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Dietary reference values: advice on riboflavin

Different types of dairy products on wooden background

EFSA has set dietary reference values for riboflavin ( vitamin Dietary substance needed in very small amounts to support normal growth and maintenance of health in humans and animals. Most vitamins are 'essential' as they are not made within the body. B2) as part of its review of scientific advice on nutrient An element or compound needed for normal growth, development and health maintenance. Essential nutrients cannot be made by the body and must, therefore, be consumed from food. intakes.

Based on new scientific findings, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition The science of how diet relates to the body's need for sustenance. and Allergies (NDA) decided to update the dietary reference values for riboflavin established by the Scientific Committee for Food in 1993. The panel defined daily population Community of humans, animals or plants from the same species. reference intakes (PRIs) for riboflavin as follows:

  • 0.6 mg for children aged 1-3 years;
  • 0.7 mg for children aged 4-6;
  • 1.0 mg for children aged 7-10;
  • 1.4 mg for children aged 11-14;
  • 1.6 mg for adolescents aged 15-17 as well as for adults;
  • 1.9 mg for pregnant women;
  • 2 mg for lactating women.

For children aged 7-11 months, the panel set an adequate intake A dietary recommendation used when there isn't enough data to calculate an average requirement. An adequate intake is the average nutrient level consumed daily by a typical healthy population that is assumed to be adequate for the population's needs. ( AI The adequate intake (AI) is a dietary recommendation used when there isn't enough data to calculate an Average Requirement. An AI is the average nutrient level consumed daily by a typical healthy population which is assumed to be adequate for the population's needs.) of 0.4 mg per day.

Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in energy metabolism The total sum of physical and chemical processes that occur within living organisms. and the functioning of various enzymes. It is naturally present in many foods of plant or animal origin including milk, milk products, eggs and offal.

EFSA considered comments and input on the draft scientific opinion Opinions include risk assessments on general scientific issues, evaluations of an application for the authorisation of a product, substance or claim, or an evaluation of a risk assessment. it received during a five-week public consultation.

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