Riboflavin

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is a vitamin in the vitamin B complex. It is needed to help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to be used by the body.

Common sources of riboflavin include:

The recommended dietary requirement (RDA) for riboflavin is 1.3 mg for adult men and 1.1 mg for adult women. Women who are pregnant need 1.4 mg a day, and women who are breast-feeding need 1.6 mg a day.

Insufficient riboflavin in the diet (which is very uncommon) can lead to health problems, including skin and vaginal itching, trembling, sluggishness, dizziness, and clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract).

Credits

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: February 4, 2011
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator

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