From the Guidelines
Medications such as psychotropic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, or barbiturates, as well as conditions like malabsorption, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, renal disease, and alcoholism, can reduce riboflavin levels. According to the espen micronutrient guideline 1, patients at risk of deficiency are those with malabsorption, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, renal disease, alcoholism, and in pregnancy, lactation, and in the elderly. Additionally, patients with surgery, trauma, burns, or fractures, and patients on certain medications are also at risk.
Some key points to consider include:
- Medications that can deplete riboflavin include psychotropic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, and barbiturates 1
- Conditions that may reduce riboflavin levels include malabsorption syndromes like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic diarrhea, liver disorders, and diabetes 1
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding increase riboflavin requirements, potentially leading to deficiency if intake isn't adjusted 1
- Excessive consumption of coffee, tea, and alcohol can interfere with riboflavin absorption, although this is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, it is a known fact in general medicine knowledge
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also degrade riboflavin in the body, however this is also not mentioned in the provided evidence but is relevant in the context of real-life clinical medicine
It is essential to note that the main sources of riboflavin are enriched and fortified grains, cereals, and bakery products; meats, dairy products, fatty fish, eggs, and dark-green vegetables 1. People with risk factors should consider increasing riboflavin-rich foods in their diet or taking supplements, especially if they show symptoms of deficiency such as cracked lips, inflammation of the tongue, or skin disorders. The recommended daily dose of riboflavin is 1.3 mg for males, 1.1 mg for females, and 1.4 mg and 1.6 mg during pregnancy and lactation, respectively 1.
From the Research
Factors that Can Reduce Riboflavin Levels
- Certain medications and medical conditions can affect riboflavin levels in the body, although specific details are not provided in the available studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Conditions such as Crohn's disease may lead to reduced riboflavin levels due to impaired intestinal absorption 2
- Riboflavin deficiency can be caused by a diet low in riboflavin-rich foods, such as milk, dairy products, meat, and dark-green vegetables 4
- Biochemical signs of depletion can arise within a few days of dietary deprivation, and poor riboflavin status may interfere with iron handling and contribute to the etiology of anemia 4
Health Risks Associated with Low Riboflavin Levels
- Low riboflavin status has been linked to various health risks, including anemia, cancer, and cardiovascular disease 3, 4, 5
- Riboflavin deficiency may also exert effects by reducing the metabolism of other B vitamins, notably folate and vitamin B-6 4
- Additionally, riboflavin deficiency has been implicated as a risk factor for certain neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, migraine, and multiple sclerosis 5