Vitamin B2 and it’s significance

Overview

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin

Water-soluble vitamin B2, Riboflavin, is essential to support the body’s general health. It is a member of the B-complex vitamin family and is necessary for the efficient production of energy, metabolism, development, and many bodily functions. ¹Overview | Researched based study from Nih.gov

Biological Role

Role in the body

Production of energy

• The body’s ability to produce energy depends on vitamin B2. It aids in transforming proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into helpful energy.³Biological role| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Cellular development and growth

• It is essential for the growth and development of all body cells, including red blood cells.

Antioxidant activity

• In the body, riboflavin functions as an antioxidant to help shield cells from damage from free radicals.³Biological role| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Eye health 

• Vitamin B2 improving health of eye and Vision and reduces the risk of glaucoma and cataract.

Skin health

• Riboflavin (B2) antioxidant properties are good for healthy skin, hair, and nails

Nervous system function

• Neurotransmitters, which are necessary for healthy nervous system function, are produced due to nervous system activity.³Biological role| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Hormone synthesis

• Required for the synthesis of certain hormones, including adrenal hormones. ³Biological role| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Health benefits

Additional health benefits

Migraine prevention

• According to several research, Riboflavin may prevent migraines or lessen their frequency and intensity.

Red blood cell production

• Necessary for creating red blood cells and may aid in preventing anaemia.³Health Benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Good metabolism

• Support for metabolism has a role in various bodily metabolic processes and may assist in promoting a healthy metabolism and weight management.³Health Benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Sources

Dietary sources of riboflavin

Dairy products

• Riboflavin is abundant in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt.¹Sources | Researched based study from Nih.gov

Meat

• Like beef, hog, and lamb, organ meats like liver and kidney are rich in vitamin B2.

Poultry

• Chicken and turkey are excellent sources of seafood and fish

• Riboflavin is abundant in tuna, salmon, mackerel, and shellfish like oysters and clams.¹Sources | Researched based study from Nih.gov

Eggs

• The yolk of an egg is a good source ¹Sources | Researched based study from Nih.gov

Green leafy vegetables

• Excellent sources include collard greens, spinach, and kale.¹Sources | Researched based study from Nih.gov

Whole grains

• Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat are good sources.

Nuts and seeds

• Almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin B2.

Fortified cereals.

• Many portions of cereal are fortified with Riboflavin.¹Sources | Researched based study from Nih.gov

B2 Deficiency

Who is at risk of vitamin B2 deficiency?

Inadequate dietary intake, not getting enough of the foods such as dairy, meat, green vegetables, and grains high in vitamin B2.²B2 deficiency| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Malabsorption

• The absorption of nutrients can be hampered by several medical diseases, including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.²B2 deficiency| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Alcoholism

• Alcohol can obstruct Riboflavin’s absorption and use, resulting in a deficit.²B2 deficiency| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Higher requirements

• Intense physical activity, pregnancy, and nursing can all raise the body’s demand and cause a shortage.

Genetic conditions 

• Some genetic conditions, such as Brown-Vialetto-Van LAere syndrome and riboflavin transporter insufficiency, might impair the body’s capacity to absorb and utilise vitamin B2.²B2 deficiency| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Deficiency symptoms

Symptoms of B2 deficiency

• Cracked lips and corners of the mouth
• Red, sore or swollen tongue
• Mouth sores
• Burning or itching eyes
• Skin rashes
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. ²Deficiency symptoms| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Deficiency diseases

Diseases associated with vitamin B2 deficiency

Skin conditions

• Dermatitis, skin rash, and pain around the mouth and nose can all be brought on by a vitamin B2 deficiency.²Deficiency Disease| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Eye conditions

• A lack of Riboflavin can cause cataracts, photophobia (light sensitivity), and other eye conditions like blurred vision.

Anemia

• Anemia is a disorder when the body doesn’t create enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. It can result from this.²Deficiency Disease| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Throat and mouth issues

• Lips, tongue, and throat pain and swelling can result from riboflavin insufficiency.

Digestion issues

• There are digestive issues such as diarrhoea, appetite loss, and stomach pain.²Deficiency Disease| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Nervous system disorders

• Nervous system problems can impact memory and focus, including tingling, burning, and numbness in the hands and feet.²Deficiency Disease| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Dosage

Daily Requirement of Vitamin B2

• Infants 0-6 months: 0.3 mg/day.
• Infants 7-12 months: 0.4 mg/day
• Children 1-3 years: 0.5 mg/day
• Children 4-8 years: 0.6 mg/day
• Children 9-13 years: 0.9 mg/day
• Teenagers 14-18 years: 1.0 mg/day for males and 0.9 mg/day for females
• Adults 19 years and older: 1.3 mg/day for males and 1.1 mg/day for females. ¹Dosage | Researched based study from Nih.gov

Overdose

Overdose of B2

• Since Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, any excess consumption will likely be eliminated in urine and won’t likely result in toxicity or overdose.
• However, a few individuals could have minor side effects like diarrhea, Light sensitivity or bright yellow urine.⁴Overdose | Researched based study from Mountsinai.org When the intake is decreased, these adverse effects usually subside without damage.
• Rarely, some people may be allergic to vitamin B2 pills and show signs like rash, itching, or breathing problems.

Interaction

Interactions of Vitamin B2 with medicines

Interactions of VItamin B2 with medicines

Tricyclic antidepressants

• Vitamin B2 may reduce the effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants by speeding up their metabolism in liver. ⁴Interactions | Researched based study from Mountsinai.org

Tetracycline

• Tetracycline’s absorption and efficacy are hampered by riboflavin. As a result, it is not recommended to drink both at once. ⁴Interactions | Researched based study from Mountsinai.org

Oral contraception

• The body’s levels of Riboflavin may be decreased by prolonged usage of oral contraceptives. ⁴Interactions | Researched based study from Mountsinai.org

Probenecid

• Increases riboflavin excretion and decreases its absorption from the gut.

Anti-cholinergic drugs

• These drugs may prevent the body from absorbing riboflavin. They are used to treat a range of diseases, such as gastrointestinal spasms, asthma, depression, and motion sickness. ⁴Interactions | Researched based study from Mountsinai.org

Chemotherapy medications

• Riboflavin levels may drop as a result of chemotherapy medications. ⁴Interactions | Researched based study from Mountsinai.org

Takeaway

Key Takeaways

• Vitamin B2 has been proven to have potential health benefits for preventing and treating some medical conditions.
• It plays a key role in energy production, growth, and development.
• Riboflavin is generally safe and well-tolerated.