In humans, there is no evidence for riboflavin toxicity produced by excessive intakes and absorption becomes less efficient as dosage increases. Any excess riboflavin is excreted via the kidneys into urine, resulting in a bright yellow color known as flavinuria. The National Academy of Medicine updated the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for riboflavin in 1998. The EARs[update] for riboflavin for women and men aged 14 and over are 0.9 mg/day and 1.1 mg/day, respectively; the King’s Chip casino RDAs are 1.1 and 1.3 mg/day, respectively. RDAs are higher than EARs to provide adequate intake levels for individuals with higher than average requirements. As for safety, the IOM sets tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for vitamins and minerals when evidence is sufficient.

Contraindications for Riboflavin Use

In addition to its function as a vitamin, it is used as a food coloring agent. Always discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your healthcare provider. If you have any of the following conditions, riboflavin may not be safe for you.

Diabetes and Heart Health

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• There is growing evidence that riboflavin exerts a protective effect against certain types of cancer.

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• In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications.

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• In humans, there is no evidence for riboflavin toxicity produced by excessive intakes and absorption becomes less efficient as dosage increases.

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• Free riboflavin is naturally present in animal-sourced foods along with protein-bound FMN and FAD.
• Always discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your healthcare provider.
• If you have any of the following conditions, riboflavin may not be safe for you.

Most riboflavin is used immediately and not stored in the body, so excess amounts are excreted in the urine. An excess of dietary riboflavin, usually from supplements, can cause urine to become bright yellow. In the early 1900s, several research laboratories were investigating constituents of foods, essential to maintain growth in rats.

Other Questions About Vitamin B2

If the vitamin is exposed to too much light, it can be deactivated from its usable form. The PRI during pregnancy is 1.9 mg/day and the PRI for lactating females is 2.0 mg/day. For children aged 1–14 years the PRIs increase with age from 0.6 to 1.4 mg/day.

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• As for safety, the IOM sets tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for vitamins and minerals when evidence is sufficient.

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• Breastfeeding mothers may require slightly higher amounts of riboflavin, but excessive supplementation should be avoided.

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• Riboflavin exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects that appear to temper the overreactive immune response.

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• Yes, riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is generally safe when taken in recommended amounts.
• In the case of riboflavin there is no UL, as there is no human data for adverse effects from high doses.

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• Because riboflavin assists many enzymes with various daily functions throughout the body, a deficiency can lead to health problems.

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Pharmacologic Category of Riboflavin

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• An excess of dietary riboflavin, usually from supplements, can cause urine to become bright yellow.

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• Animal studies show that the brain and heart disorders and some cancers can develop from long-term riboflavin deficiency.

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• Riboflavin works to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation of nerves, which are contributors to migraine headaches.

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• Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a vitamin found in food and sold as a dietary supplement.

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• Riboflavin deficiency is usually found together with other nutrient deficiencies, particularly of other water-soluble vitamins.

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• People with physically demanding lives, such as athletes and laborers, may require higher riboflavin intake.

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In 1938, Richard Kuhn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on vitamins, which had included B2 and B6. Women fed a diet low in riboflavin developed stomatitis and other signs of deficiency, which were reversed when treated with synthetic riboflavin. Riboflavin deficiency is usually found together with other nutrient deficiencies, particularly of other water-soluble vitamins. Secondary deficiencies are typically caused by the body not being able to use the vitamin, or by an increased rate of excretion of the vitamin. Diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes may cause or exacerbate riboflavin deficiency. Riboflavin deficiency is rare and is usually accompanied by deficiencies of other vitamins and nutrients.

Recommended Amounts

Because riboflavin assists many enzymes with various daily functions throughout the body, a deficiency can lead to health problems. Animal studies show that the brain and heart disorders and some cancers can develop from long-term riboflavin deficiency. Riboflavin regulates circulating levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that enters the diet from animal protein foods like meat.
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Riboflavin (Vitamin B : Benefits, Uses, and Dosage Guidelines

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For U.S. food and dietary supplement labeling purposes the amount in a serving is expressed as a percent of Daily Value (%DV). A table of the old and new adult daily values is provided at Reference Daily Intake. FAD contributes to the conversion of tryptophan to niacin (vitamin B3) and the conversion of vitamin B6 to the coenzyme pyridoxal 5′-phosphate requires FMN.
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Related MedlinePlus Health Topics

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An EGRAC of 1.0 to 1.2 indicates that adequate amounts of riboflavin are present; 1.2 to 1.4 is considered low, greater than 1.4 indicates deficient. Urinary excretion load tests have been used to determine dietary requirements. Dietary deficiency of riboflavin can decrease the production of NAD and NADP, thereby promoting niacin deficiency. Conversion of vitamin B6 to its coenzyme, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, involves the enzyme, pyridoxine 5′-phosphate oxidase, which requires FMN. Unlike folate and vitamin B6, which occur in several chemically related forms known as vitamers, riboflavin is only one chemical compound.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dose. There is growing evidence that riboflavin exerts a protective effect against certain types of cancer. A diet rich in vitamin B2 and other B-complex vitamins may lower your risk of cataracts.
The RDA is the intake that meets the nutrient requirements of 97% to 98% of the U.S. population. Riboflavin works to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation of nerves, which are contributors to migraine headaches. Therefore riboflavin has been studied as a prophylactic therapy for preventing migraines. The erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGRAC) provides a measure of tissue saturation and long-term riboflavin status.