Nicus
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

​​​​​​​​The Nutrition Information Centr​e ​​of the 
University of Stellenbosch​ (NICUS)

Nutrients

​Vitamin​s: Riboflavin


What is it? 

Riboflavin is a water-soluble B-vitamin, also known as vitamin B2. 
 
Functions - what does it do? 

Riboflavin is an integral component of the coenzymes that participate in many energy-yielding metabolic pathways. They promote the first steps in the metabolism (breakdown and production) of glucose and of fatty acids. The metabolism of some vitamins and minerals also require riboflavin.  ​


Requirements - How much do we need?  

Recommended Dietary Allowance*

(mg/day)

Life-Stage (years)

Males

Females

0 - 0.5 (0 - 6 months)

0.3#

0.3#

0.5 - 1 (7 - 12 months)

0.4#

0.4#

1 - 3

0.5

0.5

4 - 8

0.6

0.6

9 - 13

0.9

0.9

14 - 18

1.3

1.1

Ages 19+

1.3

1.1

Life-Stage (years)

Pregnancy

Lactation

18 and younger

1.4

1.6

19 - 30

1.4

1.6

Ages 31 - 50

1.4

1.6

*The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in each life-stage and gender group.
​#Ad
equate Intakes (AI) are used as no RDA is established. The AI is a recommended daily intake level based on observed or experimentally determined approximations of nutrient intake by a group of healthy people who are assumed to be maintaining an adequate nutritional state.​

Sources - Where is it found? 

Riboflavin is widely distributed in small amounts in foods.

​​

Nutrient Density

High

Medium

Low

Good sources

Milk (fresh, canned, or dried), Cheddar cheese, Cottage cheese

Other sources

Organ meats, Lean meats, Eggs, Green leafy vegetables, Enriched breads & cereals

Deficiency - When you have too little 
 
Deficiency of riboflavin, when it occurs is usually in combination with deficiency of other water-soluble vitamins, such as thiamin, vitamin B6, and folate, and therefore may be difficult to identify. 

Symptoms associated with riboflavin deficiency include the inflammation of the mouth and tongue, cracks or sores on the outsides of the lips (cheilosis) and at the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), various eye disorders, sensitivity to the sun, and confusion. 
 
Toxicity - When you have too much 
 
There is no known toxicity level for riboflavin. 

Upper Limit+

(mg/day)

Life-Stage (years)

Males

Females

All ages

ND

ND

Life-Stage (years)

Pregnancy

Lactation

All ages

ND

ND

+Upper Limits (UL) = The maximum level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Unless otherwise specified, the UL represents total intake from food, water, and supplements.

ND = Not determinable due to lack of data of adverse effects in this age group and concern with regard to lack of ability to handle excess amounts. Source of intake should be from food only to prevent high levels of intake.​