Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is an important nutrient. It is used in many body functions such as the metabolism of energy and the processing of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Vitamin B2 is found in many health supplements and health aids. It is touted as being healthy for the skin, hair and nails, and to boost reproduction, athletic performance and memory function.
Vitamin B2 is also said to reduce aging, cataracts, migraine headaches, and certain kinds of cancer.
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History of Vitamin B2 Vitamin B2 was one of the earliest named vitamins. Recognized in the 1920s, it was fully identified in 1934. Vitamin B2 was recognized as one of the B complex vitamins that are used in the metabolism of foods. Vitamin B2 in Foods Vitamin B2 is used as an orang... more
Vitamin B2 was one of the earliest named vitamins. Recognized in the 1920s, it was fully identified in 1934. Vitamin B2 was recognized as one of the B complex vitamins that are used in the metabolism of foods.
Vitamin B2 is used as an orange food coloring and as a fortifier. It is found naturally in many sources in the diet.
There are high amounts of vitamin B2 in milk and dairy products, beef, chicken, egg, salmon, broccoli, spinach and asparagus. Vitamin B2 is also one of the nutrients added to enriched flour, breads and cereals.
Because the vitamin is so important in the metabolism of other vitamins and mineral, vitamin B2 deficiency has dangerous effects. It affects the skin, throat, mouth and eyes. It also affects the absorption of iron, vitamin B6, folic acid and niacin.
Vitamin B2 deficiency is seen in alcoholics, those who are lactose intolerant and those with eating disorders such as anorexia. The deficiency is caused from lack of proper nutrition.
Other conditions or diseases that interact with the digestion and absorption of nutrients could also cause a B2 deficiency.
Vitamin B2 also acts as an antioxidant, reducing the free radicals that are released during the oxidation of various chemicals. A deficiency of vitamin B2 can cause oxidative stress, or cell damage.
Vitamin B2 is an important nutrient in many energy processes of the body. It is used in the electron transport chain.
This reaction is used in cellular respiration to create the packets of energy used by the body, called ATP. Vitamin B2 is necessary for the body to process foods and convert them into usable energy.
Vitamin B2 is attributed with having a large list of healthy effects on the body. Not all have been proven through scientific study.
Vitamin B2 is used to treat newborn infants suffering from jaundice, according to the Mayo Clinic. Jaundice is common in newborns because the intestines are slow in processing the waste bulirubin.
Jaundice is characterized by a yellowish color of the skin and whites of the eyes. The chemical can build up in the brain of the infant, causing neurological problems.
Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute cites a study that showed that high levels of vitamin B2 resulted in lower rates of age-related cataracts in both men and women. Cataracts are when the lens of the eyes turn milky and opaque.
Cataracts associated with old age are believed to be cause by damage from sunlight. Vitamin B2 is thought to work as an antioxidant to prevent cataracts.
The Linus Pauling Institute also listed several studies that showed vitamin B2 to have an effect on decreasing the occurrence and length of migraine headaches. In many of the studies, vitamin B2 was used along with other nutrients or existing migraine medications with positive effects.
It is believed that vitamin B2 will be most effective against migraine headaches when used along with current therapies.
There are minimal side effects associated with vitamin B2. It is not a vitamin that becomes toxic in high oral doses.
Excess B2 vitamin is carried out of the body through the urine. In fact, vitamin B2 is responsible for the bright yellow urine found in those taking vitamins.
It is advisable for anyone wishing to begin a new supplement or medicine to first discuss it with a physician and pharmacist to review possible interactions. WebMD lists several kinds of medications that interact with the absorption of vitamin B2.
This increases the chance of B2 deficiency. Other medications can increase the rate of absorption or increase the amount of vitamin B2 in the body.
Those taking medication for depression, gout, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease should speak with a doctor and pharmacist about the interactions with vitamin B2.
Those on anti-malarial drugs and cancer chemotherapy drugs should also discuss vitamin B2 with a medical professional.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should discuss taking vitamin B2 with their doctor.
Vitamin B2 is usually part of a multivitamin. Follow all manufacturers’ directions, and keep all vitamins and medications out of the reach of children.
Use the free supplement finder to locate sources of vitamin B2 today!
| None Known |
| Riboflavin |
| Anti-Aging |
| Athletic Performance |
| Cancer Fighting Properties |
| Cataracts |
| Hair Health |
| Jaundice |
| Memory |
| Metabolizes Protein, Fats, And Carbohydrates |
| Migraine Headaches |
| Nail Health |
| Skin Health |
| Boosts Reproduction |
| Metabolism Of Energy |
| Metabolizes Other Vitamins & Minerals |