•  
  •  

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:

  • Meats (especially liver and kidney) and fish.
  • Milk, cheese, and eggs.
  • Green leafy vegetables.
  • Whole grains and legumes.

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).

Last Revised: February 4, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.