Overview
Maternal riboflavin deficiency refers to a condition where a pregnant mother does not have enough riboflavin (vitamin B2) in her body, which can cause health problems in her developing baby. Riboflavin is an essential B vitamin that plays a key role in energy production, cell growth, and the proper development of a baby during pregnancy. When a mother lacks sufficient riboflavin, the baby may be born with birth defects or other complications that fall under the broader category of conditions caused by maternal nutritional deficiencies. The effects on the baby can vary widely depending on how severe the deficiency is and when during pregnancy it occurs. Possible problems include growth restriction, heart defects, limb abnormalities, and other structural birth defects. Some babies may also experience low birth weight or be born prematurely. The condition is classified under ICD-10 code P00.4, which covers newborns affected by maternal nutritional disorders. The good news is that this condition is largely preventable. Ensuring adequate riboflavin intake before and during pregnancy through a balanced diet or vitamin supplements is the primary approach. Foods rich in riboflavin include milk, eggs, lean meats, green vegetables, and fortified cereals. When a baby is born affected by maternal riboflavin deficiency, treatment focuses on managing the specific complications present and providing nutritional support to both mother and baby.
Key symptoms:
Low birth weightPremature birthPoor growth before birth (intrauterine growth restriction)Heart defects present at birthLimb abnormalitiesCleft lip or cleft palateSkeletal abnormalitiesFeeding difficulties in the newbornAnemia in the newbornSkin problems in the newbornDevelopmental delays
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Maternal riboflavin deficiency.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Maternal riboflavin deficiency.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Maternal riboflavin deficiency.
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How severe was the riboflavin deficiency, and what specific effects has it had on my baby?,Does my baby need any surgeries or special treatments for birth defects?,What supplements should I take now, especially if I am breastfeeding?,Will my baby's growth and development catch up over time?,How can I prevent this from happening in a future pregnancy?,Should my baby be tested for any genetic conditions that could look similar?,What specialists does my baby need to see, and how often?
Common questions about Maternal riboflavin deficiency
What is Maternal riboflavin deficiency?
Maternal riboflavin deficiency refers to a condition where a pregnant mother does not have enough riboflavin (vitamin B2) in her body, which can cause health problems in her developing baby. Riboflavin is an essential B vitamin that plays a key role in energy production, cell growth, and the proper development of a baby during pregnancy. When a mother lacks sufficient riboflavin, the baby may be born with birth defects or other complications that fall under the broader category of conditions caused by maternal nutritional deficiencies. The effects on the baby can vary widely depending on how
How is Maternal riboflavin deficiency inherited?
Maternal riboflavin deficiency follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Maternal riboflavin deficiency typically begin?
Typical onset of Maternal riboflavin deficiency is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.