Erythrocyte Glutathione Reductase Activity and Riboflavin Nutritional Status in Early-Weaned Piglets

The reliability of erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity (EGRAC) as an indicator of riboflavin (vitamin B₂) status was determined in 36 piglets weaned at two weeks of age. Total B₂ metabolites determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in plasma, red blood cells, and liver were used as reference values. There was no correlation between EGRAC values and total B₂ metabolites either in circulation (r < 0.15, p > 0.08) or in liver (r < 0.01, p > 0.95). EGRAC does not appear to be a reliable biochemical indicator of vitamin B₂ status in the pig.