Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is needed to keep the human body running properly. Riboflavin is produced by the body in the intestinal flora and consumed through most healthy diets. Because riboflavin dissolves in water and is not stored within the body, riboflavin must be replenished every day.
Deficiencies of riboflavin lead to a host of health problems. A healthy, balanced diet or a riboflavin supplement can easily prevent these conditions from developing.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Deficiency Essential bodily functions depend on riboflavin. A shortage of riboflavin, called ariboflavinosis, causes a multitude of problems. This includes skin disorders that cause the skin to crack around the corners of the mouth and the lips to fissure. Aribo... more
Essential bodily functions depend on riboflavin. A shortage of riboflavin, called ariboflavinosis, causes a multitude of problems. This includes skin disorders that cause the skin to crack around the corners of the mouth and the lips to fissure.
Ariboflavinosis can also result in inflammation of the tongue and mouth and in problems with the eyes, namely watery eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, and corneal vascularization. Dizziness, insomnia, hair loss, digestive problems, anemia, hampered growth, slowed mental responses, and a burning sensation in the feet are also associated with a deficiency of riboflavin.
Riboflavin deficiency tends to plague some individuals more than it does others. Older individuals, those dependent on alcohol, and those with chronic diseases are more prone to riboflavin deficiency.
The human body needs riboflavin to use oxygen and to metabolize proteins (amino acids), fats, and carbohydrates. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) works best in conjunction with other B vitamins and specifically helps the body to absorb and activate vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
Riboflavin also aids the body in absorbing iron and keeping healthy the mucus membranes in the digestive system. Without riboflavin, the mucus membranes can begin to swell.
Riboflavin is an important component in the production of niacin, red blood cells, and antibodies, in cell respiration, and in the growth of the body. Skin, hair, and nails also benefit from the presence of riboflavin.
Extra amounts of riboflavin could be very helpful when experiencing significant stress, consuming few calories, taking antibiotics, or doing strenuous exercise.
Fortunately, shortages of riboflavin are not typically frequent in the west; most diets do include a sufficient supply of the vitamin. Foods considered high in riboflavin include eggs, dairy products, nuts, lean meats, legumes, and green, leafy vegetables.
Some cereals and breads are also fortified with riboflavin, making it easier to consume an adequate amount.
Be mindful that, because riboflavin is decreased by exposure to light, the products that do contain it might have lost a significant amount during processing. For this reason, it might be wise to take riboflavin (vitamin B2) as a dietary supplement.
The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for riboflavin is the minimum amount required each day in order for the body to combat symptoms of riboflavin’s deficiency. The amount needed depends on each person’s age and sex and state of health. Other factors, like pregnancy and nursing, may cause you to require a higher amount.
For riboflavin taken by mouth, the RDA for infants up to 6 months old is 0.3 mg; for infants 7 to 12 months old, it is 0.4 mg. The RDA is 0.5 mg for children 1 to 3 years old, 0.6 for those 4 to 8 years old, and 0.9 mg for those 9 to 13 years old.
The RDA for female adolescents (14 to 18 years old) is 1 mg; for male adolescents (14 to 18 years old), it is 1.3 mg. The RDA for female adults (over 18 years old) is 1.1 mg; for male adults (over 18 years old), it is 1.3. For pregnant women of any age, the RDA is 1.4 mg; for breastfeeding women of any age, the RDA is 1.6 mg.
Therapeutic purposes for riboflavin typically call for an amount much higher than the minimum amount determined as the RDA. When taking a greater amount of riboflavin for therapeutic purposes, keep in mind that you should also take vitamin C and other vitamins in the B family. Ideally, you should include the same amount of vitamin B6, as vitamins B2 and B6 complement one another.
The riboflavin intake prescribed by the RDA is far smaller than the measure of riboflavin that could potentially be toxic to the human body. Even if larger amounts are consumed, the body rids itself of the excess riboflavin in the urine, usually avoiding any adverse effects. When this occurs, the urine often undergoes a yellow discoloration, but this is a harmless, typical change.
Riboflavin is considered safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; in fact, greater quantities of riboflavin are recommended at these times. To locate and compare products containing riboflavin, use the supplement finder now!
| Colorful Urine |
| Vitamin B2, B Complex Vitamin |
| Absorption of Nutrients |
| Hair Health |
| Nail Health |
| Skin Health |
| Stress |
| Absorption Of Iron |
| Digestive Health |
| Metabolizes Protein, Fats, And Carbohydrates |
| Mucus Membrane Health |
| Produces Antibodies |
| Produces Niacin |
| Produces Red Blood Cells |