If by some chance you’ve stumbled across the word ‘riboflavin’ before and know what it means, then hats off to you. But if not, don’t worry! We recognise that it’s hardly something that comes up in everyday conversation. That being said, it is, in fact, a rather important vitamin that comes from a lot of the foods we eat, and it plays a critical role in helping the body to function properly.

So, let’s go into more detail and find out exactly what it is and why it’s important for your child’s health.

What is riboflavin and why is it so important?

Riboflavin is a vitamin of the B complex that proves essential when it comes to metabolic energy production. It is present in a variety of foods, from milk, liver, and eggs, to green vegetables and cereals. Riboflavin also goes by the name vitamin B2.

Riboflavin's primary role is to support metabolism, helping us access the energy we need from the food that makes up our diets. It does so by helping the body to break down the three macronutrients – protein, carbohydrate, and fat – and turning them into energy.

Now hopefully you have a somewhat better understanding of this funny-sounding word, what it is, and why it’s important, but what happens if your child isn’t getting enough? And how will you know if this proves to be the case?

What happens if my child isn’t getting enough riboflavin?

While the initial signs of deficiency are nonspecific and mild, they can eventually lead to the following:

Pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx – part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity – which causes discomfort, pain, and difficulty swallowing).

Cheilosis (a medical condition, in which the corners of the mouth become inflamed so that they may crack and bleed).

Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue).

Seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that affects the scalp and results in scaly skin).

Riboflavin deficiency has also been linked to celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and children who have undergone bariatric surgery (surgery that sees the removal of part of the stomach).

Deficiency is assessed through a urine or blood sample, with results typically coming back in 24 hours.

Now, we know that this all sounds a little frightening, but should you notice any of the above symptoms, there is a treatment. If a child is diagnosed with riboflavin deficiency, the treatment is 1 mg of riboflavin, taken orally three times a day, until the signs of deficiency resolve.

But so long as your child is eating a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, eggs, milk, and cereals, they should be getting their fill of this important vitamin. If you do notice any symptoms or if you’re feeling at all concerned, don’t hesitate to contact a medical professional.

What is riboflavin, and how much does my child need?