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 ...