Nutrition surveys conducted in various European countries provide an indication of the current intake of some B vitamins.
In Germany , men generally meet the national recommendations for intake of B vitamins. However, a significant number of women do not meet the needs of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) (15) .
In Austria, by contrast, certain population groups were deficient in vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Women under 25 and between 35 and 45 years old did not meet the needs of B1, B2 and B6. Among Austrian men, only those between 46 and 55 years old met the needs of B2 and an insufficient intake of B6 was established in men between 36 and 45 years and those older than 56 years (16) .
Data from dietary surveys conducted in the US indicate that the average vitamin B2 (riboflavin) intake of men is about 2 mg / day and that of women 1.5 mg / day; both are well above ADR . Intake levels were very similar in a population of older people (1) .
A recent study of people aged 65 to 90 years living independently found that almost 25% consumed less than the recommended intake of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and that 10% had biochemical evidence of deficiency (17) .
Very physically active people (eg, athletes, workers) may require slightly more vitamin B2 (riboflavin). However, it has not been widely established that riboflavin supplementation increases exercise tolerance or performance (18) .
Alcoholics are at increased risk of riboflavin deficiency due to lower intake, lower absorption, or poor use of riboflavin.
Additionally, anorexics rarely consume an adequate amount of riboflavin, and those with lactose intolerance may not consume milk or dairy products, which are a good source of riboflavin.
