Dictionary:
riboflavin(rī'bō-flā'vĭn, -bə-) |
An orange-yellow crystalline compound, C17H20N4O6, the principal growth-promoting factor in the vitamin B complex, naturally occurring in milk, leafy vegetables, fresh meat, and egg yolks. Also called lactoflavin, vitamin B2.
| Sci-Tech Encyclopedia: Riboflavin |
Also known as vitamin B2, riboflavin is widely distributed in nature, and is found mostly in milk, egg white, liver, and leafy vegetables. It is a water-soluble yellow-orange fluorescent pigment.
Riboflavin deficiency results in poor growth and other pathologic changes in the skin, eyes, liver, and nerves. Riboflavin deficiency in humans is usually associated with a cracking at the comers of the mouth called cheilosis; inflammation of the tongue, which appears red and glistening (glossitis); corneal vascularization accompanied by itching; and a scaly, greasy dermatitis about the corners of the nose, eyes, and ears. See also Vitamin.
| Food and Nutrition: vitamin B2 |
involved in a wide range of oxidation reactions, of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Deficiency impairs energy-yielding metabolism and results in a set of symptoms known as ariboflavinosis: cracking of the skin at the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis), fissuring of the lips (cheilosis), and tongue changes (glossitis); seborrhoeic accumulations appear round the nose and eyes.
Occurs mainly in yeast, liver, milk, eggs, cheese, and pulses; milk and milk products are the main source in most diets.
| Food and Fitness: vitamin B2 |
A water-soluble vitamin present in the body as coenzymes which play a central role in releasing energy from food. It is obtained from a wide variety of foods including wholegrains, yeast, liver, eggs, and milk. Riboflavin is quickly decomposed by heat and when exposed to light it is converted to lumiflavin which destroys vitamin C. Thus milk left outside for long periods in bright sunlight will lose much of its riboflavin activity. The Reference Nutrient Intake (UK) ranges from 0.4 mg in babies to 1.6 mg in breast-feeding women. Deficiency causes ariboflavinosis, characterized by cracked skin and eye problems including blurred vision. Riboflavin is used as a food colouring agent; an example of a food additive that has a considerable beneficial effect.
| Dental Dictionary: riboflavin |
(vitamin B2), trade names: many generic sources; drug class: vitamin B2 water soluble; action: needed for normal tissue respiratory reactions; functions as a coenzyme; uses: vitamin B 2deficiency.
| Drug Info: Riboflavin, Vitamin B2 |
Riboflavin, Vitamin B2 tablets
What are riboflavin tablets?
RIBOFLAVIN (Vitamin B2) is a naturally occurring vitamin found in milk, meat, eggs, nuts, enriched flour, and green vegetables. Riboflavin treats vitamin B2 deficiency. Riboflavin deficiency can cause itching, burning eyes; increased sensitivity of the eyes to light; mouth sores; and peeling of the skin on the nose and scrotum. Generic riboflavin tablets are available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:How should I take this medicine?
Take riboflavin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip that dose. Continue with your next scheduled dose.What drug(s) may interact with riboflavin?
• propanthelineWhat should I watch for while taking riboflavin?
Make sure you have a proper diet. Taking riboflavin tablets does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Some foods that contain riboflavin include: milk, meat, eggs, nuts, enriched flour, and green vegetables.What side effects may I notice from taking riboflavin?
The recommended daily allowance of riboflavin does not cause any serious side effects.Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
| Alternative Medicine Encyclopedia: Riboflavin |
Description
Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, has many functions in common with the other members of the B complex family. These include support of the immune and nervous systems and formation of healthy red blood cells. Riboflavin provides essential factors for the production of cellular enzymes that turn proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy. It also participates in cell reproduction, and keeps skin, hair, nails, eyes, and mucous membranes healthy. Folic acid (vitamin B9) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) are activated by riboflavin.
