Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

During the late 19th century, scientists discovered a yellow-green fluorescent pigment in milk. About fifty years later the compound was isolated and recognized as riboflavin. Generally referred to as the B-complex, vitamin B2 plays an important role in the conversion of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, into the energy that the body needs for development and growth.

Health Benefits of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

A number of health benefits are attributed to riboflavin (vitamin B2) including the following:

Assisting in boosting the immune system, by strengthening antibodies that are considered the body’s first line of defense, against infection.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is significant to the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.

It maintains tissue and heals burns wounds, and other injuries quickly.

It sustains the nervous system that is significant in treating Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, anxiety, and stress.

It assists in preventing slow development of cataracts by limiting free radicals damage.

High doses of riboflavin (vitamin B2) may reduce the incidence of migraine attacks by boosting the energy supplies that sufferers sometimes lack. With a daily intake of 400 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2) for three months, a group noticed an average 37% lowering of migraine attacks.

It is used for treating rosacea-related skin blemishes, as this disorder is partially due to riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiencies. It assists by improving the skin’s secretion of mucus, which eliminates skin pustules linked with rosacea.

Riboflavin Availability

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is available in tablet and capsule form. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for riboflavin is 1.1 mg. for women and 1.3 mg for men. Those with particular afflictions are required to take higher doses. The elderly and alcoholics are frequently deficient in B vitamins. Symptoms of insufficient riboflavin (vitamin B2) are cracking of the lips, sensitivity to light, and itching and burning of the eyes. There is a possibility of skin inflammation in the groin region.

Anaemia, which is a low red blood cell count, may also be a problem that causes fatigue. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is not considered to have side effects since it is a water-based vitamin. Excess amounts are excreted in urine, turning it bright yellow, which is noticeable but harmless.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is obtainable on its own or in multivitamins and vitamin B-complex products. By taking one-a-day vitamins, you will get the RDA of riboflavin (vitamin B2). Those who require high potency multivitamins could obtain 30mg or more of riboflavin (vitamin B2) preparations. Vitamin B-complex contains either 50 or 100 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2).

Dosage Considerations

To prevent migraine, take 400 mg of every morning.
To prevent cataract, take 25 mg once daily.
To treat rosacea, take 50 mg once daily.

Those who are taking antibiotics, oral contraceptives, or psychiatric drugs, should consult their doctor before taking riboflavin, to allow the correct dosage to be calculated. Although riboflavin is generally considered to be safe, do not consume alcohol when taking it, as it could interfere with the absorption of the vitamin.