Riboflavin

Studies in people

• Benefit

  Women's fertility²

  In women, eating more riboflavin was linked to a lower chance of infertility, though this shows only a connection.

• Benefit

  Dementia risk in later life³

  In Japanese adults, eating more riboflavin was linked to fewer cases of disabling dementia.

Animal and lab studies only

• Benefit

  Gut inflammation in mice⁷

  In animal studies, riboflavin and bacteria that make it reduced gut damage and inflammation in mice with colitis.

Study type not stated

• Benefit

  Cancer risk and body protection⁴

  Riboflavin may help lower the risk of some cancers and protect the body in other ways.

• Concern

  Vitamin deficiency signs⁵

  Not getting enough riboflavin can cause anaemia, high blood pressure and skin and mouth problems.

• Concern

  How the body absorbs it⁶

  Riboflavin is taken in through the gut, and not getting enough affects iron absorption and other body processes.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.