Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the body’s metabolic processes. It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system, and is also necessary for energy production. In this blog post, we will explore what vitamin B2 is, how the body uses it, the symptoms of deficiency and excess, and the best food sources of this vital nutrient.
What is Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)?
Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for many bodily functions. It is involved in energy production, the maintenance of healthy skin, eyes, and nerves, and the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
How Does the Body Use Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)?
Vitamin B2 is essential for the production of energy in the body. It is a precursor to two coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are involved in many metabolic processes. FAD is particularly important for the metabolism of fats, while FMN is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Vitamin B2 also plays a critical role in maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system.
Symptoms of Deficiency and Excess
A deficiency of vitamin B2 can lead to a condition called ariboflavinosis, which is characterized by symptoms such as cracks and sores in the corners of the mouth, a swollen and sore throat, and inflamed tongue. It can also cause skin rashes and vision problems. While rare in developed countries, deficiency can occur in people who consume a diet that is low in vitamin B2 or who have a condition that interferes with the absorption of the vitamin.
Excessive intake of vitamin B2 is not known to cause any adverse effects. However, supplementation is generally unnecessary as it is readily available in many foods.
Food Sources of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
The best food sources of vitamin B2 are dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Other sources include meat, eggs, leafy greens, whole grains, and mushrooms. Plant-based sources of vitamin B2 tend to be lower than animal-based sources, but a varied diet that includes these foods can provide adequate intake of this important nutrient.