VITAMIN B2
Riboflavin
What is Vitamin B2?
What conditions has it been used to treat?
What is Vitamin B2?
Other names: riboflavin. Vitamin B2 is part of a group of vitamins called B complex.
There are eight B vitamins all together and they were at one time thought to be just one vitamin. Research has shown that they are indeed all slightly different in structure.
The other seven B vitamins that make up B Complex are :
Riboflavin is a water-soluble, yellow-orange in colour and as it was the second of the B's to be discovered they called it B2.
Where is it found?
It is found in dairy, eggs and meat produce. Also found in leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. There is an amount of this vitamin in milk but it is destroyed by sunlight, so for those who still have milk delivered it is a good idea to bring the milk in as soon as you can. Flours are enriched with riboflavin as too are cereals.
Why is it needed?
Needed in order to convert food into energy, much like the other B vitamins. It is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and fats. If nerves and blood cells are to develop and get repaired then riboflavin is partly responsible for this happening.
It is used in the metabolism of iron, for adrenal gland function and as tissue is made up of cells it has a part to play in the production of connective tissue and is needed if the immune system is to function properly.
What happens if you are deficient?
In tests, deficiency shows a greater risk of developing throat cancers and cataracts along with sores in the corner of the mouth with possibly a red swollen tongue.
Loss of appetite, fatigue, depression, anaemia, dimness of vision, burning eyes.
Some may experience decreased sensory sensitivity such as touch, temperature and vibration.
Greasy, scaly skin is a sign of severe deficiency.
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