The effects of riboflavin administration on iron metabolism parameters in a school-going population.

The effect of riboflavin administration on iron metabolism was studied in a group of riboflavin-deficient children with Erythrocyte Glutathione Reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) reactivation above 1.20. The results have shown that the administration of riboflavin has resulted in a decrease of serum iron as well as in transferrin saturation which was accompanied by an increase in blood hemoglobin in subjects with initially lower hemoglobin values (less than or equal to 13.5 g/100 ml). There was, however, no change in blood hemoglobin in the group with initially higher hemoglobin values (greater than or equal to 14.0 g/100 ml). The results suggest that inadequate riboflavin intake may affect the iron utilization. The possible mechanism of riboflavin action on iron utilization is discussed.