RIBOFLAVIN – VITAMIN B2 functions, sources, deficiency and requirements

Vitamin found in food and sold as a dietary supplement
All B vitamins help the body to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy.
These B vitamins, often referred to as B-complex vitamins, also help the body metabolize fats and protein.

1. RIBOFLAVIN –VITAMIN B2
R.Subha, M.Sc., M.Phil., D.C.T.,
Assistant Professor of Home Science

2. Riboflavin, Vitamin B₂,
•Vitamin found in food and sold as a dietary
supplement
•All B vitamins help the body to convert food
(carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is
used to produce energy.
•These B vitamins, often referred to as B-
complex vitamins, also help the body
metabolize fats and protein.

3. FUNCTIONS
•Involvedinregulatoryfunctionsofhormones
involvedinCHOmetabolism
•RETINAcontainsfreeriboflavin,whichis
convertedbylighttoacompoundinvolvedin
stimulationofopticnerve
•Playsanimportantroleinmanyenzyme
systemsinvolvedinmetabolismofCHO,fat
andProtein.
•InvolvedintheformationofRBCinthebone
marrow

4. Deficiency
•Swelling of lips with cheilosis
•Angular stomatitis
•Glossitis
•Itching, burning and watery eyes
•Scrotal dermatitis

5. Sources
•Rich sources -Fleshy foods –liver, egg,
skimmed milk powder & milk products
•Good sources –Milk, Meat, fish, whole
cereals, legumes, dals, oilseeds, nuts and leafy
vegetables
•Fair sources –millet cereals & flours, roots
and tubers and other vegetables

6. Requirements
Man
•Sedentary man –2.0mg
•Moderate worker –2.5mg
•Heavy worker –3.2mg
Female
•Sedentary woman –1.9mg
•Moderate worker –2.4mg
•Heavy worker –3.1mg
•Pregnant woman –2.7mg
•Lactating woman
0-6 months –3.0mg
•Lactating woman
6 –12 months –2.9 mg
Infants
0-6 months –0.4mg
6 –12 months –0.6mg
Children
1-3 yrs –0.9mg
4-6 yrs –1.3mg
7 –9 yrs –1.6mg
Boys (10-12yrs) –2.1mg
Girls (10-12 yrs) –1.9mg
Boys (13-15yrs) –2.7mg
Girls (13-15 yrs) –2.2 mg
Boys (16-18yrs) –3.1mg
Girls (16-18 yrs) –2.3 mg

7. Thank You