Recent research has found that riboflavin is one of three vitamins involved in the regulation of circadian (daily) rhythms in humans and other mammals. Riboflavin helps to activate certain light-sensitive cells in the retina of the eye that synchronize the animal's daily biological rhythms with the solar light/darkness cycle.
General Use
The RDA of riboflavin for infants under six months is 0.4 milligrams (mg). It goes up incrementally with age and caloric intake. Babies from six months to one year of age require 0.5 mg. Children need 0.8 mg at one to three years of age, 1.1 mg at four to six years, and 1.2 mg at seven to ten years. Women need 1.3 mg from 11-50 years, and 1.2 mg thereafter. Slightly more is required for pregnancy (1.6 mg) and lactation (1.7-1.8 mg). Men require 1.5 mg from 11-14 years of age, 1.8 mg from 15-18 years, 1.7 mg from 19-50 years, and 1.4 mg at 51 years and older. Riboflavin is water-soluble, and is not stored in significant quantities in the body.
High doses of riboflavin, as much as 400 mg per day, have been shown to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches by half in susceptible people. The severity of the events was also reportedly decreased. This may be an effect of improved use of cellular energy in the brain. It is theorized that riboflavin may help decrease the odds of getting cataracts, but the evidence for this is not definitive. One large study had a group taking both niacin (vitamin B3) and riboflavin, and while the group had a significantly lower total incidence of cataracts, they had a somewhat higher than average incidence of a specific cataract subtype. Memory may be improved by these supplements, according to some research done on older people. Riboflavin and vitamin C both help boost the body's level of glutathione, which is an antioxidant with many beneficial effects. There is not enough evidence to support the effectiveness of riboflavin for sickle-cell anemia, canker sores, or as an athletic performance aid.
Preparations
Natural Sources
Beef liver is a very rich source of riboflavin, but dairy products also supply ample amounts. Higher fat sources contain less than those with low fat. Many processed grain products are fortified with riboflavin, as well as other B vitamins. Good vegetable choices include avocados, mushrooms, spinach, and other dark green, leafy vegetables. Nuts, legumes, nutritional yeast, and brewer's yeast contain riboflavin as well. Cooked foods provide as much of this vitamin as raw ones do, since the substance is heat stable. Light, however, does break down riboflavin. To preserve it, be sure to either store dairy and grain products in something opaque or keep them away from light.
Supplemental Sources
Riboflavin is available as an oral single vitamin product. Consider taking a balanced B complex supplement rather than high doses of an individual vitamin unless there is a specific indication to do so. Store supplements in a cool, dry place, away from light, and out of the reach of children.
Deficiency
Ariboflavinosis is the term for the condition of vitamin B2 deficiency. Since small amounts can be stored in the liver and kidneys, a dietary inadequacy may not become apparent for several months. Insufficient levels of riboflavin have noticeable effects on several areas of the skin. Commonly the corners of the mouth are cracked. Facial skin and scalp tend to itch and scale, as does the scrotal skin. The eyes fatigue easily and are sensitive to light, and may also become watery, sore, or bloodshot. Trembling, neuropathy, dizziness, insomnia, poor digestion, slow growth, and sore throat and tongue have also been reported. Anemia may develop if the deficiency is severe. People who are deficient in riboflavin are likely to be lacking in other B vitamins, and possibly additional nutrients, as well.
Recent studies done at the National Cancer Institute indicate that riboflavin deficiency increases a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer. Further studies of this connection are underway.
