Effect of riboflavin supplementation on zinc and iron absorption and growth performance in mice

Author(s): Agte, V. V., Paknikar, K. M. , Chiplonkar, S. A.

Journal/Book: Biol Trace Element Res. 1998; 65(2): 109-115.

Abstract: Diets prevalent in vegetarian populations using rice and other whole grains as staples with little consumption of yellow vegetables are low in riboflavin. These diets have poor bioavailability of iron and zinc because metals are present as inorganic salts with low solubility. Riboflavin has the capacity to form complexes, and supplementation of riboflavin may result in increased absorption of zinc and iron, thus increasing the cellular transport. Therefore, riboflavin may have direct as well as indirect effects on growth. Using this as the conceptual basis, experiments were conducted on pregnant and lactating mice. Two groups, each of 12 mice (9 females acid 3 males), were observed tic control diet were 16.4 +/- 5.7, 33.7 +/- 8.9, and 44.6 +/- 4.0, respectively, indicating the beneficial effect of riboflavin supplementation on iron and zinc utilization.

Keyword(s): diet.

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