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Nutrition

vitamin B2 (riboflavin)


 

 

 

“Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) facts”

Interesting facts about vitamin B2 (riboflavin):

  1. Vitamin B2 is a water soluble vitamin
  2. Vitamin B2 is needed by the cells to make energy inside them
  3. Vitamin B2 helps the cells use energy more efficiently
  4. Vitamin B2 is required for a healthy thyroid
  5. Vitamin B2 is required for cell respiration
  6. Vitamin B2 is required to make enzymes for energy release
  7. Vitamin B2 regulates cell growth and reproduction
  8. Vitamin B2 helps to make the red blood cells healthy
  9. Vitamin B2 helps the immune system work effectively
  10. Vitamin B2 is essential for healthy eyes
  11. Vitamin B2 is needed for a healthy nervous system
  12. Sunlight destroys vitamin B2 in foods
  13. People who exercise a lot need more vitamin B2
  14. Vitamin B2 may help reduce migraine headaches
  15. Vitamin B2 may prevent cataracts



Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it is easily absorbed in the body (as most of the body is made of water and so are most of the foods eaten), but some of it may be lost in cooking.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is required by the cells to enable effective energy production inside them. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) also helps the cells use the energy more efficiently so that the cells can function properly. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is very important in cell respiration - allowing cells to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, so the cells are able to work properly.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is essential for the health of the thyroid gland, as it is needed to to help metabolise the thyroid hormones. The thyroid controls metabolism and energy production in the whole body and insufficient levels of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may cause decreased thyroid function and a reduction in metabolism and energy production.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is needed to make enzymes that allow the energy inside foods eaten (fats, carbohydrates and protein) to be released for use in the body. This enables the body to function and live.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is also required to enable proper cell division so that the cells function in a healthy manner. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) promotes normal growth and development so is essential for infants and children who are going through rapid rates of growth and development.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is needed to make sure the red blood cells are formed properly, function correctly and enough of them are produced. Some research also shows that vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may work well with iron to help with iron-deficiency anaemia to an even better level than just iron supplementation alone.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is also needed by the immune system, to make sure it is strong and can block invading pathogens (bacteria, viruses), by helping to create healthier and more effective antibodies, which recognise invading pathogens and destroy them before they can cause infection or disease.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is vital to ensure that the eyes are healthy. It is highly concentrated in the pigment of the retina and enables the eyes to adapt to different lighting strengths. Adequate intake of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) prevents the eyes from becoming sensitive to light, vision to be blurry, eyes to tire easily and become bloodshot.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is required for a healthy nervous system and brain function. Many studies show that people with any type of mental health disorder appear to have lower than normal levels of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and many are actually deficient in this vitamin.

Sunlight destroys the vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in foods, so any foods rich in this vitamin should be stored in containers that are not in direct sunlight, in a cupboard where they will not receive any sunlight.

People who exercise need more vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - the more exercise is performed, the more of this vitamin is required. Exercising seems to deplete the body of this vitamin and more is required to replenish it.

A recent study showed people who were prone to getting headaches were given a high daily doses of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) found that it significantly reduced the number and severity of migraine headaches for over 50% of the participants in the study.

Since vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and eyesight it could be useful in preventing cataracts. Animal studies have shown that there is a link between low vitamin B2 (riboflavin) levels and higher risk for getting cataracts. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may help to delay the progress of existing cataracts or even prevent them from forming in the first place.

 

 

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Created: 9 March 2007 || Reviewed: 25 March 2008

 

Disclaimer: The advice on this site should be viewed as a general guideline only and it should not replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your medical or health care provider to get the advice and care for your particular and individual health, nutrition, diet and fitness circumstances.

 

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