Risk Factors for Deficiency
Riboflavin deficiency is uncommon in developed countries, but some populations may need more than the RDA in order to maintain good health. War refugees are a population at high risk for riboflavin deficiency. Vegans and others who do not use dairy products would do well to take a balanced B vitamin supplement; one study of Swedish vegans found that over 90% were not getting enough riboflavin in their diet. Those with increased need for riboflavin and other B vitamins may include people under high stress, including those experiencing surgery, chronic illnesses, liver disease, or poor nutritional status. Diabetics may have a tendency to be low on riboflavin as a result of increased urinary excretion. Athletes, and anyone else with a high-energy output will need additional vitamin B2. This includes anyone who exercises with some regularity. The elderly are more likely to suffer from nutritional inadequacy as well as problems with absorption; the dietary preferences of many elderly people often exclude foods that are high in riboflavin. Smokers and alcoholics are at higher risk for deficiency as tobacco and alcohol suppress absorption. Birth control pills may possibly reduce riboflavin levels, as can phenothiazine tranquilizers, tricyclic antidepressants, and probenecid. Consult a health care professional to determine if supplementation is appropriate.
Recent advances in human genetics indicate that certain genotypes are at greater risk for riboflavin deficiency than others.
Precautions
Riboflavin should not be taken by anyone with a B vitamin allergy or chronic renal disease. Other populations are unlikely to experience any difficulty from taking supplemental B2.
Side Effects
Taking supplemental riboflavin causes a harmless intense orange or yellow discoloration of the urine.
Interactions
Probenecid (a drug treating gout) impairs riboflavin absorption, and propantheline bromide (a drug treating peptic ulcers) reportedly both delays and increases absorption. Phenothiazines (antipsychotic drugs) increase the excretion of riboflavin, thus lowering serum levels, and oral contraceptives may also decrease serum levels. Tricyclic antidepressants may lower the levels of riboflavin in the body. Supplementation should be discussed with a health care provider if these medications are being used. Absorption of riboflavin is improved when taken together with other B vitamins and vitamin C.
Riboflavin supplements may lower the effectiveness of chloroquine and other antimalarial medications. Riboflavin should not be taken at the same time as tetracycline antibiotics because it interferes with the absorption and effectiveness of these medications. It may also interfere with the effectiveness of sulfa-containing drugs used to treat bacterial infections.
Resources
Books
Bratman, Steven, and David Kroll. Natural Health Bible. Prima Publishing, 1999.
Feinstein, Alice. Prevention's Healing with Vitamins. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1996.
Griffith, H. Winter. Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements: the complete guide. Arizona: Fisher Books, 1998.
Jellin, Jeff, Forrest Batz, and Kathy Hitchens. Pharmacist's letter/Prescriber's Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. California: Therapeutic Research Faculty, 1999.
Pressman, Alan H., and Sheila Buff. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. New York: Alpha books, 1997.
Periodicals
Blanck, H. M., B. A. Bowman, M. K. Serdula, et al. "Angular Stomatitis and Riboflavin Status Among Adolescent Bhutanese Refugees Living in Southeastern Nepal." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 76 (August 2002): 430-435.
Larsson, C. L., and G. K. Johansson. "Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status of Young Vegans and Omnivores in Sweden." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 76 (July 2002): 100-106.
McNulty, H., M. C. McKinley, B. Wilson, et al. "Impaired Functioning of Thermolabile Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Is Dependent on Riboflavin Status: Implications for Riboflavin Requirements." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 76 (August 2002): 436-441.
Shahar, S., K. Chee, and W. C. Wan Chik. "Food Intakes and Preferences of Hospitalised Geriatric Patients." BMC Geriatrics 2 (August 6, 2002): 3.
Silberstein, S. D., and P. J. Goadsby. "Migraine: Preventive Treatment." Cephalalgia 22 (September 2002): 491-512.
Wolf, G. "Three Vitamins Are Involved in Regulation of the Circadian Rhythm." Nutrition Reviews 60 (August 2002): 257-260.
Ziegler, R. G., S. J. Weinstein, and T. R. Fears. "Nutritional and Genetic Inefficiencies in One-Carbon Metabolism and Cervical Cancer Risk." Journal of Nutrition 132 (August 2002): 2345S-2349S.
Organizations
American Dietetic Association. 216 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606. (312) 899-0040.
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health. 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 3B01, MSC 7517, Bethesda, MD 20892. (301) 435-2920.
