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Riboflavin is vitamin B2. It is widely found in both plant- and animal-based foods, including milk, meat, eggs, nuts, enriched flour, and green vegetables.
Riboflavin is involved in many body processes. It's required for the proper development of the skin, lining of the digestive tract, blood cells, and brain function.
People most commonly use riboflavin to prevent riboflavin deficiency, for migraine, and for high levels of homocysteine in the blood. It's also used for acne, muscle cramps, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
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- Hyperhomocysteinemia. Oral riboflavin reduces homocysteine levels in individuals with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype. It does not seem to provide benefit in individuals with other genotypes.
Login for details - Migraine headache. Oral riboflavin modestly reduces migraine attack frequency and severity in adults. The benefits of oral riboflavin in children are unclear.
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- Acne. Login for details
- Alzheimer disease. Login for details
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear if oral riboflavin can prevent mortality due to CVD.
Login for details - Carpal tunnel syndrome. Login for details
- Cataracts. It is unclear if oral riboflavin is beneficial in patients with cataracts.
Login for details - Cervical cancer. It is unclear if oral riboflavin helps to prevent cervical cancer.
Login for details - Colorectal cancer. It is unclear if oral riboflavin reduces colorectal cancer risk.
Login for details - Diabetic neuropathy. Intravenous and oral riboflavin have only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; riboflavin's effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Esophageal cancer. It is unclear if oral riboflavin reduces esophageal cancer risk.
Login for details - Gastric cancer. It is unclear if oral riboflavin reduces colorectal cancer risk.
Login for details - Hypertension. There is limited evidence on the oral use of riboflavin for reducing blood pressure in patients with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype.
Login for details - Liver cancer. Oral riboflavin has only been evaluated in combination with niacin; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Lung cancer. Oral riboflavin has only been evaluated in combination with niacin; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Malaria. Oral riboflavin has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Malnutrition. There is limited evidence on the oral use of riboflavin with other ingredients in children at risk for kwashiorkor.
Login for details - Mitochondrial myopathies. Login for details
- Multiple sclerosis (MS). It is unclear if oral riboflavin slows the progression of MS-related disability.
Login for details - Oral leukoplakia. It is unclear if oral riboflavin prevents or slows progression of oral leukoplakia.
Login for details - Pre-eclampsia. Login for details
- Pregnancy-related iron deficiency. It is unclear if oral riboflavin is beneficial in patients with iron deficiency due to pregnancy.
Login for details - Sickle cell disease. It is unclear if oral riboflavin is beneficial in patients with sickle cell disease.
Login for details - Stroke. Oral riboflavin has only been evaluated in combination with niacin; its effect when used alone is unclear.
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When taken by mouth: Riboflavin is likely safe for most people in doses of up to 400 mg daily. In some people, riboflavin can cause the urine to turn a bright yellow color. It may also cause nausea.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Riboflavin is likely safe when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. The recommended intake is 1.4 mg daily during pregnancy and 1.6 mg daily during lactation.Children: Riboflavin is likely safe for most children when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. Higher doses of 100-200 mg daily have also been safely used.
Liver disease: Riboflavin absorption is decreased in people with liver disease.
Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Riboflavin might decrease the amount of tetracyclines that the body can absorb. Taking riboflavin along with tetracyclines might decrease the effects of tetracyclines. To avoid this interaction, take riboflavin 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking tetracyclines.
Blond psyllium: Psyllium reduces absorption of riboflavin from supplements in healthy individuals. It isn't clear whether it reduces absorption of riboflavin found in foods, or whether this interaction can impact health.
Boron: A form of boron, called boric acid, might reduce the absorption of riboflavin.
Iron: In people with riboflavin and iron deficiency, riboflavin supplements may improve the effects of iron supplements.
Taking riboflavin supplements with food might increase how much riboflavin the body absorbs.
Riboflavin is an important nutrient that is found in many foods. The amount that should be consumed on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). For adult males, the RDA is 1.3 mg daily. For adult females, the RDA is 1.1 mg daily. During pregnancy, the RDA is 1.4 mg, and during breastfeeding, the RDA is 1.6 mg. Recommended amounts for children depend on age.
Riboflavin is also available in supplements. Taking riboflavin supplements with food will increase how much the body absorbs. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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