Proper Name: Riboflavin

Common Name: Vitamin B2 

Evidence of Efficacy: statement to the effect of Riboflavin deficiency or imbalance plays a role in the symptoms of mood disorders. Observational and experimental studies have shown an association between riboflavin and depression^1,2,3,4,5, and schizophrenia^6,7,8.

References: 

1. Heseker H, Kubler W, Pudel V, Westenhoffer J. Psychological disorders as early symptoms of a mild-moderate vitamin deficiency. Ann N Y Acad Sci 669:352-7, 1992.
2. Sterner RT, Price WR. Restricted riboflavin: within-subject behavioral effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 26:150-60, 1973.
3. Bell IR et al. Complex vitamin patterns in geriatric and young adult inpatients with major depression. J Am Geriatr Soc 39(3):252-7, 1991.
4. Carney MW, Ravindran A, Rinsler MG, et al. Thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine deficiency in psychiatric in-patients. Br J Psychiatry 141:271-2, 1982.
5. Benton D, Haller J, Fordy J. Vitamin supplementation for 1 year improves mood. Neuropsychobiology 32(2):98-105, 1995.
6. Easlove M et al. Severe riboflavin deficiency: A previously undescribed side-effect of phenothiazines. J Orthomol Psychiatry 12(2):113-15, 1983.
7. Pinto J et al. Inhibition of riboflavin metabolism in rat tissues by chlorpromazine, imipramine and amitryptyline. J Clin Invest 67(5):1500-6, 1981.
8. Sterner RT, Price WR. Restricted riboflavin: Within subject behavioral effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 26:150-60, 1973.