginal low levels represent nutritional deficiency that can be corrected by supplementation
FAQs
What are the best sources of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)?
The best sources of vitamin B2 include:
· Brewer yeast
· Fortified cereals
· Whole grains
· Wild rice
· Wheat germ
· Broccoli
· Brussel sprouts
· Spinach
· Eggs
· Milk
· Yogurt
· Organ meats
Mushrooms
Can excess of riboflavin cause toxicity?
No case of riboflavin toxicity has been reported in humans to date
How is the vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) test done?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm. The sample is then sent to the lab for further evaluation
How much vitamin B2 should an adult have each day?
The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B2 is approximately 1.3 mg/day for men and 1.1 mg/day for women
What role does vitamin B2 play in the body?
Vitamin B2 plays the following roles in the body:
· Optimum cell growth and development
· Maintaining healthy skin and lining of the digestive tract
· Formation of blood cells
· Maintenance of brain health
· Formation of anti-oxidant glutathione in the body
· It controls homocysteine levels in the blood associated with cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, and cognitive impairment
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