Vitamin B2

Riboflavin

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a water-soluble vitamin consisting of flavin and ribitol. Rboflavin is a yellow, fluorescent pigment, sensitive to visible light. It is taken in through foods of animal origin such as: cheese, milk, liver, eggs, and various vegetables are enriched with riboflavin. Milk loses a significant amount of riboflavin by cooking. Gastrointestinal tract bacteria synthesize riboflavin, but not enough to meet daily needs. Vitamin B2 is a key component of coenzymes involved in cell growth, energy production and the breakdown of fats, steroids and drugs. Riboflavin is deposited in the body, and the excess is excreted through urine. The literature states that vitamin B2 has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and its use is recommended for various liver damage.

Daily needs: The recommended daily intake for men over the age of 19 is 1.3 mg/day, and for women of the same age it is 1.1 mg/day. During pregnancy and lactation, the daily need for this vitamin increases and amounts from 1.4 mg/day to 1.6 mg/day.

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin B2

Age	Male	Female	Pregnancy	Lactation
0-6 months	0.3 mg*	0.3 mg*
7-12 months	0.4 mg*	0.4 mg*
1-3 years	0.5 mg	0.5 mg
4-8 years	0.6 mg	0.6 mg
9-13 years	0.9 mg	0.9 mg
14-18 years	1.3 mg	1.0 mg	1.4 mg	1.6 mg
19-50 years	1.3 mg	1.1 mg	1.4 mg	1.6 mg
51+ years	1.3 mg	1.1 mg

Vitamin B2 metabolism: Free riboflavin is absorbed in the proximal part of the small intestine. One part of circulating riboflavin is bound to albumins, and the remaining part forms a complex with other proteins. The conversion of riboflavin into the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide takes place in the plasma of the cells of the small intestine, liver, heart and kidney. Riboflavin is excreted from the body through urine, especially when ingested in large quantities, so its toxicity is unknown. The free form of vitamin B2 does not cross the placenta, but estrogen in pregnant women induces the formation of riboflavin carriers that have the ability to transport riboflavin through the placenta to the fetal circulation.

Vitamin B2 deficiency: Riboflavin deficiency is very rare. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland can increase the risk of riboflavin deficiency. Vitamin B2 deficiency is most often associated with a deficiency of other water-soluble vitamins. Symptoms of this vitamin deficiency may include: chapped lips, sore throat, swelling of the mouth and throat, swollen tongue (glossitis), anemia, rash, hair loss, red eyes, seborrheic dermatitis. Alcoholics often have a deficiency of this vitamin, due to reduced absorption or insufficient intake through food. Newborns with hyperbilirubinemia, treated with phototherapy, have symptoms of hypovitaminosis due to the sensitivity of riboflavin to light.

Many studies have proven that a lack of vitamin B2 leads to neurodegenerative diseases, but also to migraines, so supplementation with vitamin B2 is recommended for the following diseases: stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, but also for other neurological conditions, because riboflavin is considered strong antioxidant.

Vitamin B2 excess: An overdose of vitamin B2 has not been established, because there is no defined toxic dose of riboflavin.

Vitamin B2

References