[Article by: Judith Turner; Rebecca J. Frey, PhD]
| Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: riboflavin |
For more information on riboflavin, visit Britannica.com.
| Sports Science and Medicine: vitamin B2 |
A water-soluble vitamin quickly decomposed by heat. When exposed to light it is converted to lumiflavin that destroys vitamin C. Riboflavin is obtained from a wide variety of foods including wholegrains, yeast, liver, eggs, and milk. It is present in the body as coenzymes, which play a central role in releasing energy from food. Deficiency causes
| Wikipedia: riboflavin |
| Riboflavin | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| PubChem | |
| MeSH | |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C17H20N4O6 |
| Molar mass | 376.364 |
| Melting point |
290 °C (dec.) |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
|
Riboflavin (E101), also known as vitamin B2, is an easily
absorbed micronutrient with a key role in maintaining health in animals. It is the central component of the cofactors
FAD and FMN, and is therefore required by all
flavoproteins. As such, vitamin B2 is required for a wide variety of cellular
processes. Like the other B vitamins, it plays a key role in energy metabolism, and is
required for the
Milk, cheese, leafy green vegetables, liver, legumes such as mature soybeans [1], yeast and almonds are good sources of vitamin B2, but exposure to light destroys riboflavin.
Riboflavin is not toxic when taken orally, as its low solubility keeps it from being absorbed in dangerous amounts from the gut [2]. Although toxic doses can be administered by injection[2], any excess at nutritionally relevant doses is excreted in the urine[3], imparting a bright yellow color when in large quantities.
Various biotechnological processes have been developed for industrial scale riboflavin biosynthesis using different microorganisms, including filamentous fungi such as Ashbya gossypii, Candida famata and Candida flaveri as well as the bacteria Corynebacterium ammoniagenes and Bacillus subtilis[4]. The latter organism has been genetically modified to both increase the bacteria's production of riboflavin and to introduce an antibiotic (ampicillin) resistance marker, and is now successfully employed at a commercial scale to produce riboflavin for feed and food fortification purposes. The chemical company BASF has installed a plant in South Korea, which is specialized on riboflavin production using Ashbya gossypii. The concentrations of riboflavin in their modified strain are so high, that the mycelium has a reddish / brownish color and accumulates riboflavin crystals in the vacuoles, which will eventually burst the mycelium.
Riboflavin is yellow or orange-yellow in color and in addition to being used as a food coloring it is also used to fortify some foods. It can be found in baby foods, breakfast cereals and pastas, sauces, processed cheese, fruit drinks and vitamin-enriched milk products, and is widely used in vitamin supplements.
Large quantities of riboflavin are often included in multi-vitamins; often, the dose is far more than a normal human can use in a day. The excess is excreted in the urine, causing the urine to be colored bright yellow within a few hours of ingestion of the vitamin.
It is difficult to incorporate riboflavin into many liquid products because it has poor solubility in water. Hence the requirement for riboflavin-5'-phosphate (E101a), a more expensive but more soluble form of riboflavin.
Riboflavin is continuously excreted in the urine of healthy individuals[1], making deficiency relatively common when dietary intake is insufficient. However, Riboflavin deficiency is always accompanied by deficiency of other vitamins[1].
A deficiency of riboflavin can be primary - poor vitamin sources in one's daily diet - or secondary, which may be a result of conditions that affect absorption in the intestine, the body not being able to use the vitamin, or an increase in the excretion of the vitamin from the body.
In humans, signs and symptoms of riboflavin deficiency (ariboflavinosis) include cracked and red lips, inflammation of the lining of mouth and tongue, mouth ulcers, cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis), and a sore throat. A deficiency may also cause dry and scaling skin, fluid in the mucous membranes, and iron-deficiency anemia. The eyes may also become bloodshot, itchy, watery and sensitive to bright light.
