What Decreases Riboflavin Levels in the Body?

December 28, 2025 •

2 min read

According to research from Ulster University, deficient riboflavin status may be more common than previously recognized, especially among certain populations. Many factors, from dietary choices to medications and underlying health conditions, can decrease riboflavin levels, posing significant health risks if unaddressed.

Quick Summary

Several factors can decrease the body's riboflavin levels, including inadequate dietary intake, certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, and malabsorption conditions. The guide explores these causes in detail, identifies at-risk groups, and provides strategies for prevention.

Key Points

Dietary Deficiencies: Insufficient intake of riboflavin-rich foods, especially with restrictive diets like strict veganism or due to conditions like anorexia, is a primary cause of low levels.
Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption impairs both the absorption and metabolism of riboflavin, leading to a higher risk of deficiency.
Medications: Drugs such as oral contraceptives, certain anticonvulsants, and some psychotropic medications can interfere with riboflavin's absorption and conversion into its active forms.
Malabsorption Disorders: Medical conditions affecting the small intestine, including celiac disease and Crohn's disease, can significantly reduce the body's ability to absorb riboflavin.
Increased Physiological Needs: Life stages like pregnancy and lactation, as well as high-intensity athletic activity, increase the body's demand for riboflavin, raising the risk of deficiency if intake is not adjusted.
Photosensitivity: Riboflavin is degraded by light exposure; this affects its content in foods exposed to light and can potentially play a role in physiological levels.
Genetic Factors: Rare genetic conditions, such as Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome (BVVL), can impair the transport of riboflavin within the body.

Introduction to Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin vital for cellular function and energy production. It is crucial for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and is a key component of coenzymes FAD and FMN. Since the body stores limited amounts and excretes excess, a continuous supply is needed. Low riboflavin, or ariboflavinosis, can lead to various health issues, including skin problems and anemia. Identifying the causes of low riboflavin is important for maintaining good health.

Factors Affecting Riboflavin Levels

Dietary and Lifestyle Influences

Insufficient dietary intake is a primary reason for low riboflavin. Diets low in dairy, meat, and green vegetables, restrictive diets like veganism (if not properly supplemented), excessive alcohol consumption, and conditions causing very low caloric intake like anorexia can decrease levels. Riboflavin's sensitivity to light can also affect its availability.

Medical Conditions

Malabsorption syndromes (like celiac or IBD), chronic diarrhea, and rare genetic disorders (such as Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome) can impair riboflavin absorption.

Medications

Certain medications, including some anticonvulsants, psychotropic drugs (like tricyclic antidepressants), oral contraceptives, and select antibiotics and chemotherapy agents, may lower riboflavin levels or reduce its bioavailability.

Increased Requirements

Increased riboflavin needs during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or intense athletic activity, coupled with insufficient intake, can lead to deficiency. The elderly may also be at higher risk due to age-related changes in absorption and excretion. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and liver disease can also affect riboflavin metabolism.

Comparison of Factors Decreasing Riboflavin


Factor Type	Examples	Primary Mechanism	At-Risk Groups	Prevention Strategy
Dietary	Veganism, alcoholism, anorexia	Insufficient intake, poor absorption	Vegans, alcoholics, elderly	Ensure diverse diet or supplement
Medical Conditions	Celiac, Crohn's, genetic disorders	Impaired intestinal absorption	Those with malabsorption issues	Manage underlying disease
Medications	Anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives	Metabolic interference, reduced bioavailability	Patients on long-term medication	Consult doctor, monitor levels
Increased Needs	Pregnancy, lactation, intense exercise	Higher metabolic demand	Pregnant women, athletes	Increase dietary intake or supplement

Conclusion

Riboflavin deficiency can arise from various factors impacting intake, absorption, metabolism, and excretion. Identifying causes and symptoms is crucial for management. Consulting a healthcare professional for assessment and guidance on diet or supplements is advisable for those at risk. Maintaining adequate riboflavin status supports energy metabolism and overall health.

For further reading on vitamin B2 and its health benefits, you may refer to authoritative sources like the {Link: National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470460/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riboflavin's primary function is to support cellular energy production by acting as a precursor for the coenzymes FAD and FMN, which are critical for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Medical conditions such as malabsorption syndromes like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, and diabetes can cause riboflavin deficiency.

Yes, excessive alcohol consumption can decrease riboflavin levels by interfering with both its digestion and intestinal absorption.

Yes, women who take birth control pills are among those more likely to suffer from riboflavin deficiency because the pills can affect its metabolism and absorption.

Yes, older adults are more susceptible to riboflavin deficiency due to potentially poor dietary intake and altered absorption patterns with age.

Symptoms of low riboflavin can include skin disorders, mouth and throat swelling, sore throat, hair loss, itchy and red eyes, and in severe cases, anemia and cataracts.

You can increase your riboflavin intake by consuming foods rich in this vitamin, including dairy products, meat, eggs, and dark-green vegetables. Supplements may also be necessary for some individuals.

Chronic stress can influence nutrient metabolism and excretion. Some evidence suggests that stress can increase the urinary excretion of riboflavin, potentially contributing to lower body levels.