Research, Benefits and Cautions.
Overview:
Vitamin B-2, otherwise known as riboflavin, is readily absorbed from
foods, such as meat, dairy products, and fortified grains. This vitamin
is essential to energy generation, nerve development, blood cell development,
and the regulation of certain hormones.
How This Vitamin Works in Your Body:
Releasing food energy
Normal growth and development
Keeps healthy mucous membranes linings together with vitamin A
Keeps healthy brain and nervous system, skin, hair, and blood cells
Essential for iron, pyridoxine, and niacin functions
Could increase growth of body during development stages
Potential treatment for cheilitis
The following may benefit from this supplement:
People with needed nutritional supplements
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Substance abusers
People with excess stress or who have undergone recent surgery
Hyperthyroidism sufferers
Participants in vigorous physical activity
Where This Vitamin is Found:
Bananas
Beef liver
Dairy products
Eggs
Enriched breads
Fortified cereals
Ham
Mixed vegetables
Pork
Tuna
Wheat germ
How to Use:
Available as:
Liquid: the best form due to its high bioavailability and fast absorption.
Always choose liquid as your first choice when supplementing your
diet.
Tablets: available
Recommended Daily Intakes
Men: 1.3 mg
Women: 1.1 mg
Pregnancy: 1.4 mg
Lactation: 1.6 mg
Cautions:
Consult your doctor if you have:
Are or planning to be pregnant.
Over 55:
Increased need for riboflavin.
Pregnancy:
Keep within DRI.
Breastfeeding:
Keep within DRI.
Storage:
Heat and/or moisture may alter the vitamin. Refrigeration is recommended.
Symptoms of Deficiency:
Symptoms include red, swollen, cracked mouth and tongue; fatigue;
depression; anemia; and greasy, scaly skin. The formation of cataracts
may be a result of this vitamin deficiency.
Overdose:
Signs of Overdose:
None expected in individuals with normal kidney functioning. However,
in rare cases, symptoms may be itching, numbness, a burning sensation,
or light sensitivity.
Side Effects:
Reaction or effect : What to do
Yellow urine (in large doses) : No needed action.
Interactions:
Interacts with : Combined effect
Antidepressants (tricyclic) : Reduces B-2 efficacy.
Phenothiazines : Reduces B-2 efficacy.
Probenecid : Reduces B-2 efficacy.
Alcohol/Tobacco products : Reduces B-2 efficacy.