Riboflavin B2

What is riboflavin? Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a vitamin among the B vitamin group that is necessary for the body to function correctly. Just like other vitamins in this group, riboflavin/B2 helps the body’s metabolism by processing carbohydrates and fats and turning them into energy. Typically, there aren’t many dangers of riboflavin, and if someone consumes riboflavin/B2 in excessive amounts, most of the extra is excreted through the urine. However, injection of riboflavin/B2 in concentrated forms can be harmful to the body. Riboflavin deficiencies are common, due to the fact that the body disposes of so much on a regular basis. Signs of a riboflavin deficiency can include dry cracked lips, itchy red eyes, mouth ulcers and more.

Riboflavin/B5 has shown to provide many additional benefits, and there are always studies being conducted by riboflavin manufacturers to determine exactly how it can help people. There is constant riboflavin news in the medical community due to these studies, and just a few of the promising results have been that vitamin B2 helps eye health and there have been studies about corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin. Riboflavin can also contribute to blood safety. Another promising study is the one with riboflavin and migraine treatment, which has so far shown promising results as well. Vitamin B2 and rosacea have also been linked, showing that reduced riboflavin in the diet can worsen this skin condition.

There are other purposes for riboflavin/B2 as well. For many years, this vitamin has been added to foods not only for its medical benefits, but also as a coloring additive. It adds a yellowish color to foods, so riboflavin/B2 can be added in such products as baby food simply for its coloring qualities. Riboflavin/B2 is also fluorescent under UV light, and it has been of great assistance in treating infants with jaundice for decades. Riboflavin in cleaners is another widely spreading use for this vitamin, and riboflavin/B2 is still being studied all the time so that we can achieve maximum benefits from this natural source. Some of the best food sources of riboflavin/B2 include many vegetables such as okra and asparagus. It is also found prominently in many dairy products, including milk, eggs and cottage cheese. If you aren’t sure you are getting the right amount of riboflavin/B2 every day, you can easily use a supplement to make up the difference. You can often find a riboflavin vitamin on its own, or you can use a B vitamin complex supplement.