Adolescents & young adults may be at risk of deficiency?

Whilst deficiency of this non toxic vitamin is extremely rare, recent data suggests up to 70% of 15 - 18y olds may have suboptimal riboflavin status, particularly so for females.

Sources of the vitamin are milk products, cereals & vegetables. Altered dietary habits in this age group are likely to account for the finding.

Intake studies in general support the findings with little difference noted between average & high-income families

As such the free-living elderly have better status of this vitamin than young females in the UK.

Lower riboflavin status may contribute to increased risks of -

Hyperhomocystinaemia (vitamin B2 FAD dependent pathway)
Iron deficiency (FAD may also affect iron (Fe) handling).

Vitamin B2