1) Riboflavin or B2
Vitamin B2 is also referred to as Riboflavin and it is a part of the Vitamin B Group.
It is a water-soluble vitamin.
The name Riboflavin comes from ribose and flavin, the ring moiety which imparts from the yellow colored to the
oxidized molecule.
Riboflavin is absorbed from the small intestines through the portal vein and is passed on to all tissues by the
general circulation.
Excess Riboflavin ingested is not stored in the tissues.
A major part is excreted in urine and a small part is broken down in the tissues.
It is the central component of the cofactors FAD and FMN and as such required for a variety of flavoprotein
enzyme reactions including activation of other vitamins.
Participate in many energy-yielding metabolic pathways; fatty acids are broken down and burned for energy
Molecular Formula
C17H20N4O6
2) Dietary Sources of Riboflavin or Vitamin B2
Richest Natural Sources of Vitamin B2
Liver, dried yeast, egg powder, whole and skim milk powder.
Good Sources of Vitamin B2
Fresh milk, eggs, meat and fish, whole cereals and legumes and green leafy vegetables.
Fair Sources of Vitamin B2
Cereal products, roots and tubers, and some of the other vegetables
3) Other Food Sources of Riboflavin or Vitamin B2
Milk products
Enriched grains
Oyster
Brewer’s yeast
Vegetables such asparagus, broccoli, greens
4) Physiological and Biochemical Function of Riboflavin or Vitamin B2
Riboflavin deficiency affects primarily the octodermal tissues producing lesions of the skin, eye and nervous
system.
Riboflavin is concerned in the regulatory functions of some hormones involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
The retina contains free riboflavin which is converted by light to a compound involved in stimulation of the optic
nerve.
Riboflavin play an important role in many enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats
and proteins.
Riboflavin mononucleotide (FMN) and riboflavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) are part of the enzymes or acts as
coenzymes.
5) Deficiency of Riboflavin (Simplified)
Riboflavin Deficiency is also known as Ariboflavinosis
It may cause the development of certain conditions such as:
Glossitis, cheilosis, seborrheic dermatitis, stomatitis, eye disorder, throat disorder, nervous system
disorder
Occurs within 2 months
Usually in combination with other deficiencies
It is basically evident and noticeable due to the formation of certain oral and facial lesions.
There is a development of angular stomatitis, glossitis, and cheilosis.
For the ocular lesions, the eyes can become itchy, watery, bloodshot, and sensitive to light.
Vitamin B2 deficiency is a significant risk when diet is poor, because the human body excretes the vitamin continuously,
so it is not stored.
People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are at greater risk of vitamin B deficiency.
6) Recommended Daily Requirements for Riboflavin or Vitamin B2
Men -- 1.3 to 2.2mg/day
Women -- 1.0 to 1.7mg/day
Pregnancy -- 0.2mg/day
Lactation -- 0.4mg/day
Infants -- 0.4 to 0.5mg/day
Children -- 0.5 to 1.2mg/day
Adults -- 1.2 to 1.7mg/day
7) Benefits of Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 helps break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
It plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s energy supply.
Riboflavin helps convert carbohydrates into adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
The human body produces ATP from food, and ATP produces energy as the body requires it.
The compound ATP is vital for storing energy in muscles.
Some research suggests that vitamin B2 may help prevent cataracts and migraine headache, but further studies
are needed to confirm this.
8) Risks
Vitamin B2 is considered safe normally.
Overdose or taking too much Vitamin B2 is unlikely, since the human body can absorb up to around 27 milligrams of it
and any excess amounts of Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin is expelled in the urine.
Nevertheless, its important to talk to a doctor before taking any supplements or tablet forms of Vitamin B2 since they
can interfere with certain medications.
