Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is considered a safe supplement since it is a water-soluble vitamin and excess riboflavin leaves the body through urine; however, riboflavin deficiency can cause severe side effects. Since riboflavin is available is many types of food, such as dairy, meat and dark green vegetables, deficiencies are not found often in the United States, but may be more prevalent elsewhere. The "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests that any restrictive diet due to a food allergy may risk possible riboflavin deficiency. Thus, anyone with a controlled diet should be aware of the signs and symptoms of riboflavin deficiency.
Skin Disorders
Riboflavin deficiency may lead to skin rashes in the groin area, skin pealing and red or itchy skin in general, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Skin disorders are often the first sign of riboflavin deficiency since sunlight has the ability to destroy riboflavin. Riboflavin supplements may reverse these side effects and also promote healthy hair growth and survival. You should always consult a physician before taking any supplement.
Anemia
A clinical trial reported in the journal "Blood" notes that eight adult males deprived of riboflavin in their diets developed reticulocytopenia and normocytic anemia. Reticulocytopenia refers to abnormal loss of reticulocytes, which are immature blood cells. Normocytic anemia refers to lower quality hemoglobin with fewer red blood cells The anemia and loss of immature blood cells were reversed with riboflavin supplements.
Cleft Lip or Palate
A report in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicates that pregnant women who have only moderate to low riboflavin intact may become riboflavin deficient in the third trimester of pregnancy. This deficiency has loosely been correlated with the presence of cleft palates born to mothers deficient in riboflavin. It must be noted that these mothers also were deficient in other essential vitamins so the actual cause of cleft lip or palate is still unclear.
Excess Riboflavin
Riboflavin may cause your urine to change into a harmless yellow-orange color, notes Drugs.com. Even though this change may be alarming, it has no actual effect on body function. Since riboflavin is water-soluble, excess riboflavin leaves your system through urine and the color change effect goes away as soon as the excess riboflavin has cleared your system.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Riboflavin
- "Blood";The Anemia of Human Riboflavin Deficiency, M; Lane et al.;1965
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) and health; H. Powers; 2003
- Drugs.com: Riboflavin
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