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Overview: Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is commonly used to increase vitamin B2 levels. It is available in a variety of forms over the counter as a dietary supplement. Riboflavin is usually well tolerated. Before taking riboflavin, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is riboflavin used for?

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is commonly used for the following reasons.

  • To prevent or treat low vitamin B2 levels from various causes
  • To prevent migraines

Riboflavin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed riboflavin for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does riboflavin work (mechanism of action)?

Riboflavin is vitamin B2. This vitamin plays an important role in helping your cells grow and function properly. Your body also uses vitamin B2 to help produce energy.

In the United States, most people get enough vitamin B2 from their diet. It is found in eggs, meats, milk, mushrooms, and spinach. It is also found in many fortified cereals and breads. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of vitamin B2 is 1.1 to 1.3 milligrams (mg). However, some people either do not get enough from their diet or have trouble absorbing it. When this happens, you can take riboflavin to replace what you are not getting from your diet.

Taking riboflavin may help prevent migraines in some people who have regular migraines. But it may not be helpful for everyone, and it is not entirely clear how riboflavin works for this use.

How is riboflavin supplied (dosage forms)?

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms.

Riboflavin is also found as an ingredient in other supplements, such as some multivitamins and B-complex vitamins.

How should I store riboflavin?

You should store riboflavin according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of riboflavin?

Riboflavin is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of riboflavin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of riboflavin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of riboflavin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Riboflavin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking riboflavin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use riboflavin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take riboflavin.

  • Riboflavin
  • Riboflavin-5’-phosphate
  • Vitamin B2
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific riboflavin products they stock.

What should I know about riboflavin before using it?

Riboflavin is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep riboflavin out of the reach of children.

If you are taking riboflavin as a gummy, chew the gummy well before swallowing. If you are taking a liquid riboflavin product, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

The FDA has not tested riboflavin products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using riboflavin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know whether riboflavin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • A rare condition called riboflavin transporter deficiency (Fazio-Londe syndrome)
  • Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
  • Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
  • Follow a diet that avoids dairy products, such as milk

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take riboflavin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Riboflavin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take riboflavin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does riboflavin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between riboflavin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect riboflavin.

Does riboflavin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between riboflavin and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between riboflavin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with riboflavin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking riboflavin with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much riboflavin?

If you or someone else has used too much riboflavin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of riboflavin?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.