What is the recommended daily dose of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) for an 11-year-old boy?

Riboflavin Dose for an 11-Year-Old Boy

An 11-year-old boy should receive 1.4 mg of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) daily, which is the standard recommended dose for children in this age group receiving parenteral nutrition. 1

Dosing Recommendations

Standard Daily Dose

• Children over 12 months and up to adolescence: 1.4 mg/day 1
• This recommendation applies whether the child is receiving parenteral nutrition or oral supplementation 1
• The dose remains consistent across the pediatric age range beyond infancy, with no weight-based adjustments typically required 1

Context-Specific Considerations

For Parenteral Nutrition:

• If the 11-year-old is receiving parenteral nutrition, the recommended dose is 1.4 mg/day of riboflavin 1
• This dose should be added to the lipid emulsion or a mixture containing lipids to increase vitamin stability 1
• Daily administration is preferred over intermittent dosing to avoid transient high levels 1

For Oral Supplementation:

• The same 1.4 mg/day dose applies for oral intake 1
• This dose is considered more than necessary but remains recommended due to lack of toxicity and absence of studies defining exact requirements 1

Important Clinical Considerations

Safety Profile

• Riboflavin has no known toxicity at recommended doses 1
• The 1.4 mg/day dose has been used safely in pediatric populations without adverse effects 1
• Data on signs and symptoms of riboflavin toxicity in children is insufficient, but the recommended dose is well below any concerning threshold 1

Photodegradation Risk

• Riboflavin is rapidly photodegraded in parenteral nutrition solutions 1
• Loss through photo-degradation can be as high as 65% 1
• This loss can be reduced by 50% by adding the water-soluble vitamin solution to the lipid solution, and further reduced by using dark tubing 1
• Photo-degradation products of riboflavin may be a source of oxidant cell injury 1

Monitoring

• Routine monitoring of riboflavin concentrations is not recommended due to lack of evidence for adequate benefits 1
• For patients on long-term parenteral nutrition (weeks), monitoring may be needed based on clinical indications 1
• The erythrocyte glutathione reductase test (EGRAC) can assess riboflavin status if deficiency is suspected 1

Clinical Manifestations of Deficiency

Watch for these signs if inadequate riboflavin intake is suspected:

• Hyperemia of mucous membranes 1
• Stomatitis and dermatitis 1
• Ocular disturbances 1
• Anemia 1
• Impaired function of vitamin B6 and niacin (riboflavin is essential for their proper functioning) 1

Relationship to Other Nutrients

• Riboflavin requirements are associated with protein intake 1
• Riboflavin participates in energy metabolism 1
• Adequate riboflavin is necessary for proper functioning of vitamin B6 and niacin 1