RIBOFLAVIN (Vitamin b2)

Also known as: Vitamin B2

Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it is needed every day as the body does not store it for long periods of time.

Known for its powerful antioxidant properties, riboflavin neutralizes the free radical molecules that can damage cells and tissues.

Riboflavin aids in releasing energy from amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids during metabolism to create ATP, a form of energy your body can use.

Riboflavin works wonders on your hair, skin, nails and eyes and is renowned for its anti-aging properties.

Riboflavin Deficiencies:

Riboflavin deficiencies are not common. Recent USDA surveys have reported that the intake of riboflavin by American women and men 19 to 50 years of age averaged above the RDA (recommended daily allowance).

Riboflavin deficiencies commonly come hand in hand with deficiencies in other vitamins as well.

Symptoms of Riboflavin deficiency:

• Cracks and sores at the corner of the mouth
• Eye disorders
• Inflammation of the mouth and tongue
• Skin legions
• Dermatitis
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Insomnia
• Light sensitivity
• Poor digestion
• Slowed mental response

A long term deficiency of riboflavin is associated with crohn’s disease, heart disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Home Remedies Using Riboflavin:

Benefits and Uses of Riboflavin:

Riboflavin is used to prevent and treat a number of ailments and disease.

• Anemia
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cataracts
• Migraines
• Rosacea
• Vaginitis

Riboflavin can be found in:

• Mushrooms
• Calf liver
• Spinach
• Romaine lettuce
• Asparagus
• Chard
• Mustard greens
• Broccoli
• Chicken eggs
• Yogurt

Migraines:

By correcting small deficiencies in brain cells, Riboflavin may decrease the frequency and shorten the duration of migraine headaches.

Take 200mg of Riboflavin twice daily with a meal for three months.

Cataracts:

Some research supports the theory that Riboflavin paired with Niacin can significantly reduce the occurrence of cataracts.

Anemia:

Children with sickle-cell anemia and people with iron deficiency anemia tend to have lower levels of antioxidants, including Riboflavin.

Taking 50mg of Riboflavin with other antioxidants (such as folic acid, iron, vitamin a and vitamin b12) daily will help replenish the antioxidant supply.

Parkinson’s Disease:

Studies have shown that taking 30mg of Riboflavin three times daily found positive results in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Side Effects of Riboflavin:

Riboflavin is a safe supplement; no side effects have been reported.

If you consume too much Riboflavin, the excess will be excreted in your urine, which will turn a bright yellow color.