Riboflavin status of nutritionally supported multiple-trauma accident patients

This study evaluates riboflavin status of multiple-trauma accident patients receiving nutritional support. Riboflavin excretion, erythrocyte glutathione reductase (EGR-AC), erythrocyte riboflavin (ERC-B2), nitrogen balance and riboflavin, and nitrogen and energy intake were assessed periodically throughout the study. Mean intakes of nitrogen, energy, and riboflavin were less than recommended. All patients but one were in negative nitrogen balance; however, patients retained riboflavin except when nitrogen and energy intakes were very low. EGR-AC values were within normal range and did not reflect changes in riboflavin retention. ERC-B2 values were also within normal range but decreased over time in patients with the largest riboflavin excretion and most negative nitrogen balance. ERC-B2 in combination with riboflavin intake and excretion data may offer a suitable method for assessing riboflavin status in multiple-trauma patients.