What vitamin B2 does?
* Flavin coenzymes are essential for cellular energy production via the respiratory chain and are involved in oxidation-reduction reaction (redox reactions involving electron transfer). Flavin coenzymes are essential in the development of redox reactions in metabolic pathways of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
* Flavin coenzymes are extremely important in the conversion of pyridoxine (B6 vitamin) and folic acid (vitamin B9) in active forms (coenzymes) and conversion of tryptophan into niacin (vitamin B3)
* Vitamin B2 is an important antioxidant with defense role in infections
* Riboflavin helps normal growth process and participates in the formation of erythrocytes (red blood cells), the synthesis of glycogen, steroids and adrenaline
* Helps maintain membranous mucosal integrity, skin, nails, hair and eyes and is involved in cell reproduction
* Has a role in normal functioning of the nervous system
If misses…
Riboflavin deficiency is extremely rare in isolated form. In general associate other class B vitamins deficit as flavin coenzymes are involved in the metabolism of other vitamins in the same class. Vitamin B2 deficiency affects many organs and tissues, but the most striking clinically manifestations are in skin, mucous membranes and eyes. May appear as follows:
* Inflammation of the tongue – glossitis: tongue swells and becomes painful
* Cracks in corners of mouth, which can become infected quite often: angular stomatitis
* Burning sensation in the mouth, tongue and lips
* Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and nose
* Itching (pruritus)
* Inflammation of the sebaceous glands of the skin (which excrete sebum) – seborrheic dermatitis, especially on the face and scrotum / major labia. Affected areas turn red and get greasy and scaly
* Gain an oily hair, nails become brittle
* Visual disturbances, sensitivity to bright light, foreign body sensation in the eye, tearing and red eyes
If riboflavin deficiency is persistent, is describing impaired central nervous system (insomnia) and peripheral (peripheral neuropathy), anemia (secondary iron deficiency, whose metabolism is affected), digestive disorders, slowing growth in children. Conversion of tryptophan into niacin and vitamin B6 in active form is affected downward.
At risk for developing beriberi are people who have an inadequate diet: children from poor areas, industrialized, refugees, the elderly, exclusive vegetarians, people who not consume any dairy products or eggs.
In certain physiological and pathological conditions, riboflavin deficiency is secondary:
* Burns, surgery, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
* Malabsorption syndromes associated with Crohn’s disease, chronic vomiting, chronic diarrhea, celiac disease, lactose intolerance
* Chronic diseases such as tuberculosis, sub acute bacterial endocarditis, hypothyroidism, diabetes, liver cirrhosis
* Chronic alcoholism
* Chronic medication based on laxatives, thyroid hormones, sedatives, oral contraceptives, antibiotics
* Neonatal phototherapy (for intense jaundice)
* Intense exercise (like athletes)
What are the natural sources of vitamin B2?
Riboflavin is an essential constituent of all living cells, therefore is widely distributed in nature. However, quite a few natural sources are rich in vitamin B2. The highest concentrations are in yeast and animal liver, dietary sources not commonly found in food today. The most important and common food sources that contain riboflavin are milk and dairy products, lean meat, eggs and green leafy vegetables. Nuts, mushrooms and avocados contain small amounts of riboflavin. Many of flour products (bread, cereal, flour) are enriched with vitamins B class, including riboflavin. Riboflavin is absorbed better from animal food sources than from the plants.
Foods cooked can provide enough riboflavin for a balanced diet, vitamin being destroyed by high temperatures. Vitamin B2 is water-soluble and can be lost if cooking process involves the use of water. Milk pasteurization process involves loss of about 20% of the riboflavin content.
Light destroys vitamin B2. When storing flour products, dairy or meat, to avoid loss of riboflavin using opaque containers or areas protected from light. Because of this sensitivity to light, riboflavin in milk kept in a bottle or exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun disappear at a rate of 85% in about 2 hours.
Alkaline environment and food irradiation (sterilization) cause loss of vitamin B2 in food.
Attention!
Prolonged administration of a single B vitamin can cause imbalances of other B vitamins. Normally, a daily balanced diet contains vitamin B2, without the need for nutritional supplements. Consult your physician to determine the need and how to administrate any supplements.
Calivita supplements to complete vitamin B2 deficiency
– Vitamin B complex is most useful and necessary in ariboflavinosis because this condition is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B. Mega B-Complex is a 100% natural supplement that provides the optimal dose of all the B vitamins, with a release extended for a greater effect.
– Supplementation with vitamin C is also beneficial because this soluble substance has a positive effect on the health of mucous tissue. Vitamin C Plus is enriched with bioflavonoids for better absorption and effectiveness.
– Noni juice is also recommended in ariboflavinosis as improves digestive function, absorption of nutrients and counteracts the negative effects of alcohol consumption. Also, Noni Liquid is a rich source of nutrients that enhance health.