Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is an important water-soluble vitamin essential to good health. As it is water-soluble, it cannot be stored in the body and must be replenished daily.
It is necessary as the body needs it to utilize oxygen, to metabolize fatty acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Additionally, it needs it to activate Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), to assist with the creation of Niacin, and to support the adrenal gland.
Google News reports that vitamins are the best way to repair genetic mutations, according to research from UC Berkley. The report states that most people have genetic mutations that can be repaired with certain vitamins.
Researchers think that most people have five rare mutant enzymes that could be repaired by taking specialized vitamins. The researchers state that the average person has over 600 enzymes that use vitamins or minerals as cofactors.
It is important for maintaining healthy skin, nails, tongue, and lips.
Riboflavin is also involved in the production of red blood cells, the production of antibodies, while assisting with cell respiration and growth.
Like another vitamin of the 'B' family, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), it is involved in key metabolic reactions, such as converting carbohydrates into sugar, which are then used by the body as an energy source.
Some studies suggest it may help Cataracts from forming. Two studies have found between 33 and 51 percent lower risk of developing Cataracts in individuals consuming between 1.6 and 2.2 mg. of Riboflavin daily.
All of the 8 'B' vitamins, commonly known as the B complex vitamins, are essential in breaking down proteins and fats.
It also promotes the following:
The absorption of iron, Vitamins B1, B3, and Folic Acid.
it helps to maintain the mucus membranes in the digestive tract with the assistance of Vitamin A
It helps to promote healthy development of the fetus
It promotes the health of the heart, skin, nerves, and eyes
Good food sources of Vitamin B2 are liver, egg whites, and milk.
A deficiency of this vitamin rarely occurs alone; it is often associated with deficiencies of other B vitamins and proteins.
A deficiency of this vitamin is often associated with conditions such as Pellagra, Diabetes, chronic Diarrhea, Malabsorption Syndrome, and other debilitating diseases.
Signs of Vitamin B2 deficiency include:
Inflammation of any part of the mouth
A shedding of the outer layers of the skin
A magenta colored tongue
A redness and scaling of the scrotum
B2 and Headaches
It has been shown to be useful in providing pain relief in those with Migraines - Migraines and B2.
In one study, individuals were given either a Riboflavin supplement or placebo over a period of three months. These individuals reported experiencing fewer migraines and fewer side effects during this period.
Other Uses
Another study examined whether deficiencies of this vitamin were associated with the development of the gum disease Gingivitis.
This study compared 27 females with Gingivitis against 27 women who did not have it. Comparison of the two groups' diets indicated that nutritional deficiencies of calcium and Riboflavin were linked to the development of Gingivitis.
Those females taking calcium and Vitamin B2 were at reduced risk of developing Gingivitis.
In another study, the levels of Riboflavin in 68 premature babies were measured. Babies that were breast fed as well as those receiving formula were included in this study.
One group of babies was given a supplement of this vitamin while the other group was not.
Those babies given a supplement were found not to be deficient in this vitamin. Those babies who were breast-fed and did not receive supplementation until a week later were often found to be deficient in it.
Dosage
Men should take 1.7 milligrams of it daily with women taking 1.1 milligrams daily. When taken at supplemental levels, it is considered to be non-toxic.
Cautions
Tricyclic Antidepressants can prevent the conversion of Riboflavin to its active form. Those individuals taking these medicines may need additional supplementation.
Those taking Probenecid may need additional supplementation as Probenecid decreases the amount of Vitamin B that is absorbed in the intestines.
There are no well known contraindications associated with consumption this vitamin.
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Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is an important water-soluble vitamin essential to good health. As it is water-soluble, it cannot be stored in the body and must be replenished daily.
Those females taking calcium and Vitamin B2 were at reduced risk of developing Gingivitis.
