Abstract
Riboflavin deficiency may be more prevalent than previously suspected in children in whom the main staples of their dietary regimen are cereal grains and beans. The latter are poor sources of this vitamin. However, laboratory methods that could specifically detect the deficiency were not available. Recently, it has been shown that the determination of the degree of saturation of the enzyme erythrocyte glutathione reductase with FAD, a riboflavin coenzyme, was a sensitive and specific indicator of riboflavin deficiency in adults. We have shown that the method is applicable to infants and children. We then studied 100 infants and children ranging from 1 week to 16 years of age. None had diarrhea, vomiting or malabsorption. 11 were found to be deficient, and with one exception, their ages ranged from 4 to 16 years. One infant, 8 months old who was deficient, had neuroblastoma. In general, their diets were characterized by low milk, meat and egg consumption. None had cheilosis or corneal vascularization. Most were below the 50th percentile for height and weight. Because of rtboflavin's important role in biological oxidation and reductions, a deficiency of this vitamin may affect growth and development of children. Since many children consume large amounts of starches and sugar, riboflavin deficiency may be more widespread.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cole, H., Lopez, R. & Cooperman, J. QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF RIBOFLAVIN DEFICIENCY IN A LOW SOCIOECONOMIC PEDIATRIC POPULATION BY A NEW METHOD. Pediatr Res 8, 379 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00237
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00237