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 daily requirement for riboflavin is 1.7mg for adult men and 1.3mg for adult women. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding need more than this requirement.
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).
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator |
| Last Updated | February 23, 2007 |