Riboflavin
Riboflavin Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Riboflavin is a B vitamin. It can be found in certain foods such as milk, meat, eggs, nuts, enriched flour, and green vegetables. Riboflavin is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in vitamin B complex products. Vitamin B complex generally includes vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin/niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), and folic acid. However, some products do not contain all of these ingredients and some may include others, such as biotin, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), choline bitartrate, and inositol.
Riboflavin is used for preventing low levels of riboflavin (riboflavin deficiency), cervical cancer, and migraine headaches. It is also used for treating riboflavin deficiency, acne, muscle cramps, burning feet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and blood disorders such as congenital methemoglobinemia and red blood cell aplasia. Some people use riboflavin for eye conditions including eye fatigue, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Other uses include increasing energy levels; boosting immune system function; maintaining healthy hair, skin, mucous membranes, and nails; slowing aging; boosting athletic performance; promoting healthy reproductive function; canker sores; memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease; ulcers; burns; alcoholism; liver disease; sickle cell anemia; and treating lactic acidosis brought on by treatment with a class of AIDS medications called NRTI drugs.
Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is an easily absorbed, water-soluble micronutrient with a key role in maintaining human health. Like the other B vitamins, it supports energy production by aiding in the metabolising of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B2 is also required for red blood cell formation and respiration, antibody production, and for regulating human growth and reproduction. It is essential for healthy skin, nails, hair growth and general good health, including regulating thyroid activity. Riboflavin also helps in the prevention or treatment of many types of eye disorders, including some cases of cataracts.
| Trade Name | Riboflavin |
| Availability | Rx and/or OTC |
| Generic | Riboflavin |
| Riboflavin Other Names | Lactoflavin, Lactoflavine, Riboflavin, Riboflavina, Riboflavine, Riboflavinum, Vitamin B2, Vitamin Bi, Vitamin G |
| Related Drugs | ferrous sulfate, folic acid, ergocalciferol, acetylcysteine, biotin, thiamine, Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, multivitamin, Zinc |
| Weight | 5mg, 400mg, 100mg, 25mg, 50mg, 0.146% |
| Type | Tablet, Oral Capsule, Oral Tablet, Ophthalmic Solution |
| Formula | C17H20N4O6 |
| Weight | Average: 376.3639 Monoisotopic: 376.138284392 |
| Protein binding | 60% |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational, Nutraceutical, Vet approved |
| Therapeutic Class | Vitamin-B preparations |
| Manufacturer | Shreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Medicon Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Biogene Pharma Ltd, Bristol Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hudson Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Opsonin Pharma Ltd |
| Available Country | India, Bangladesh, United States |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Preventing and treating riboflavin deficiency and conditions related to riboflavin deficiency.
Cataracts, an eye disorder. People who eat more riboflavin as part of their diet seems to have a lower risk of developing cataracts. Also, taking supplements containing riboflavin plus niacin seems to help prevent cataracts.
High amounts of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia). Some people are unable to convert the chemical homocysteine into the amino acid methionine. People with this condition, especially those with low riboflavin levels, have high amounts of homocysteine in the blood. Taking riboflavin for 12 weeks seems to reduce homocysteine levels by up to 40% in some people with this condition. Also, certain antiseizure drugs can increase homocysteine in the blood. Taking riboflavin along with folic acid and pyridoxine seems to lower homocysteine levels by 26% in people with high homocysteine levels due to antiseizure drugs.
Migraine headaches. Taking high-dose riboflavin (400 mg/day) seems to significantly reduce the number of migraine headache attacks. However, taking riboflavin does not appear to reduce the amount of pain or the amount of time a migraine headache lasts. Also, taking lower doses of riboflavin (200 mg/day) does not seem to reduce the number of migraine headache attacks.
Riboflavin is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Ariboflavinosis, Beriberi, Constipation, Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Joint Pain, Metabolic cardiomyopathy, Migraine, Neuralgia, Peripheral neuritis, Peripheral paralysis, Soreness, Muscle, Vitamin B complex deficiency, Vitamin B1 deficiency, Vitamin Deficiency, Wernicke's encephalopathy, Dietary and Nutritional Therapies, Nutritional supplementation, Vitamin supplementation, Dietary supplementation
How Riboflavin works
Binds to riboflavin hydrogenase, riboflavin kinase, and riboflavin synthase. Riboflavin is the precursor of flavin mononucleotide (FMN, riboflavin monophosphate) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). The antioxidant activity of riboflavin is principally derived from its role as a precursor of FAD and the role of this cofactor in the production of the antioxidant reduced glutathione. Reduced glutathione is the cofactor of the selenium-containing glutathione peroxidases among other things. The glutathione peroxidases are major antioxidant enzymes. Reduced glutathione is generated by the FAD-containing enzyme glutathione reductase.
