Riboflavin Vitamin B2 Deficiency - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Riboflavin deficiency

Riboflavin deficiency is almost always due to dietary deficiency. The requirement for riboflavin is increased during pregnancy and lactation and possibly by heavy exercise. The use of phenothiazines and antibiotics also appears to increase the need for riboflavin. Milk, other dairy products, and enriched breads and cereals are the most important dietary sources of riboflavin in the United States, although lean meat, fish, eggs, broccoli, and legumes are also good sources. Riboflavin is extremely sensitive to light, and milk should be stored in containers that protect against photodegradation. In non-milk-drinking societies (e.g., Central America), the laboratory diagnosis of riboflavin deficiency is common.