What Are The Benefits of Taking Riboflavin?

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is one of the eight B vitamins that are essential to human health. It can be found in grains, plants and dairy products. It is essential for breaking down food components, absorbing other nutrients and maintaining tissues.

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin, so it is soluble in water. All vitamins are either water-soluble or fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are carried through the bloodstream, and anything not needed is excreted in the urine.

People need to consume vitamin B2 every day because the body can only store small amounts and the supply can decline rapidly.

Riboflavin is found naturally in certain foods, added to other foods, and can be taken as a supplement. Most is absorbed from trusted sources in the small intestine.

 Riboflavin

Role

Vitamin B2 helps to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It plays a vital role in maintaining the body's energy supply.

Riboflavin helps convert carbohydrates into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The body produces ATP from food, and ATP produces energy when the body needs it. Complex ATP is essential for storing energy in the muscles.

Along with vitamin A, vitamin B is essential for

Maintaining the mucous membranes in the digestive system

Maintaining a healthy liver

Converting tryptophan to niacin, an amino acid

Maintaining healthy eyes, nerves, muscles and skin

Absorption and activation of iron, folic acid and vitamins B1, B3 and B6

Hormones produced by the adrenal glands

Prevents the development of cataracts

Fetal development, especially in areas where vitamin deficiencies are common

Some studies suggest that vitamin B2 may help prevent cataracts and migraines, but further research is needed to confirm this.

Other studies have found that in children with autism, vitamin B2, B6 and magnesium supplements appear to reduce levels of abnormal organic acids in the urine.

How much do we need?

According to Oregon State University, the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin B2 is 1.3 mg per day for men and 1.1 mg per day for women 19 years and older. During pregnancy, women should consume 1.4 mg per day, and when breastfeeding, they should consume 1.6 mg per day.

Inadequacy

Vitamin B2 deficiency is a major risk when eating poorly because the body is constantly excreting the vitamin, so it is not stored. People who are deficient in B2 are usually deficient in other vitamins as well.

There are two types of riboflavin deficiency.

Primary riboflavin deficiency occurs when a person's diet is deficient in vitamin B2

Secondary riboflavin deficiency occurs for another reason, either because the intestine does not absorb the vitamin properly, or the body cannot use it, or because it is excreted too quickly

Riboflavin deficiency is also known as riboflavinopathy.

Signs and symptoms of deficiency include.

Vitamin B2 deficiency can cause mouth ulcers and other discomforts.

Stomatitis or cracked corners of the mouth

Cracked lips

Dry skin

Inflammation of the lining of the mouth

Inflammation of the tongue

Oral ulcers

Red lips

Sore Throat

Scrotal dermatitis

Fluid in the mucous membranes

Iron deficiency anemia

Eyes may be sensitive to bright light and may be itchy, watery or congested

People who drink too much alcohol are more likely to be deficient in vitamin B.

The source is from here.