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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).

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Last Revised February 4, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 04, 2011
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