Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Health Benefits

Health Benefits Of Vitamin B2

Cracks in the corers of your mouth and a sore red tongue are signs of a vitamin B2 deficiency.

In this article we will look at some of the health benefits associated with vitamin B2.

What Does Vitamin B2 Do?

Vitamin B2 is also known as riboflavin and is a member of the vitamin B complex.

It helps your body to convert the food that you eat into energy, and also plays a role in the normal growth and development of babies and children.

Vitamin B2 also plays a role in keeping the linings of your lungs, mouth and digestive system in good working order. Vitamin B2 is also very important for the nervous system, and helps to protect it and transmit nerve impulses.

Your nails, skin and hair also require vitamin B2 to stay healthy, as well as your eyes and your reproductive system.

How Much Vitamin B2 Do You Need?

The RDA for vitamin B2 is 1.3mg.

Where Do You Get Vitamin B2?

Vitamin B2 is best obtained from fresh food, as overcooking or processing the food can destroy it.

What Causes Vitamin B2 Deficiency?

If you take any drugs such as antidepressants, antimalarials or chemotherapy drugs these may interfere with your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B2. This also applies to smokers, heavy drinkers and women on the pill.

Signs Of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

• Sore Tongue
• Cracked Lips
• Poor Concentration
• Cataracts
• Itchy Eyes

Who Needs Extra Vitamin B2?

Pregnant women, heavy drinkers, people with bowel disease, people who live a physically demanding lifestyle and women on hormone replacement therapy may require larger amounts of vitamin B2.

Vegans and people who are under lots of stress are also likely to become deficient in vitamin B2.

Vitamin B2 Supplements

The body cannot store vitamin B2, so there is no point in taking high doses. Anything above 2mg will just be excreted in the urine and give it a very dark yellow colour.