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Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2)
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Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2)
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BASIC INFORMATIONBrand 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.
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From Complete Guide to Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Putnam Publishing
Group. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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