The Riboflavin Intakes of a Cross-Section of the Nigerian Populace

The role of riboflavin in intermediary metabolism has been clearly defined. As a constituent of two coenzymes, FMN and FAD, riboflavin functions essentially as proton and electron carriers in the respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Fordyce and Driskell have shown that riboflavin is a fundamental constituent of animal tissues, including man and therefore, essential for growth and normal health. Available evidence has shown that appreciable quantities of riboflavin are derived from foods of animal origin. In Nigeria, where there is increasing difficulty of obtaining foods of animal origin, it is evident that ariboflavinosis arising from high caloric requirement and sub optimal intakes may be prevalent. The imbalance in nutrient intake is evident in the prevalence of malnutrition amongst rural populace, especially children and nursing mothers. Consequently plant sources may be the best alternative for meeting riboflavin requirement of the population.