What is vitamin B2 or riboflavin and what are the side effects of deficiency?

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin, one of the B vitamins. Vitamin B2, with the help of other B vitamins, plays an important role in the metabolism of foods and their conversion into energy, the activity of the adrenal glands and the relaxation of the central nervous system.

Some research suggests that vitamin B2 may act as an antioxidant and counteract the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamin B2 with this mechanism, like other vitamins that have antioxidant properties, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, reduces the chances of developing some types of cancer. Vitamin B2 reduces the conversion of good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL) and thus reduces the deposition of cholesterol in the arteries and other organs of the body.


Cataracts and their relationship to vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is needed for eye health and vision, according to a study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. People who have taken vitamin B2 supplements over the years are significantly less likely to develop the disease. Cataracts are affected. Therefore, it is thought that this vitamin may reduce the chances of developing cataracts.


Symptoms of Vitamin B2 Deficiency:

Anorexia or overeating: According to Medical Plus Medical Center in the United States, 20 to 33% of people with anorexia or bulimia nervosa are deficient in vitamin B2 and take the right dose of vitamin B2 along with others. B vitamins improve these problems.

Headache and Migraine: Another study by Medical Plus Medical Center found that after taking vitamin B2 supplements, the severity of migraine attacks and headaches in people with migraines was reduced by up to 50% and it is likely that One of the causes of migraine is vitamin B2 deficiency.


Other symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency

Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to problems such as weakness, swelling of the throat and tongue, cracking of the skin, especially cracks in the corners of the mouth, dermatitis, anemia and blurred vision.

Who is at risk for vitamin B2 deficiency?

The elderly and those with chronic diseases are at risk for vitamin B2 deficiency.

Alcohol and birth control pills reduce the body's ability to absorb this vitamin.

Sweating, physical activity and stress also increase the body's need for vitamin B2.


Amount of daily requirement of vitamin B2

According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily requirement of vitamin B2 for different age groups is as follows:

Adolescent girls 14 to 18 years old 1 mg, adolescent boys 14 to 18 years old 1.3 mg, women over 19 years old 1.1 mg, men over 19 years old 1.3 mg and pregnant and lactating women need 1.4 to 1.6 mg of vitamin B2 per day.

Food sources of vitamin B2

Dairy products, especially milk and cheese, eggs, meats, fresh vegetables and green vegetables such as cucumbers and broccoli and fresh fish are good sources of vitamin B2.


Vitamin B2 supplements

Because vitamin B2 is found in sufficient amounts in foods, it is usually not necessary to take it as a dietary supplement unless diagnosed and consulted by a physician.

Vitamin B2 along with other B vitamins is in the composition of many supplements such as B-complex, multivitamins, brewer's yeast and so on.

Some doctors prescribe vitamin B2 supplements for patients to help treat conditions such as forgetfulness, jaundice in infants, anemia, anorexia, cataracts, depression and migraines.

Taking high doses of vitamin B2 supplements can cause serious liver damage.

Always consult your doctor before taking dietary supplements.