Riboflavin deficiency is classically associated with the oral-ocular-genital syndrome. Angular cheilitis, photophobia, and scrotal dermatitis are the classic remembered signs.
In animals, riboflavin deficiency results in lack of growth, failure to thrive, and eventual death. Experimental riboflavin deficiency in dogs results in growth failure, weakness, ataxia, and inability to stand. The animals collapse, become comatose, and die. During the deficiency state, dermatitis develops together with hair-loss. Other signs include corneal opacity, lenticular cataracts, hemorrhagic adrenals, fatty degeneration of the kidney and liver, and inflammation of the mucus membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Post-mortem studies in rhesus monkeys fed a riboflavin-deficient diet revealed that about one-third the normal amount of riboflavin was present in the liver, which is the main storage organ for riboflavin in mammals. These overt clinical signs of riboflavin deficiency are rarely seen among inhabitants of the developed countries. However, about 28 million Americans exhibit a common ‘sub-clinical’ stage[citation needed], characterized by a change in biochemical indices (e.g. reduced plasma erythrocyte glutathione reductase levels). Although the effects of long-term sub-clinical riboflavin deficiency are unknown, in children this deficiency results in reduced growth. Subclinical riboflavin deficiency has also been observed in women taking oral contraceptives, in the elderly, in people with eating disorders, and in disease states such as HIV, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and chronic heart disease. The fact that riboflavin deficiency does not immediately lead to gross clinical manifestations indicates that the systemic levels of this essential vitamin are tightly regulated.
A positive diagnostic test for measuring levels of riboflavin in
Riboflavin has been used in several clinical and therapeutic situations. For over 30 years, riboflavin supplements have been used as part of the phototherapy treatment of neonatal jaundice. The light used to irradiate the infants breaks down not only the toxin causing the jaundice, but the naturally occurring riboflavin within the infant's blood as well.
More recently there has been growing evidence that supplemental riboflavin may be a useful additive along with beta-blockers in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Development is underway to use riboflavin to improve the safety of transfused blood by reducing pathogens found in collected blood. Riboflavin attaches itself to the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in cells, and when light is applied, the nucleic acids are broken, effectively killing those cells. The technology has been shown to be effective for inactivating pathogens in all three major blood components: (platelets, red blood cells, and plasma). It has been shown to inactivate a broad spectrum of pathogens, including known and emerging viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Because riboflavin is fluorescent under UV light, dilute solutions (0.015-0.025% w/w) are often used to detect leaks or to demonstrate cleanability in an industrial system such a chemical blend tank or bioreactor. (See the ASME BPE section on Testing and Inspection for additional details.)
Riboflavin is found naturally in asparagus, bananas, okra, chard, cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, meat, eggs, and fish, each of which contain at least 0.1 mg of the vitamin per 3-10.5 oz (85-300 g) serving[citation needed].
| Vitamins (A11) | |
|---|---|
| fat soluble | Retinol (A) | Ergocalciferol and Cholecalciferol (D) | Tocopherol (E) | Naphthoquinone (K) |
| water soluble | B vitamins (Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Folic acid (B9), Cyanocobalamin (B12)) | Choline | Ascorbic acid (C) |
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
| Translations: Translations for: Riboflavin |
Dansk (Danish)
n. - [kem.] riboflavin
Nederlands (Dutch)
vitamine B2
Français (French)
n. - riboflavine
Deutsch (German)
n. - Riboflavin
Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - (βιολ.) ριβοφλαβίνη
Italiano (Italian)
riboflavina
Português (Portuguese)
n. - riboflavina (f) (Farm.)
Español (Spanish)
n. - riboflavina
Svenska (Swedish)
n. - riboflavin
中文（简体） (Chinese (Simplified))
核黄素
中文（繁體） (Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 核黃素
العربيه (Arabic)
(الاسم) فيتامين يوجد في اللبن البيض اللحوم و الخضر الطازجه
עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ריבופלווין (ויטמין)
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