Dosage
Riboflavin dosage
For treating low levels of riboflavin (riboflavin deficiency) in adults: 5-30 mg of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) daily in divided doses.
For preventing migraine headaches: 400 mg of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) per day. It may take up to three months to get best results.
For preventing cataracts: a daily dietary intake of approximately 2.6 mg of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) has been used. A combination of 3 mg of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) plus 40 mg of niacin daily has also been used.
The daily recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) are:
- Infants 0-6 months: 0.3 mg
- Infants 7-12 months: 0.4 mg
- Children 1-3 years: 0.5 mg
- Children 4-8 years: 0.6 mg
- Children 9-13 years: 0.9 mg
- Men 14 years or older: 1.3 mg
- Women 14-18 years: 1 mg
- Women over 18 years: 1.1 mg
- Pregnant women: 1.4 mg
- Breastfeeding women: 1.6 mg
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Riboflavin may cause your urine to turn a yellow-orange color, but this is usually not a harmful side effect.
Interaction
Rate and extent of absorption may be affected by propantheline bromide.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Riboflavin Disease Interaction
Elimination Route
Vitamin B2 is readily absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Half Life
66-84 minutes
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Riboflavin is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant or breast-feeding women when taken in the amounts recommended. The recommended amounts are 1.4 mg per day for pregnant women and 1.6 mg per day in breast-feeding women. Riboflavin is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in larger doses, short-term. Some research shows that riboflavin is safe when taken at a dose of 15 mg once every 2 weeks for 10 weeks.
Storage Condition
Store at 15-30° C.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Riboflavin
FAQ
What is Riboflavin used for?
Riboflavin helps the body break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats to produce energy, and it allows oxygen to be used by the body. Riboflavin also used for the development and function of the skin, lining of the digestive tract, blood cells and other vital organs.
How safe is Riboflavin?
Riboflavin is considered safe at high doses because excess is disposed of through the urinary tract.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.
What are the common side effects of Riboflavin?
In some people, Riboflavin can cause the urine to turn a yellow-orange color. When taken in high doses, Riboflavin might cause diarrhea, an increase in urine, and other side effects.
Is Riboflavin safe during pregnancy?
Riboflavin is considered likely safe to use during pregnancy, but your dose needs may be different during this time. You should not use Riboflavin without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Riboflavin is considered possibly safe to use while nursing, and your dose needs may be different during this time.
Is Riboflavin safe during breastfeeding?
Riboflavin is not only safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, your doctor may suggest that you increase your intake.
How does alcohol affect Riboflavin?
Alcohol diminishes the bioavailability of both Riboflavin and FAD, which suggests a probable effect on intestinal absorption.
When should I take Riboflavin?
Riboflavin is best absorbed when taken between meals. People who do not eat a balanced diet every day may benefit from taking a multivitamin and mineral complex.
How long does it take for Riboflavin to work?
Riboflavin may take up to three months to get best results.
How often should I take Riboflavin?
Riboflavin should be taken on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowanc.
Does Riboflavin keep I awake?
Especially since taking one before bed can keep you awake.
Does Riboflavin cause weight gain?
The bottom line is, Riboflavin will not cause unwanted weight gain and if you are dieting, you should always take a daily MVM to help preserve muscle.
Can you overdose on Riboflavin?
excess Riboflavin or Riboflavin toxicity is rare. You'd have to eat almost impossibly large quantities of food to overdose on Riboflavin naturally. You could get too much Riboflavin through supplements in oral or injection form, but this is also rare because your body doesn't store the vitamin.
When is the best time to take Riboflavin?
Best time to take Riboflavin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Is Riboflavin good for headaches?
High doses of Riboflavin may help prevent migraine headaches.
What happens to your body if you don't get enough Riboflavin?
Riboflavin deficiency can cause skin disorders, sores at the corners of your mouth, swollen and cracked lips, hair loss, sore throat, liver disorders, and problems with your reproductive and nervous systems.
Can Riboflavin cause dizziness?
Riboflavin can causes dizziness also with other side effects.
Can Riboflavin cause high blood pressure?
Among those who were obese and taking antihypertensive medication, a higher Riboflavin intake was associated with a smaller increment in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure.
Who should not take Riboflavin?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What happens if I miss a dose of?
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose of Riboflavin?
When taken in high doses, Riboflavin might cause diarrhea, an increase in urine, and other side effects. Seek emergency medical attention.
