Vitamin B2 Deficiency: Symptoms & Treatment

Also known as riboflavin, vitamin B2 is involved in many metabolic processes. Under normal circumstances, a deficiency of vitamin B2 can be avoided with a balanced diet. If deficiency symptoms do occur, this is usually due to an illness — and giving vitamin B2 supplements is the common way to correct it.

B2 deficiency at a glance

• Since vitamin B2 or riboflavin is found in numerous foods, a diet-related deficiency is rare.
• The possible causes of an undersupply include, for example, chronic intestinal diseases and excessive alcohol consumption.
• A riboflavin deficiency can be noticed, among other things, by inflamed skin and cracks in the corners of the mouth.
• To remedy an existing deficiency, a vitamin B2 preparation is used.
• If the body is still lacking other B vitamins, these may also have to be taken as dietary supplements.

What is the function of vitamin B2 in the body?

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is also known as riboflavin and has various functions in the body. Among other things, it contributes to the preservation of eyesight, skin and mucous membranes.

In addition, riboflavin is important for, for example:

• a normal energy-yielding metabolism,
• a normal metabolism of iron,
• the protection of the body’s cells from oxidative stress and
• a normal function of the psyche.

What is the daily requirement of riboflavin?

According to the reference values of the DGE (German Society for Nutrition), adult men need between 1 and 1.4 mg and women 1 to 1.1 mg of riboflavin per day. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the need for vitamin B2 in women is increased at 1.3 to 1.4 mg.

How does a vitamin B2 deficiency occur?

The daily dose recommended by the DGE can usually be absorbed well with the diet. At least in industrialized countries, nutrition-related undersupply is therefore rare. For Germany, for example, this is also confirmed by the results of the National Consumption Study II published in 2008. Instead of diet, a riboflavin deficiency can in most cases be traced back to a health problem.

The disease-related causes of inadequate care include:

• alcohol abuse,
• eating disorders,
• dialysis due to kidney disease,
• chronic intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease,
• chronic diseases of the liver and
• certain medications.

How does a vitamin B2 deficiency become noticeable?

A lack of riboflavin manifests itself through a variety of symptoms. In addition to anemia, its possible consequences mainly include problems with the mucous membranes and skin.

Typical symptoms of a riboflavin deficiency are, for example:

• inflammation of the oral mucous membranes,
• skin inflammation and pallor,
• cracked corners of the mouth and lips,
• a sore tongue,
• a sore mouth,
• scaly skin and
• eczema.

How is vitamin B2 deficiency diagnosed?

In order to diagnose a possible vitamin B2 or riboflavin deficiency, a urine test can be carried out in addition to a general examination. This involves checking how much riboflavin is excreted by the body in the urine. The results of the test, along with the symptoms, can help diagnose riboflavin deficiency.

How can a vitamin B2 deficiency be eliminated?

If there is actually an undersupply, this can be compensated for with a vitamin B2 supplement. The dietary supplement must be taken orally until the deficiency symptoms subside. Occasionally, vitamin B2 is also administered intravenously.

In addition to B2, the body often lacks other B vitamins. For this reason, it may be necessary to take several representatives of the vitamin B complex at the same time in order to successfully eliminate the symptoms.

How can vitamin B2 deficiency be avoided?

The development of a deficiency can be prevented mainly by the regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin B2. As long as it does not promote diseases, this is completely sufficient to avoid a riboflavin deficiency.

Where is a lot of vitamin B2 found?

Vitamin B2 is found in many animal and plant foods. Good sources of riboflavin include:

• milk and dairy products,
• meat and fish,
• green leafy vegetables such as spinach,
• lentils and other legumes,
• mushrooms and
• eggs.

What happens in the event of an overdose?

Riboflavin usually does not cause side effects, even in very high doses. If you ingest too much of it, the body simply excretes it with the urine. The EU authority responsible for food safety, EFSA, has not yet set a maximum daily dose due to a lack of data.

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommends maximum levels for many B vitamins such as vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 in food supplements and fortified foods. In the case of riboflavin, it has so far refrained from doing so.

How useful are dietary supplements for prevention?

Most people can do without a vitamin B2 supplement. If you are healthy and eat a balanced diet of plant and animal products, you can usually rely on a sufficient intake. For risk groups such as people with chronic intestinal diseases, however, taking it can be a useful preventive measure.

Important to know

Are you not a specialist and have complaints, certain diseases or suspect deficiency symptoms? Then please be sure to consult a doctor to discuss this.