Vitamin B2, also
known as riboflavin, or additive E101 is an essential
nutrient for human health. Riboflavin can be found in grains, plants
and dairy products. Vitamin B2 is crucial for breaking down food
components, absorbing other nutrients, and maintaining tissue.
Our
bodies need vitamin B2 to help break down proteins, fats and
carbohydrates. It plays a vital role in maintaining the body's energy
supply. Riboflavin helps convert carbohydrates into ATP (adenosine
triphosphate). The human body produces ATP from food, ATP produces
energy as the body requires it. Put simply, the compound ATP is vital
for storing energy in muscles.
Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble
vitamin. This means it dissolves in water. There are two types of
vitamins - water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are
carried through the bloodstream, whatever is not required is
eliminated in urine. Therefore you need to consume vitamin B2
everyday because supplies go down rapidly.
Vitamin B2 is used for preventing low levels of vitamin B2, cervical cancer, and migraineheadaches. It is also used for treating riboflavin deficiency, acne, muscle cramps, burning feet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and blood disorders such as congenital methemoglobinemia and red blood cell aplasia. Some people use riboflavin for eye conditions including eye fatigue, cataracts, and glaucoma.
It is also used for preventing migraine headaches. Taking high-dose riboflavin (400 mg/day) seems to significantly reduce the number of migraine headache attacks. However, taking vitamin B2 does not appear to reduce the amount of pain or the amount of time a migraine headache lasts.
Other uses include increasing energy levels; boosting immune system function; maintaining healthy hair, skin, mucous membranes, and nails; slowing aging; boosting athletic performance; promoting healthy reproductive function; canker sores; memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease; ulcers; burns; alcoholism; liver disease; sickle cell anemia; and treating lactic acidosis brought on by treatment with a class of AIDS-medications called NRTI drugs.
Vitamin B2 is also important for:
Along with vitamin A, maintaining the mucous membranes in the digestive system
Converting tryptophan into niacin, an amino acid.
Healthy eyes, nerves, muscles and skin
Properly absorbing and activating iron, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B3 and B6
Hormone production by the adrenal glands
Preventing the development of cataracts
Proper fetal development, especially in areas where vitamin deficiency is common
Animal source foods, such as turkey, chicken, fish, beef kidneys and liver
Eggs
Dairy products
Asparagus
Artichokes
Avocados
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cayenne
Currants
Dandelion greens
Energy drinks (some of them)
Fortified cereals
Kelp
Lima beans
Molasses
Mushrooms
Navy beans
Nuts
Parsley
Peas
Pumpkins
Rose hips
Sage
Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Watercress
Wheat bran
Whole-grain breads, enriched breads
Yeast extract
According to the Institute of Medicine, USA, the RDA is as follows for vitamin B2:
Infants - 0.3 to 0.4 mg per day
Children - 0.6 to 0.9 mg per day
Men - 1.3 mg per day
Women - 1.1 mg per day
Lactating women - 1.4 mg per day
Pregnant women - 1.6 mg per day
When dietary intake is poor,
riboflavin deficiency is a significant risk because the human body
excretes it continuously (it is not stored). Experts say that vitamin
B2 deficiency is nearly always part of a general vitamin
deficiency.
There are two types of riboflavin deficiencies:
Primary riboflavin deficiency - the person's diet is poor in vitamin B2
Secondary riboflavin deficiency - there is another reason. Perhaps the individual's intestines cannot absorb the vitamin properly, or the body cannot use it. It is also possible that it is being excreted too rapidly.
Signs and symptoms of riboflavin deficiency, also known as ariboflavinosis include:
Angular Cheilitis - cracks at the corners of the mouth
Cracked lips
Dry skin
Inflammation of the lining of the mouth
Inflammation of the tongue
Mouth ulcers
Red lips
Sore throat
Scrotal dermatitis
Fluid in mucous membranes
Iron-deficiency anemia
Eyes may be sensitive to bright light, they may also be itchy, watery and/or bloodshot
Vitamin B2 is not known to cause overdose side effects because excessive amounts are not retained by the body.
The following reviews have been selected:
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Good, consistant quality, April 24, 2011
By
bendwriter (Bend, OR United States)
I use these at the recommendation of my doctor to help with migraine headaches. 400 mg/day, and it's definitely helped. I tried these first, but then switched to a different brand because it was less expensive. However, the quality simply wasn't there, so I switched back to these. Very good quality, no problems...
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Reason for taking: Headache
Reviewer: muggins, 55-64 Male,1/20/2012 11:23:55 AM
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
Iv'e suffered chronic Cluster Headaches for over 5 yrs and I started taking B2(2x200) along with D3,Magnesium and Melatonin at night AND instesd of 3-4 HAchea a day, now 3-4 a month and less severe!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great price, October 28, 2011
By
Tracie Barthel (New York)
I decided to take vitamin B2 to help prevent morning migraines. I take 400 mg a day and this product not only helps me prevent migraines but is also more affordable then some. I will continue to buy this product.
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Reason for taking: Headache
Reviewer: 45-54 Female, 10/21/2011 5:50:51 PM
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
While pregnant, I was given this tx through my doctor. I only took, per his advise, 200mg (100 am/pm). Within weeks I was no longer suffering from the migraines I was experiencing daily!
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4.0 out of 5 stars Wouldn't leave home without it, October 30, 2011
By
JamazonD
I started taking vitamin B2 as a means of controlling my migraines and I was amazed by the results. Although there are certain side effects to taking a vitamin also used as a yellow dye in many instance (none are worth a worry, I assure you), I've had a great experience using this item.
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Reason for taking: Migraine headache
Reviewer: flamingo5, 45-54 Female, 9/25/2009 12:52:30 PM
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
I was having vascular/cluster headaches for months and after the third dose of high dose riboflavin I had a significant decrease in headaches and intensity! I was amazed.
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