Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a vitamin found in food and used as a dietary supplement. As a supplement it is used to prevent and treat riboflavin deficiency and prevent migraines. It may be given by mouth or injection.

It is nearly always well tolerated. Normal doses are safe during pregnancy. Riboflavin is in the vitamin B group of vitamins. It is required by the body for cellular respiration.

Food sources include eggs, green vegetables, milk and other dairy product, meat, mushrooms, and almonds. Some countries require its addition to grains.

As of 2017, riboflavin was not available as a generic medication in the United States.

History

Riboflavin was discovered in 1920, isolated in 1933, and first made in 1935.

Medical uses

Riboflavin is used for preventing and treating riboflavin deficiency and preventing migraines.

Side effects

High doses may turn urine bright yellow, but this is harmless and will go away after the body has used what it needs.

Interactions

Riboflavin may interact with other medications, including some antidepressants and migraine medications.

Dietary sources

Riboflavin is found in various foods, including:

• Milk and other dairy products
• Eggs
• Green leafy vegetables
• Lean meats
• Legumes
• Nuts

Deficiency

Riboflavin deficiency (ariboflavinosis) is rare and is usually seen along with other types of vitamin B deficiency. Symptoms include sore throat, redness and swelling of the lining of the mouth and throat, cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis), inflammation and redness of the tongue (magenta tongue) and a moist, scaly skin inflammation (seborrheic dermatitis).

Overdose

There is no known toxicity of riboflavin. Because riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are excreted by the body in the urine.

See also

• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B7
• Vitamin B9
• Vitamin B12

Vitamin B2 Resources
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