Riboflavin

Vitamin B2 Blood test measures the Vitamin-B2 levels in the blood.

What is Vitamin B2?

Vitamin B2 is also known as riboflavin, which is a form of B complex vitamin. It is a water-soluble vitamin and found in many foods such as eggs, milk, red meat, tuna, salmon, almonds, grains, and green vegetables etc. It is also available as dietary supplements. The body requires adequate levels of Vitamin B2 for cell growth and function. It also helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. Therefore, it is advised to take adequate Vitamin B2 rich food or supplements on a regular basis.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to determine moderate to severe Vitamin B2 deficiencies. Deficiency of Vitamin B2 in the body may cause a condition called ariboflavinosis. Signs and symptoms of this condition are anemia, dry skin, cracked lips, swelling of the tongue, mouth ulcers, red lips, sore throat, swelling of the lining of the mouth, and cracks at the corners of the mouth etc. Vitamin B2 deficiency mainly occurs in individuals who skips Vitamin B2 riched foods in their diet.

This test is one among many tests in the Vitamin B profile. The doctor may ask you to perform this test to screen or detect moderate to severe Vitamin B2 deficiencies. You may also be advised to perform this test if you have a family history of Vitamin B2 deficiency conditions or if you experience any symptoms of Vitamin B2 deficiency conditions.

If you have a family history of Vitamin B2 deficiency conditions, your doctor may ask you to perform this test on a 6-monthly basis or a yearly basis. Individuals who are diagnosed with Vitamin B2 deficiency conditions should perform this test on a regular basis as instructed by the doctor.

Precautions:

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, especially if you are taking anticonvulsants or corticosteroids before the test. These medicines may interfere with your test results.

If the test result falls in the normal reference range, then you have the adequate levels of Vitamin B2 and hence, no medical intervention is necessary.

If the test result falls below the normal reference range, it may indicate moderate to severe Vitamin B2 deficiencies. Deficiency of Vitamin B2 in the body may indicate the presence or chance of ariboflavinosis. Poor nutrition intake or lack of nutrients (malnutrition), or lack of proper absorption of Vitamin B2 through small intestine due to Chrons disease (a disease condition of intestine), irritable bowel syndrome (a disorder of intestine) may also show low Vitamin B2 blood levels. In individuals with diseased conditions such as AIDS, kidney or heart failure, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, lactose intolerance (a condition of inability to digest lactose sugar) may also show decreased Vitamin B2 blood levels.

Low Vitamin B2 blood levels may also be seen in individuals who getting dialysis and who take water pills or certain medications such as anticonvulsants or corticosteroids. Individuals with poor appetite, severe diarrhea, and who consume alcohol also may show decreased Vitamin B2 blood levels. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may have decreased Vitamin B2 blood levels.

If the test result falls shows high Vitamin B2 levels in the blood, then it may indicate Vitamin B2 toxicity and you are advised to consult with your doctor. This is not very common and may occur due to the intake of high doses of Vitamin B2 supplements.

If you have higher or lower than normal levels of Vitamin B2 levels in the blood, consult your doctor for further instructions. Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.