Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is one of eight B vitamins that are essential for human health. People need to consume vitamin B2 every day, because the body can only store small amounts, and supplies go down rapidly. Riboflavin occurs naturally in some foods, added to others, and it can be taken as supplements.
Deficiency
Vitamin B2 deficiency is a significant risk when diet is poor, because the human body excretes the vitamin continuously, so it is not stored. There are two types of riboflavin deficiency: Primary riboflavin deficiency happens when the person’s diet is poor in vitamin B2
Secondary riboflavin deficiency happens for another reason, maybe because the intestines cannot absorb the vitamin properly, or the body cannot use it, or because it is being excreted too rapidly Riboflavin deficiency is also known as ariboflavinosis.
Cataracts
, also called riboflavin, is one of 8 B vitamins.
All B vitamins help the body to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. B complex vitamins are necessary for a healthy liver, skin, hair, and eyes. They also help the nervous system function properly.
All B vitamins are water soluble, meaning the body does not store them. In addition to producing energy for the body, riboflavin works as an antioxidant, fighting damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, and may contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of a number of health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.
Antioxidants, such as riboflavin, can fight free radicals and may reduce or help prevent some of the damage they cause. It is also important for growth and red blood cell production. Most healthy people who eat a well-balanced diet get enough riboflavin.
Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency include:
Fatigue
Slowed growth
Digestive problems
Cracks and sores around the corners of the mouth
Swollen magenta-colored tongue
Eye fatigue
Swelling and soreness of the throat
Sensitivity to light
Cataracts
Vitamin B2, along with other nutrients, is important for normal vision. Early studies suggest that riboflavin might help prevent cataracts, damage to the lens of the eye, which can lead to cloudy vision.
Overview
Vitamin B-2, or riboflavin, is naturally in some foods.
These functions include the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Other sources include: egg yolks
red meat
dark meat
salmon
tuna
soybeans
almonds
grains, such as wheat It’s sensitive to light and perishable, however. Deficiency is still a risk Having a riboflavin deficiency can lead to other nutritional deficiencies because riboflavin is involved with processing nutrients.
The primary concern associated with other deficiencies is anemia, which happens when you don’t get enough iron. A riboflavin deficiency could endanger your baby’s growth and increase your chances of preeclampsia, which involves dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy. This is a serious condition that can be life threatening.
Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing the symptoms of riboflavin deficiency.
Function
Dations for riboflavin, as well as other nutrients, are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Dri is a term for a set of reference intakes that are used to plan and assess the nutrient intakes of healthy people.
An RDA is an intake level based on scientific research evidence.