N05061: An investigation of the functional significance of marginal riboflavin status in young women
Wednesday 28 February 2007
This research project will investigate the functional significance of marginal riboflavin status in young women.
Background
The National Diet and Nutrition Surveys in the United Kingdom (NDNS) show a high prevalence of poor riboflavin status, as judged by the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRAC) in certain groups of the population. Adolescent girls (15-18 years) and young women (19-24 years) seem to be particularly vulnerable. Riboflavin has many important roles in metabolism yet the functional significance of marginal riboflavin status as reported in these groups is not well understood.
Research Approach
A randomised placebo-controlled intervention trial in young women aged 19 to 24 years will be carried out, 77% of whom are estimated to have poor riboflavin status, to examine the hypothesis that marginal riboflavin status is associated with impaired handling of iron. Women will be chosen at random to receive a supplement of either 2mg or 4mg riboflavin or a placebo, for 8 weeks. Blood samples will be collected pre and post intervention for biochemical analysis and functional measures of riboflavin status, as well as analysis for iron and haematological status. Iron bioavailability will also be examined, using a stable isotope technique, in a subgroup of women in the 4mg supplement and placebo groups.