Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is one of the B-complex vitamins important for numerous vital functions in your body. Riboflavin deficiency is uncommon because so many foods are good sources for the vitamin. Health benefits of riboflavin include maintaining normal body metabolism, antioxidant activity and a wide range of other possible benefits requiring further study.
Vitamin B2
Riboflavin is one of the eight water-soluble B-complex vitamins your body requires for normal metabolic activity. Its functions include helping with the conversion of food to energy, fat and protein metabolism, nervous system function, normal growth and organ maintenance, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Riboflavin also acts as an antioxidant, helping to de-activate free radicals and prevent the damage they can cause to your cells and DNA.
Dietary Sources
Many animal and vegetable foods contain riboflavin, making riboflavin deficiency uncommon when on a balanced diet. Dairy products, eggs, meat, green vegetables, and enriched cereals and grains are all good sources of vitamin B2. Food sources should be stored away from light, as exposure to light can break down riboflavin. Heat does not destroy the vitamin, but it can be lost in water used for boiling or soaking foods.
Vitamin B2 Deficiency
Maintaining healthy levels of riboflavin requires regular dietary intake because your body cannot store water-soluble vitamins. Deficiency develops most often in malnourished individuals, such as the elderly or alcoholics. Lactose-intolerant individuals who avoid dairy products are also at increased risk of becoming deficient. The symptoms of riboflavin deficiency include fatigue, sores around the mouth or lips, inflamed red tongue, sore throat, skin rash and anemia, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Benefits of Vitamin B2
In addition to its vital role in metabolism, riboflavin contributes to good health through disease prevention and treatment. Strong scientific evidence supports its expected effectiveness in reversing riboflavin deficiency states, and for use in treating newborn jaundice along with phototherapy. Additional studies suggest riboflavin might play a role in preventing cataracts of the eye, decreasing the intensity of migraine headaches and treating certain types of anemia, according to MayoClinic.com. Further studies are needed to determine the exact role of the vitamin in these diseases.
Other Proposed Benefits
Many additional health benefits of riboflavin have been suggested, but lack sufficient evidence to evaluate scientifically. Possible benefits include improving cognitive thinking and memory, treating depression, strengthening the immune system, preventing a variety of cancers and improving conditions as diverse as diabetes, atherosclerosis or multiple sclerosis. Before trying riboflavin for any of these purposes, you should discuss your condition and other possible treatments with your health care provider.
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