Anaemia and hypertension during pregnancy: could riboflavin deficiency be implicated?

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is an essential nutrient which exists in two co-factor forms: flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN). These co-factors play crucial roles in oxidation-reduction reactions involved in energy metabolism, intermediary metabolism, the maintenance of antioxidant status, and one-carbon metabolism. Riboflavin deficiency is an unrecognised problem among women of reproductive age in both low- and high-income populations alike. Poor riboflavin status among women entering pregnancy, coupled with increased dietary requirements, makes pregnancy an especially vulnerable time for the development of riboflavin deficiency. As riboflavin biomarkers are scarcely reported in nutritional studies, or considered in clinical practice, deficiencies are rarely detected. Emerging evidence suggests even moderate riboflavin deficiencies may be implicated in the development of anaemia and hypertension; two serious and common conditions associated with pregnancy.

This webinar will discuss the importance of an often-overlooked vitamin for the optimisation of health during pregnancy. A summary of existing evidence will be provided, supported by the findings of our recently completed OptiPREG study (n=2,200 Irish pregnant women).

What will I gain from this webinar?

• Understand the metabolic roles of riboflavin, the prevalence of deficiency and requirements during pregnancy
• Understand the role riboflavin may play in the development of anaemia during pregnancy, along with the underlying mechanisms
• Understand riboflavin’s role in the maintenance of blood pressure and in the prevention of hypertension in pregnancy.