Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Roles

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is an essential nutrient for growth and general health. It is mainly known to function as part of metabolic systems concerned with the oxidation of carbohydrates, fats, and miscs. It is also involved in a number of chemical reactions throughout the body and is essential for normal tissue maintenance. Other uses include aiding in digestion, preventing constipation, promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails, strengthening the mucous lining of the mouth, lips, and tongues, and playing an important role in the health of the eyes. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is also sensitive to light, and can be destroyed if food is sun-dried. Normal cooking does not destroy this vitamin; however, losses may occur in the excess water if the food is boiled.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Foods

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) occurs abundantly in whey (the watery part of milk), egg whites, and meat. It is also present in leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and enriched grains.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Deficiency

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency can be characterized by symptoms such as reddening of the lips with cracks at the corners, inflammation of the tongue, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, scaly inflammation of the skin, fatigue, dizziness, nervous tissue damage, and retarded growth in infants or children. Ocular disturbances may also exist, such as vascularization of the eyeball with eyestrain, abnormal intolerance to light, eye redness, eye fatigue, or a dry, sandy feeling in the eyes.