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Healthypedia

Why Is Vitamin B2 Important For Health?

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a vital member of the B vitamin group essential for human health, found in grains, plants, and dairy products.

vitamin b2

Key benefits of vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 functions include breaking down food components, facilitating nutrient absorption, and maintaining tissues. Here are the key health benefits of this micronutrient:

1. Vitamin B2 supports healthy pregnancy. A study from the Women’s University Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany, indicates that riboflavin deficiency may contribute to pre-eclampsia, a condition leading to high blood pressure in late pregnancy. The riboflavin-deficient group showed a 28.8% likelihood of developing pre-eclampsia, compared to only 7.8% in the riboflavin-adequate group.1

2. Vitamin B2 plays a key role among B vitamins in converting nutrients into glucose, supporting the production of this energy-bearing substance essential for overall health and well-being.

Happy senior couple enjoying healthy meal in hut during yoga retreat

3. Essential for eye health, Vitamin B2 is necessary to protect glutathione, a crucial antioxidant in the eye, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

4. For migraine sufferers, Vitamin B2 can be beneficial. A study from the Department of Neurology at Humboldt University Berlin found that high doses of riboflavin led to a significant reduction in migraine frequency, from 4 days a month to 2 days a month.2

5. Vitamin B2 promotes cell turnover, collagen maintenance, reduces inflammation, accelerates wound healing, and aids in the secretion of skin mucus, preventing dryness and enhancing zinc absorption, crucial for skin health.

Warning signs of vitamin B2 deficiency

Deficiency symptoms encompass chapped lips, sore throat, swollen mouth, hair loss, skin rash, anemia, and, in severe cases, cataracts.

Caution on excessive vitamin B2

While vitamin B2 toxicity is rare, potential symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting; however, the body quickly normalizes nutrient levels.3

Guidelines and sources of vitamin B2

Only 15% of vitamin B2 is absorbed in the small intestine, stored in the liver, and must be replenished daily through diet; factors like health conditions or medications may affect absorption.

To maintain proper vitamin B2 levels in your body, prioritise a balanced diet rich in grains, plants, and dairy products.3

Big,And,Small,Radish,Vegetable,Salad

Consult a healthcare professional before considering vitamin B2 supplements due to potential incompatibility with medicines or overdose risks.


Healthypedia FAQ

Vitamin B2 functions include breaking down food components, facilitating nutrient absorption, and maintaining tissues.

Deficiency symptoms encompass chapped lips, sore throat, swollen mouth, hair loss, skin rash, anemia, and, in severe cases, cataracts.

While vitamin B2 toxicity is rare, potential symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting; however, the body quickly normalizes nutrient levels.

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