Riboflavin B-2
Among the essential nutrients needed by the body to maintain its high level of functioning is Riboflavin, more commonly known as Vitamin B2. It is what gives the orange color in B-complex vitamins, which are usually evident in urine when taking large dose of this substance. Some great sources of this B vitamin are spinach, asparagus, milk and other dairy products, celery and carrots.
Essential Vitamin
Obtaining this type of vitamin from food or supplement is essential since it plays a major role in cellular function. Just like other B vitamins, it greatly helps in converting carbohydrates from food into sugar, and into a form of energy our body needs to support its daily function.
Riboflavin is also regarded as a powerful antioxidant which delays early signs of aging like premature wrinkles. It works by maintaining every cells and tissues in the body, and repair them, which makes it an important nutrient for faster wound healing from injuries and even after surgery. It also provides a healthy hair, skin and nails. This is the reason why lack of Vitamin B2 can lead to dryness and scaling of the skin as well as mouth and tongue ulcers.
Immune Booster
Vitamin B2 is also a great immune system booster. It helps the body fight infection and other diseases caused by stress, toxins, pollutants and other chemical or environmental factors. It also helps with absorption of Iron, which helps in building red blood cells that transports oxygen to the major organs such as the brain. Because of this, Riboflavin is crucial in brain and nerve function in order to maintain mental or cognitive health.
Studies show that it prevents different nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. It also prevents iron-deficiency anemia, which occurs due to lack of circulating red blood cells in the body. Other health benefits obtained from this Vitamin include healthy reproductive function, eye and vision health, prevention of migraine, carpal tunnel syndrome, vaginitis and skin disorders like rosacea.
Water Soluble
Due to fact that Riboflavin is continuously excreted in the form of urine, it is common for every individual to be deficient with this vitamin. Some factors that can lead to deficiency of this vitamin are malnutrition, alcoholism, inadequate intake of Vitamin B2 rich foods and gastrointestinal diseases, which inhibits the absorption of vitamin B2.
To get the daily requirement for this vitamin, recommended daily allowance for this is 1.3 mg. for adult men while 1.1 milligram for adult women. Additional dosage is suggested for pregnant woman because it helps in healthy progression of pregnancy and in development of fetus inside the womb. Vitamin B2 is generally safe since any excess dosage is only excreted from the body in the form of urine. The only side effect noted due to large doses of Riboflavin is the bright yellow color of urine. Still, visiting a doctor is advised, especially if Vitamin B2 is suspected. To make sure that potency is Vitamin B2 is being preserved, make sure that food or supplement is stored in a place where it is not directly exposed to light.