Anxiety, stress and panic symptoms can significantly interfere with your life and affect your overall sense of well-being. Certain nutritional supplements, especially B complex vitamins like riboflavin, may help symptoms of anxiety. However, nutritional supplements are not a cure for anxiety. Do not use vitamins as a substitute for your doctor's advice.
About Riboflavin
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a member of the B complex family of vitamins. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, all of the B vitamins play an important part in maintaining a healthy nervous system, energy metabolism and normal cell growth and development. Riboflavin plays an additional role as an antioxidant, meaning that it helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, and also helps convert vitamin B6 and folate into their active forms. While a deficiency of riboflavin is not common, it could cause symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat and skin disorders. People who do not eat enough riboflavin-rich foods or are elderly or alcoholic may have a higher risk of deficiency. Riboflavin is naturally present in foods such as almonds, organ meats, soybeans, milk and yogurt.
Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a normal response to fear, stress and tension. However, if you suffer from high levels of anxiety even when no stressor is present, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can manifest in symptoms like excessive worry, nervousness, panic, insomnia, appetite loss, sweating, trembling, bodily tension and muscle aches and pains. Although anxiety is often treated with medication and psychotherapy, many people rely on natural or alternative methods, such as herbs, dietary supplements, biofeedback, yoga and meditation, to alleviate their symptoms. While clinical evidence is extremely limited, some people believe that riboflavin supplementation may have a beneficial effect on anxiety.
Clinical Evidence
There is not much scientific evidence to prove the benefits of riboflavin supplementation for anxiety. According to psychologist Edmund J. Bourne in his book, "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook," a deficiency of riboflavin can lead to symptoms of anxiety, irritability, fatigue and restlessness. One study, published in the April 2009 issue of the journal "Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics," showed that B-complex vitamin supplementation had an anxiety-reducing effect on patients suffering from coeliac disease, which causes gluten-intolerance. Another study, published in 1995 in the journal, "Neuropsychobiology," showed that improved riboflavin status in study participants was associated with improvements in mood. However, there are no additional studies examining the specific benefits of riboflavin on anxiety. Further clinical research is needed to fully evaluate the benefits of riboflavin on symptoms of anxiety.
Considerations
While riboflavin may improve symptoms of anxiety, the clinical evidence confirming this claim is extremely limited. Do not use dietary supplements to self-treat your symptoms. Consult your doctor if you think you have an anxiety disorder. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, riboflavin supplements can interact with certain medications. Inform your doctor if you plan to take riboflavin supplements, especially if you take any medication or have an medical condition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook"; Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D; 2005
- "Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics"; Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet; C. Hallert, et al; April 2009
- "Neuropsychobiology"; Vitamin supplementation for 1 year improves mood; D. Benton, et al; 1995
