Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 known also as riboflavin is a member of the B-complex group and a member of the water-soluble vitamins. It is found naturally in the same foods in which other B vitamins are found. Riboflavin is a component of two coenzymes FMN (flavin mononucleotide and FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide). The name comes from the Latin word flavin meaning “yellow’.

Vitamin B2 functions in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The vitamin is easily absorbed from the walls of the small intestine. Only negligible amounts are stored in the liver therefore, must be supplied in the diet regularly. Excess amounts are excreted in the urine and impart a bright flurecant yellow color to the urine. The amount excreted depends on the amount taken.

The amounts of vitamin B2 in foods are extremely small and often difficult to obtain a sufficient supply. Best sources are organ meats and liver, mushrooms and spinach. One –quarter of the riboflavin in our diet comes from milk products. The rest of riboflavin intake is from enriched foods and supplements. Riboflavin is stable in the presence of acid, oxygen and heat but it is extremely sensitive in the presence of alkali and ultraviolet light.

The Role of B2 Vitamin in Health

Riboflavin plays a special role in the prevention of visual disturbances. Its deficiency can create symptoms and conditions such as sand like filling inside the eyelids; eye fatigue; cracks, sores and lesions in the corner of the mouth and lips; inflammation of the tongue; sluggishness; dizziness; retarded growth; digestive problems; pellagra; seborrheic dermatitis; trembling and baldness.

There is no known toxicity of riboflavin and therefore no upper level. However, if the intake of large doses for long periods of time persists it may result in loses of other vitamin B vitamins such as Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5….through urine. Alcoholics, users of Phenobarbitals and those who don’t consume any milk or milk products risk a riboflavin deficiency.

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