Vitamin B2 Riboflavin

Vitamins

All about the health benefits of vitamin B2 riboflavin, including food and herb sources.

Vitamin B2 - also known as riboflavin was the second vitamin in the B complex family to be discovered.

Riboflavin is one of eight B-Complex water-soluble vitamins, one that cannot be stored by the body except in insignificant amounts so it must be replenished daily. After the body uses what it needs, any excess is excreted through urine.

Vitamin B2 Riboflavin

Best Foods and Herbs

  • Foods: Cheese, egg yolks, fish, legumes, meat, milk, poultry, spinach, whole grains, yogurt, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables, mushrooms, molasses, nuts, and watercress.
  • Herbs: Alfalfa, bladderwrack, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hops, horsetail, mullein, nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaves, red clover, rose hips, sage, and yellow dock.

    Health Facts about Vitamin B2 Riboflavin

    Riboflavin plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins (amino acids). It also activates vitamin B6 and it helps convert niacin to forms our bodies can use.

    Riboflavin is necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, and cell respiration. Together, vitamin B2 and vitamin A maintains and improves the mucus membranes in the digestive track.

    Riboflavin facilitates the use of oxygen by the tissues of the skin, nails, and hair. It is necessary for normal fetus growth development, plays a part in thyroid hormone function, and helps in the absorption of iron and vitamin B6.

    Lastly, riboflavin plays a role in vision health as it is a component of retinal pigment that allows the eyes to adjust to light.

    Therapeutic uses of Riboflavin include: Carpal tunnel syndrome, skin disorders, migraines, cataract prevention, cataract treatment, eye fatigue, and physical and emotional stress.

    Vitamin B2 Riboflavin Deficiency Signs

    It is important to note that the B vitamins work very close with one another. Therefore, a deficiency in one often indicates a deficiency in another.

    Riboflavin deficiency signs include cracks and sores around the mouth and nose, chapped and painful lips, slow healing of wounds, swollen tongue with painful cracks, red bloodshot eyes, sensitivity to light, oily or crusty skin, fatigue, dermatitis, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, poor digestion, abnormal fetus growth, retarded growth, skin lesions, depression, slowed mental response, and possible anemia.

    Vitamin B2 Riboflavin – Special Cautions

    The following factors may increase the need for Vitamin B2 Riboflavin. These include: oral contraceptives, strenuous exercise, stress, antibiotics, and alcohol.

    In addition, many elderly people are deficient in this vitamin, especially those who suffer from lactose intolerance and avoid drinking milk.

    Vitamin B2 Riboflavin Overdose

    There is no toxicity to vitamin B2 Riboflavin. However, prolonged high doses can interfere with the metabolism of thiamine (vitamin B1) and vitamin B6.

    Precautions for Pregnant and Nursing Women

    The proper consumption of Vitamin B2 Riboflavin is extremely important during pregnancy. A deficiency of this vitamin can interfere with the normal development of the fetus even if you show no signs of deficiency. Please consult with your physician before taking any type of dietary supplementation.

    Other Precautions

    If you suffer from a health condition or take any prescription medication, you should always consult a physician before taking any dietary supplements.

    Vitamin B2 Riboflavin Supplements

    1. Vitamin B2 works with vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). For this reason, it is often recommended that vitamin B2 be taken as part of a B-complex supplement or multivitamin. However, we believe that it's best to take the B-complex family as part of a comprehensive scientifically balanced formula such as a comprehensive multivitamin and mineral supplement since most nutrition oriented physicians recommend, at the very least, a high-quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement daily.

    Exception: If your physician has recommended higher doses of vitamin B2 for therapeutic purposes.

    2. Because vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients work in balance and synergistically with one another, it is important that consumers select a comprehensive supplement that is scientifically formulated by a top notch scientist.

    3. Take time to read the product data sheet. Does the product contain artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, yeast, gluten, sucrose or dextrose?

    4. Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the U.S. and, as such, manufacturers do not have to guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or even the true content of their products. In fact, the latest statistic is that 1 in 5 products will not have the ingredients proclaimed on the label or it harbors very harmful contaminates.

    Therefore, we recommend that you select a supplement from only from pharmaceutical GMP compliant manufacturers, which adhere to the most stringent manufacturing standards.

    Always check with a physician before taking any dietary supplements.

    We hope this Vitamin B2 Riboflavin web-page was useful to you!

    To Your Health!

    The Editors

    Much more than Vitamin B2 Riboflavin at our Vitamin Information Center web-page

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