Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

Vitamin B2 which is also called Riboflavin, was first observed in 1879 as a green pigment found in milk. It is important for body growth and red blood cell production and helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates. Actually it help convert carbohydrates into the fuel the body runs on adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Functions and Benefits of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a water-soluble vitamin which is involved in vital metabolic processes in the body, and is necessary for normal cell function, growth, and energy production. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is essential in formation of antibodies and red blood cells. Without it, pregnant women may risk the health of the developing fetus. In addition, riboflavin is important in maintaining good vision and building tissue. Riboflavin is often used as a tracer of medication compliance in the treatment of patients with alcohol dependence, mental disorders, and other conditions. Although it is needed for periods of rapid growth, it is also needed when protein intake is high, and is most beneficial to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin B2 is required for the health of the mucus membranes in the digestive tract and helps with the absorption of iron and vitamin B6.

Recommended Dosage for Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Women should have 1.1 milligrams of riboflavin daily and men should have 1.7 milligrams daily. Child from 0to 6 months have to take 0.3mg, Child from 7 to 12 months have to take 0.4mg, Child from 1 to 3 years have to take 0.5mg and child for 4 to 8 years have to take 0.6mg.

Food sources of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Lean meats, eggs, legumes, nuts, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and milk provide riboflavin in the diet. Breads and cereals are often fortified with riboflavin. Flour and cereals are enriched with riboflavin. Riboflavin is stable when heated but will leach into cooking water. It is easily destroyed by light, and foods stored in clear containers will lose their riboflavin content in a short period of time.

Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency include fatigue; slowed growth; digestive problems; cracks and sores around the corners of the mouth; swollen magenta tongue; eye fatigue; soreness of the lips, mouth and tongue; and sensitivity to light.

Some of the Common Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin B2 are -

• Anemia.
• Cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth.
• Dermatitis.
• Dizziness.
• Hair loss.
• Inflammation of the mouth and tongue.
• Insomnia.
• Poor digestion.
• Retarded growth and slowed mental response.
• Skin lesions.

Patients with suspected riboflavin deficiency should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. Riboflavin depletion may be measured by decreased urinary excretion of riboflavin or increased erythrocyte reductase activity coefficients. Smokers, heavy alcohol drinkers and women using certain types of birth control are at an increased risk for Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin deficiency.