Vitamin B & B

Riboflavin &
Niacin

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Vitamin B2
(Riboflavin)

Riboflavin is sometimes called B2. It is

destroyed by light and irradiation and is
unstable in alkalis.

Functions
Riboflavin is essential for
carbohydrate, fat, and protein
metabolism. It is also necessary for
tissue maintenance, especially the
skin around the mouth, and for
healthy eyes. Riboflavin is absorbed
in the small intestine.
Sources
Riboflavin is widely distributed in
animal and plant foods but in small
amounts. Milk , meats, poultry, fish,
and enriched breads and cereals are
some of its richest sources.

Requirements
Riboflavin is measured in
milligrams. The average adult
female daily requirement is
thought to be 1.1 mg, and the
adult male requirement is 1.3
mg. The riboflavin
requirement appears to
increase with increased
energy expenditure. The
requirement does not diminish
with age.

Deficiency
Because of the small quantities of
riboflavin in foods and its limited
storage in the body, deficiencies of
riboflavin can develop. The generous
use of fat free milk in the diet is a
good way to prevent deficiency of
this vitamin. It is important, however,
that the milk be stored in opaque
containers because riboflavin can be
destroyed by light. It appears that
fiber laxatives can reduced riboflavin
absorption, and their used over long
periods should be discouraged.

A deficiency of riboflavin can

result in cheilosis, a condition
characterized by sores on the lips
and the cracks at the corners of
the mouth. Glossitis (inflammation
of the tongue), dermatitis, and eye
strain in the form of itching,
burning, and eye fatigue.

Nursing Interventions
Administer prescribed supplements, such as
oral riboflavin and others, as indicated by
associated deficiencies.
Enlist the aid of a nutritional therapist or
dietitian for assistance with meal planning and
appropriate food choices; encourage the intake
of foods high in riboflavin (such as meats, fish,
eggs, milk, green vegetables) and enriched
food products.
Provide soothing drinks and soft non-irritating
foods if the patient has cheilosis and a sore
tongue.
Promote comfort measures and rest periods
as appropriate.
Assist with skin care measures; encourage
the patient to keep affected areas clean and
dry.
Provide care for the underlying condition
causing the deficiency, as appropriate.

Treatment-Diet
High-riboflavin foods (such as meats; enriched flour;
milk and other dairy products; green, leafy
vegetables; eggs; and cereal)
Treatment-Medications
Supplemental oral riboflavin

Toxicity
No known Toxicity

Vitamin B3
(Niacin)

Niacin(also known asvitamin B3ornicotinic acid)

Having enoughniacin, orvitamin B3, in the body is important
for general good health. As a treatment, higher amounts of
niacincan improvecholesterol levelsand lower cardiovascular
risks.

Functions
Niacin serves as co enzyme in energy
metabolism and consequently is
essential to every body cell. In
addition, niacin is essential for the
prevention of pellagra. Pellagra is a
disease characterized by sores on the
skin and by diarrhoea, anxiety,
confusion, irritability, poor memory,
dizziness and untimely death if left
untreated. Niacin, when used as a
cholesterol-lowering agent, must be
closely supervised by a physician
because of possible adverse side
effects such as liver damage and
peptic ulcers.

Sources
The best sources of niacin are meats, poultry, and fish. Peanuts and other legumes are
also good sources, Enriched breads and cereals also contain some. Milk and eggs do
not provide niacin per serving, but they are good sources of its precursor, tryptophan
(an amino acid). Vegetable and fruits contain little niacin.

Requirements
Niacin is measured in as a niacin
equivalent (NE). One NE equals 1 mg
of niacin or 60 mg tryptophan, The
general recommendation is a daily
intake of 14 mg/NE for adult women
and 16 mg/NE for adult men. Because
excessive amounts of niacin have
caused flushing due to vascular
dilation (expansion of blood vessels),
self prescribed doses of niacin
concentrate should be discourage,
Other symptoms includes
gastrointestinal problems and itching.
If excessive amounts of niacin are
ingested, liver damage may result.

Deficiency
A deficiency of niacin is apt to
appear if there is a deficiency of
riboflavin. Symptoms of niacin
deficiency include weakness,
anorexia, indigestion, anxiety, and
irritability. In extreme cases,
pellagra may occur.

Treatment-Activity
Bed rest during acute stage or in
severe cases

Treatment-Medications
Supplemental B-complex vitamins
Niacin
Topical emollients for skin lesions

Nursing Interventions
Administer prescribed supplements,
such as oral niacin and other B
vitamins, as ordered.
Enlist the aid of a nutritional
therapist or dietitian for assistance
with meal planning and appropriate
food choices.
Provide liquid or pureed foods if the
patient is experiencing dysphagia
from glossitis.
Promote comfort measures and rest
periods as appropriate.
Apply topical emollients to skin
lesions as ordered.
Institute safety measures if
neurologic manifestations are
present.
Reorient the patient as necessary.
Provide care for the underlying
condition causing the deficiency, as

Toxicity
Flushing- which is prostaglandinmediated, is more common with
immediate-release preparations. It may be
more intense after alcohol ingestion,
aerobic activity, sun exposure, and
consumption of spicy foods. Flushing is
minimized if niacin is taken after meals or
if aspirin (325 mg, which may work better
than lower doses) is taken 30 to 45 min
before niacin . The chance of severe
flushing can be reduced by starting
immediate-releaseniacin at a low dose (eg,
50 mg tid) and increasing it very slowly.

Hepatotoxicity- may be more common

with some sustained-release preparations.
Some authorities recommend checking
levels of uric acid, blood glucose, and
plasma aminotransferases every 6 to 8 wk
until the dose of niacin has been stabilized.