B2 - riboflavin

Question 1

What role does Riboflavin play in metabolism?

Answer 1

Riboflavin plays a major role in metabolism of macronutrients for energy and in antioxidant pathways, particularly the glutathione pathway.

Question 2

What is the recommended daily intake (RDI) of Riboflavin for children and females over 70?

Answer 2

Children less than 1 mg/day; 1.3 mg/day for females over 70.

Question 3

What are the supplemental forms of Riboflavin?

Answer 3

Riboflavin and riboflavin sodium phosphate.

Question 4

Can Riboflavin be synthesized by the body?

Answer 4

Riboflavin may be synthesized by microflora.

Question 5

What environmental factor is Riboflavin sensitive to?

Answer 5

UV light.

Question 6

What is the required dosage for mild and severe Riboflavin deficiency?

Answer 6

Mild deficiency requires 10-25 mg/day; severe deficiency requires 300-400 mg/day.

Question 7

What is the active form of Riboflavin?

Answer 7

Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD).

Question 8

What are the functions of FAD in the body?

Answer 8

• Energy production
• Growth and development
• Maintenance
• Co-factor for the active form of B6
• Required for biochemical pathways like the Tryptophan pathway
• Needed for DNA synthesis and cell growth
• Promotes iron absorption and use.

Question 9

How does FAD contribute to antioxidant protection?

Answer 9

FAD converts oxidized glutathione back into its active form.

Question 10

What health benefits does Riboflavin support?

Answer 10

• Detoxification
• Prevention of cataracts and migraines.

Question 11

What factors increase the demand for Riboflavin?

Answer 11

• Pregnancy and lactation
• Alcoholism
• Chronic illness and infections
• Medications (e.g., diuretics, insulin, antidepressants, chemotherapy, oral contraceptives)
• Physiological and psychological trauma and stress.

Question 12

What are the signs and symptoms of Riboflavin deficiency?

Answer 12

• Inflammation of eyes, skin, mouth, and GI
• Glossitis (red smooth tongue)
• Stomatitis (cracks in mouth corners)
• Rough dry skin around nose, eyes, and genitals
• Numbness, pins and needles, burning skin
• Night blindness
• Red, itchy, inflamed eyelids
• Poor distance vision
• Anemia, fatigue, lethargy, depression, weakness.

Question 13

What are some food sources of Riboflavin?

Answer 13

• Yeast extract
• Mushrooms
• Dairy
• Eggs.

Question 14

Is Riboflavin safe in high doses?

Answer 14

Yes, there are no upper limits.