VITAMIN B2

RIBOFLAVIN
NATASHA LONDON DH1

What is Riboflavin and

what does it do?
Riboflavin is:
water soluble vitamin
found in small amounts in a variety
of foods
an antioxidant

Riboflavin provides:

Free radicals are molecules that damage the DNA of

other molecules in the body.

systemic energy production

cellular growth
synthesis of niacin
protection against free radicals
metabolizes carbohydrates,
fats, and proteins (essential)

More characteristics

heat stable, cooking has little to no effect

exposure to alkali or light can deteriorate the
vitamin
may be prescribed for certain conditions and
deficiency
best source of the vitamin is by maintaining a
healthy diet
easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract
needs to be consumed daily to maintain healthy
levels, only small amounts necessary
not stored in the body

Sources of Riboflavin

Fish
Almonds

Mushrooms

Organ
meats
Eggs

Dark leafy greens

Oral implications of the

deficiency and excess

Extreme deficiency can cause

fissures in the corners of the mouth,
seborrheic dermatitis, and glossitis.

There are no findings that suggest toxicity issues

from excess consumption of riboflavin.
Sustained, high doses, however, may cause
polyuria and disrupt the absorption of other B
vitamins.

More conditions associated

with riboflavin deficiency

Keratitis

Angular chelitis
Seborrheic dermatitis

Deficiency occurs mostly in:

Older people
Pregnancy
Acutely malnourished
Excessive alcohol drinkers
Post-surgery patients
Infants

Medical management of
deficiency condition/syndrome

Therapy in replacing the

deficient vitamin with
supplements is an option and
recommended.

The patients health

professional should determine
the need and the amount of
riboflavin to be used for
therapeutic purposes.

Dental and oral hygiene treatment

considerations or modifications

There are no adverse effects on dental treatment for a

patient that is taking a riboflavin supplement.

Depending on the severity of oral conditions caused by a

riboflavin deficiency, the patient may or may not be in a
healthful enough condition to undergo oral hygiene
treatment.

If the stomatitis or glossitis is painful, the patient may want

to wait until they seek a medical doctors treatment for
those conditions.

They may want to come in for short, multiple appointments.

Need for nutritional counseling

and/or referral(s)

Encouraging the patient to keep a food

diary may be in order. (Reviewing the
dairy would be imperative to the success
to the nutritional counseling.)
Assist the patient in setting realistic
goals to change dietary habits.
Refer the patient to their doctor if
angular stomatitis, seborrhea, or
glossitis is detected.

Conclusion

Riboflavin is an integral component to everyday healthy living,

cell growth and energy

Helps metabolize and synthesize other nutrients

Augments oxygen use in the body

Can be found in a variety of foods which can be easily accessed

if a balanced diet is maintained

Deficiency of the nutrient is rare, however, dental health

professionals should be aware of the signs and symptoms as the
gingiva, tongue, mucosa, hard and soft palate can be affected

Works Cited

"Drugs and Supplements: Riboflavin." Mayo Clinic. Thomson Healthcare Inc., 01 Nov. 2013. Web. 05 May
2014. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/riboflavin-oral-route/description/drg-20065810>.

Duyff, Roberta Larson. "Vitamins, Minerals, and Phytonutrients: Variety on Your Plate!" American Dietetic
Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. 4th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012. 130-31. Print.

Kirschmann, John D. "Nutrients." Nutrition Almanac. Sixth ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2007. N. pag. 2930. Print.

"Riboflavin." Alternative Medicine Review 13.4 (2008): 334-340. CINAHL with Full Text. Web. 06 May
2014.