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Anaphylaxis to riboflavin (vitamin B2)
1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Summary
Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, was linked to riboflavin (vitamin B2) in a healthy teen. This previously unreported cause of anaphylaxis highlights the need to consider vitamin B2 in allergic reactions.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Vitamin supplements are widely used by healthy individuals.
- Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a common cause of vitamin-induced allergic reactions.
- Anaphylaxis due to riboflavin (vitamin B2) has not been previously reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of recurrent anaphylaxis in a previously healthy adolescent.
- To investigate the trigger for anaphylactic reactions following consumption of soft drinks and multivitamins.
Main Methods:
- Single-blind skin prick and intradermal tests were conducted.
- Tests involved pure vitamin components found in the patient's consumed products.
- Physiological saline and histamine served as negative and positive controls.
Main Results:
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2) elicited positive reactions in intradermal skin tests.
- Control subjects did not exhibit reactions to riboflavin.
- The patient experienced anaphylaxis multiple times after ingesting products containing riboflavin.
Conclusions:
- Riboflavin is identified as a novel cause of anaphylaxis.
- Free-form riboflavin may trigger severe allergic reactions.
- Vitamin B2 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of anaphylaxis.