Vitamin B2 Riboflavin

The use of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in the body is numerous and they include production of oxygen used by the body and the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates as well as fatty acids. Riboflavin which is produced by the intestinal flora in the body, is also required for creation of vitamin B3 ( Macin), assisting the adrenal gland and to activate vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine).
Vitamin b2 Riboflavin is also needed for many activities in the body such as the following ;
1. Cell respiration
2. manufacturing of anti-bodies
3. formation of red blood cell
4. rapid growth
5. For healthy mucus membranes
6. for absorption of minerals such as iron and vitamin B6
7. it is essential for healthy hair, skin and nails
8. for treatment of cataracts

Vitamin B2 Deficiency
Vitamin B2 when not adequately supplied in the body can lead to many ailment characterized with symptoms such as

a. inflammables of the mouth and tongue, sores and cracks at the corner of the mouth
b. Growth hindrance
c. Sleeplessness ( insomnia)
d. Eye fatigue leading to possible cataracts
e. Improper or poor digestion
f. Slow mental response and loss of memory
g. Skin lesion
h. Dermatitis
i. Dizziness

Vitamin B2 dosage
The recommended dietary allowance (ROA) is for.
a. Male 1.6mg daily
b. Female 1.2mg daily

However this is the minimum by daily dosage to prevent severe occorrence of vitamin D deficiency related ailment. In case of therapy or the use of supplement, up to 50mg daily can be taken but this intake should be regulated to curb possible toxicity the vitamin.

Symptoms of high intake of vitamin b2.
To a certain level, excessive intake of vitamin B2 above the RDA may not result in toxicity. But then care should be taken. Yellowed is discoloration of the urine could occur as a result of continuous consumption of vitamin B2. But this is not an abnormality and it does no harm.

How to take Vitamin B2.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) intake is best with vitamin b complex and the ascorbic acids and together with vitamin B6 if in take is therapeutic.

When is vitamin b2 required.
The body consumes or uses up a lot of Vitamin B2 when engaged in strenuous exercise, when consuming alcohol or taking antibiotics and birth control pills. It s also effective in curbing stress when.

Sources of vitamin B2 in food.
The sources of vitamin B2 include the following

a. milk
b. cheese
c. eggs
d. meat
e. leafs
f. vegetable
g. fish
h. legumes
i. hognut
j. organ meat

It should be noted that light is enemy to riboflavin because it is highly sensitive to light.

Cancer and Vitamin e
Free radicals in the body have adverse effect which could enhance chronic disease such as cancer. But this adverse effect could be protected if sufficient vitamin E is present in the body. It is also active against nitrosamines. There are also reports that risk of prostate and breast cancer is reduced if vitamin E intake, especially specific vitamin E isomer like gammatocopherol and nutrients like selenium is high. Although an exceptional case was that of post menopausal breast cancer which was discovered after examining over 18,000 women from New York.

Recent research also show that risk of lung cancer in smokers can be reduced with increased intake of vitamin E which are active against the damaging effects of free radicals. But in a clinical trial, the effect of vitamin E administration to male smokers rather hightened the risk of lung cancer. Another research in Iowa State reports that, intake of vitamin e supplement may reduce the risk of occorrence of colon cancer in women under 65 years of age. Other cancer patient of about 2000 adults was examine and the development of this colon cancer has nothing to with the intake of vitamin E. But there is not enough proof to use vitamin E as a preventive measure against cancer.

Cataract and Vitamin E
Cataracts is most common in old people. It is a situation that leads to watering eye and eye fatigue. Normally if cataract occurs it leads to clouding of the eye lens tissue, which if not treated will result in total blindness. Research has been carried out and it is known to yield both negative and positive result. One study indicateS that those that use vitamin E supplement and have sufficient amount of vitamin E in their blood are at reduced risk of clouding in the eye lens tissues therefore reducing the chances of developing cataracts. On the other hand, a study of the effect of vitamin e on smokers developing cataracts was negative. Smoking increased the risk of developing cataracts and there is every tendency that the effect of the smoke could hinder the potency of the vitamin E. But not withstanding, before vitamin E should be recommended as a panacea for or prevention for cataracts

The articles on this website should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition. Always seek professional medical advice.