Riboflavin Deficiency Is Highly Prevalent in Females and Children across High and Low/Middle Income Countries...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Public Health Nutrition
• Global Health

Background:

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is vital for metabolic processes, functioning as flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide.
• The global prevalence of riboflavin deficiency is largely unknown due to infrequent measurement of status biomarkers in human studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess riboflavin status in reproductive-aged females and children across diverse global regions, including high-income countries (HICs) and low/middle-income countries (LMICs).

Main Methods:

• Erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRac) was used to measure riboflavin status.
• EGRac values ≥ 1.40 indicate deficiency; higher values signify lower status.
• Population-representative and cohort samples were analyzed from Ireland, UK, Cambodia, DRC, Spain, Canada, Malaysia, Laos, and Uganda.

Main Results:

• Riboflavin deficiency was prevalent in HICs: 48% of Irish and 50% of British females (18-45 y) were deficient.
• Deficiency rates were substantially higher in LMICs: Malaysia (72%), Cambodia (82%), and Uganda (90%).
• In British children, deficiency increased with age, and in LMIC children, 39%-75% were deficient, with Ugandan children showing clinical signs.

Conclusions:

• Riboflavin deficiency is a significant global health issue affecting females and children in both HICs and LMICs.
• The findings underscore the urgent need for population-based interventions to enhance riboflavin status worldwide.
• Addressing riboflavin deficiency is critical due to its wide-ranging adverse health consequences.