Riboflavin Benefits, Possible Side Effects, and Drug Interactions
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, has many health benefits. The body needs riboflavin for energy production, metabolism, growth, and the optimal function of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
Evidence suggests that riboflavin supplementation may help prevent migraines, sepsis, some eye diseases, diabetes-related heart disease, and possibly some cancers, and autism. Although there is no definitive evidence, some research suggests that vitamin B2 supplementation, along with vitamin B6 and magnesium, may significantly reduce levels of dicarboxylic acids in children with autism. Dicarboxylic acids are organic compounds produced by the breakdown of fat, which are higher in children with autism.
However, you should never take this supplement more than the dosage recommended by your doctor because it can lead to possible side effects and toxicity.
Food sources rich in riboflavin include liver, beef, veal, chicken, salmon, dairy products, grains, vegetables and fruits including mushrooms, spinach, apples. Riboflavin is also found in vitamin B-complex supplements.
Riboflavin is an essential part of two major enzymes called flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), whose roles in the body include:
Producing and maintaining energy levels in intracellular structures called mitochondria
Aiding in growth
Breaking down fats and other vitamins for absorption
Supporting eye, nerve, and skin health
Regulating voluntary and involuntary muscle function (including heart rate and blood pressure)
Helping maintain normal homocysteine levels
Daily intake of riboflavin for boys and girls
0 to 6 months: 0.3 mg
7 to 12 months: 0.4 mg
1 to 3 years: 0.5 mg
4 to 8 years: 0.6 mg
9 to 13 years: 0.9 mg
*Men, women, pregnant women, and lactating women 14 to 18 years: 1.3 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.4 mg, and 1.6 mg
*Men, women, pregnant women, and lactating women 19 to 50 years old: 1.3 mg, 1.1 mg, 1.4 mg, and 1.6 mg
*Men and women 50 years and older: 1.3 mg, 1.1 mg
No specific side effects are likely to occur with riboflavin, but if you experience stomach upset, bloating, itching, numbness, burning, yellow or orange urine, and severe sensitivity to light, see a doctor immediately.
High doses of vitamin B12 can also cause drug interactions. So be sure to check with your doctor before starting riboflavin supplements if you are taking any of the following medications:
Antibiotics such as tetracycline
Anticonvulsants such as Dilantin (phenytoin)
Antidepressants such as Tofranil (imipramine), Elavil (amitriptyline), or Pamelor (nortriptyline)
Antipsychotics such as Thorazine (chlorpromazine)
Diuretics/water pills such as Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide)
Doxorubicin (a chemotherapy drug)
Methotrexate (an immunosuppressant)
