Vitamin B2
DEFINITION
Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin is a water soluble vitamin that is
part of the B group vitamins.
part of the B group vitamins.
DESCRIPTION
Vitamin B2 is found in very high levels in the kidney and
liver. It is used by the body in a large variety of metabolic
process and is important for the chemical reactions that produce
energy for the body cells. Very little of this vitamin is stored by
the body, so it needs to be replenished in the diet regularly.
Certain medications can reduce the absorption of dietary Vitamin
B2. These drugs include tricyclic antidepressant medications and
antimalarial drugs such as quinacrine. Ultraviolet light destroys
this vitamin, so Vitamin B2 deficiency can occur in young babies
that have received ultraviolet light treatment for jaundice. Very
large doses of oral Vitamin B2 do not produce any toxic effects
because the body has a fairly limited capacity to absorb dietary
forms of this vitamin.
liver. It is used by the body in a large variety of metabolic
process and is important for the chemical reactions that produce
energy for the body cells. Very little of this vitamin is stored by
the body, so it needs to be replenished in the diet regularly.
Certain medications can reduce the absorption of dietary Vitamin
B2. These drugs include tricyclic antidepressant medications and
antimalarial drugs such as quinacrine. Ultraviolet light destroys
this vitamin, so Vitamin B2 deficiency can occur in young babies
that have received ultraviolet light treatment for jaundice. Very
large doses of oral Vitamin B2 do not produce any toxic effects
because the body has a fairly limited capacity to absorb dietary
forms of this vitamin.
MEDICAL USE
Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions. Vitamin B2 is used
medically to treat and prevent Vitamin B2 deficiencies. People who
may benefit from Vitamin B2 include:
dosages and any possible medical interactions. Vitamin B2 is used
medically to treat and prevent Vitamin B2 deficiencies. People who
may benefit from Vitamin B2 include:
- Newborn babies treated for jaundice using phototherapy
(ultraviolet light treatment). - People with a poor diet, particularly those who consume
moderate to large amounts of alcohol. - Women on the contraceptive pill or on hormone replacement
therapy>.
Riboflavin may also assist in maintaining the strength of red
blood cells (along with Folic acid). Supplementation with Vitamin
B2 may be necessary in strict vegans, as B2 from vegetable sources
is not as well absorbed as that from animal sources.
blood cells (along with Folic acid). Supplementation with Vitamin
B2 may be necessary in strict vegans, as B2 from vegetable sources
is not as well absorbed as that from animal sources.
DEFICIENCY
Vitamin B2 deficiency causes weakness, sore throat, oedema
(fluid build up) in the pharynx and lining of the mouth, soreness
and redness of the lips, tongue and mouth. The classic symptoms of
too little Riboflavin are cracking of the lips and at the corners
of the mouth. The skin around the nose, eyebrows and earlobes may
begin to flake. Vision problems can occur with increased
sensitivity to light and burning, tearing and itching of the
eyes.
(fluid build up) in the pharynx and lining of the mouth, soreness
and redness of the lips, tongue and mouth. The classic symptoms of
too little Riboflavin are cracking of the lips and at the corners
of the mouth. The skin around the nose, eyebrows and earlobes may
begin to flake. Vision problems can occur with increased
sensitivity to light and burning, tearing and itching of the
eyes.
SOURCES
Major sources include milk, eggs, ice cream, liver, some lean
meats and green vegetables.
meats and green vegetables.
DOSAGE
The recommended dietary intake (RDI) for Vitamin B2 is 1.7 mg
per day for adult men and 1.2 mg per day for adult women, although
women that are pregnant require and additional 0.3 mg per day and
those that are lactating require an additional 0.5 mg per day. The
dosages required to correct deficiencies of Vitamin B2 are much
higher. As for all the B vitamins, it is generally recommended that
Vitamin B2 be taken as part of a B complex supplement to ensure the
correct balance of B vitamins in the body.
per day for adult men and 1.2 mg per day for adult women, although
women that are pregnant require and additional 0.3 mg per day and
those that are lactating require an additional 0.5 mg per day. The
dosages required to correct deficiencies of Vitamin B2 are much
higher. As for all the B vitamins, it is generally recommended that
Vitamin B2 be taken as part of a B complex supplement to ensure the
correct balance of B vitamins in the body.