[Dietary and biochemical riboflavin status in a cohort of young people in the community of Madrid].

Riboflavin status was measured in 228 young people (101 women and 127 men) between 18 and 35 years of age, resident in the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid. A dietetic study was undertaken using a three day food record (which included one non-working day). Also, biochemical levels of riboflavin were investigated via the determination of the activation coefficient of erythrocyte glutathione reductase (alpha-EGR). Although the mean intake of riboflavin was acceptable (107.1 +/- 29.1 of recommended intakes), 46.9 of subjects showed intakes below recommended. At the biochemical level, 14.9% of subjects showed a moderate risk of vitamin B2 deficiency (alpha-EGR: 1.2-1.4) whilst 1.3% were at high risk (alpha-EGR > 1.4). Male subjects showed higher alpha-EGR levels than did females, which coincides with their greater intake of vitamin B2. Milk products provided some 40.4% of the vitamin, meats 19.9%, cereals 8%, vegetables 7.2%, eggs 6.3%. Other foods provided lesser amounts. Therefore, although riboflavin is available across the food groups, it Would seem that milk products are its most important source. Indeed, subjects with high milk product intakes (more than one ration per day) showed the highest riboflavin levels and the most adequate alpha-EGR levels. This study shows that riboflavin status can be improved, especially amongst those with low milk product intakes. An increase in the consumption of these foods to recommended levels (2-3 rations per day) might improve this situation at both dietetic and biochemical levels.