Revised reference values for the intake of thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin

BackgroundThe nutrition societies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are the joint editors of the ‘reference values for nutrient intake’. They have revised the reference values for the intake of thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin and published them in February 2015.MethodsAll three vitamins have important functions as part of energy metabolism. Consequently, the reference values for the intake of these vitamins are derived in consideration of the reference values for energy intake (PAL 1.4).ResultsThe reference values for infants aged 0 to under 4 months are derived from the nutrient content of breast milk. No data are available regarding thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin requirements for infants aged 4 to under 12 months, children, and adolescents. Therefore, the reference values for these age groups are based on the average requirement for adults and are calculated taking into account the age-based guiding values for energy intake (PAL 1.4) and assuming a coefficient of variation of 10%, due to the variation in requirement within the population. There are no data to suggest that the relationship between thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and energy requirement for pregnant and lactating women is any different from that for women who are not pregnant or not lactating.ConclusionSupplemental intake beyond the recommended amounts has no health benefit and is therefore not recommended.