Benefits of Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin

Vitamin B2 or also known as riboflavin is a water soluble vitamin. It is a component of two enzymes namely flavin mononucleotide or FMN and flavin adenine dinucleotide or FAD. One of the roles of these two enzymes is to support the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to produce energy.

Riboflavin is also crucial in the production of antibody or a type of protein that binds to bacteria or virus and prevents them from damaging the body. It also assists in the production of cell respiration and growth. Riboflavin is also beneficial for the digestive tract. Together with vitamin A, riboflavin helps the body maintains the mucous membranes lining the tubular passage from the mouth to the anus.


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If you suffer from frequent bouts of migraine headache, consider taking riboflavin supplements. Another benefit of taking riboflavin supplement is it helps in preventing and treating cataracts and support normal vision and eye health. Riboflavin also supports the secretion of thyroid hormones and combined with iodine, selenium, L-tyrosine, zinc and iron may help treat hypothyroidism.


Newborn infants who develop neonatal jaundice or a yellowing of the skin and eyes, patients with alcohol dependence and those who suffer mental disorders are often treated with riboflavin supplements.


The RDA for riboflavin is 1.3mg per day for adult men and 1.1mg for adult women and 1.6mg for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Some of the food sources of riboflavin are dairy products, eggs, green leafy vegetables, lean meats, legumes, milk and nuts.


Riboflavin deficiency will result in a medical condition called ariboflavinosis. The common symptoms of riboflavin deficiency are anemia, skin cracking, and sores at the corners of the mouth, tongue swelling and feeling weak. People who are at risk of ariboflavinosis are the elderly, those who are dependent on alcohol, people with chronic illness and the poor.




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