Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Coenzyme in energy, fat and drug metabolism.

Swiss reference value

Switzerland age 18–65: 1.6 mg/day.

Good food sources

Dairy, eggs, meat, almonds, mushrooms, whole grains and fortified foods.

When intake or status is low

Cracked mouth corners, inflamed lips/tongue, skin changes and anaemia can occur.

Long-term health connections

Isolated deficiency is rare and often occurs with other nutrient deficiencies.

Skin, hair and nails

Mouth corners and tongue can offer clues but also change with iron, folate or B12 deficiency.

Who is more at risk

Very limited diets, vegan diets without fortified foods, malabsorption and alcohol dependence.

How to assess it

Assess diet and possible combined deficiencies.

Supplements: when to consider

Usually obtainable from food; supplement when intake or status is inadequate.

Too much and safety

No known relevant food toxicity; bright-yellow urine after supplements is harmless.

International reference systems