You Need More Riboflavin with G6PD Deficiency!

You Need More Riboflavin with G6PD Deficiency!

Riboflavin is one of the easiest ways to support your health with G6PD. Supplementing with Riboflavin has made a big impact on my wellbeing, and theres a reason why. We have low Riboflavin levels with G6PD, and that has negative downstream effects. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is produced in the body by the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP). Due to G6PD Deficiency, your PPP operates very very slowly. See diagram below.
g6pd riboflavin

Therefore, you cannot produce the necessary amount of Riboflavin in your body. This is a major problem, because Riboflavin is a major cofactor needed to "recycle" glutathione, along with NADPH. And Glutathione is the antioxidant that protects our red blood cells from hemolysis.

What this means is that Riboflavin takes the old, used "Oxidized Glutathione" (GSSG) and turns it back into brand new "Reduced Glutathione" (GSH). See diagram below.

So, one thing leads to another, and due to G6PD Deficiency, we also have a Riboflavin deficiency, which then causes a Reduced Glutathione (GSH) deficiency. And it is the lack of GSH that is the main cause of hemolysis of G6PD deficient red blood cells.

But it is very easy to supplement with Riboflavin! Studies prove that supplementation of riboflavin results in an improvement of RBC glutathione stability in subjects with G6PD deficiency.1

It is also safe for children & babies - and it is proven to help quickly reduce jaundice in combination with phototherapy.2 But always check with your pediatrician before giving any over the counter supplements or prescription medications to a child. Riboflavin comes in a low dose liquid form that may be appropriate for children; buy the liquid version HERE.

What are some physical signs that you need Riboflavin? Headaches and migraines a big clue you are low in RIboflavin. High blood pressure is another symptom of deficiency, as well as allergies, red or dry eyes, dry mouth and chapped lips. If you exercise often or diet,3 or if you spend a lot of time in the sun, your body will require even more Riboflavin.4

What benefits will you notice from Riboflavin - less headaches, reduced blood pressure, and brighter whiter eyes. Riboflavin also helps thyroid function5 - so you should notice more energy & better mental clarity too. Riboflavin also improves moisture of the skin, eyes and mouth. Riboflavin is a great antihistamine also.6

What is the right dose of Riboflavin for you? That depends. Riboflavin is usually included in B Complex vitamins at a dose of 15-100mg, which may be sufficient to control your symptoms. However, if you suffer from any of the above symptoms of deficiency, like I did, it is advisable to supplement a daily amount between 100-400mg Riboflavin. If you have migraines, the recommended dose is 400mg on a daily basis - this prevents the migraines from recurring.7 I speak from personal experience, as someone with G6PD I rely on my daily Riboflavin for all of these benefits.

  1. G6PD & Riboflavin - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01497140

  2. Infant Jaundice - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4096860/

  3. Exercise & Diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10919966/

  4. Sunlight https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4168737/

  5. Thyroid https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3809170/

  6. Histamine https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2021.643483/full

  7. Migraines https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15257686/

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