Vitamin B2

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Vitamin B2 - Food Sources and Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B2, is also called Riboflavin, which is manufactured in the body by the intestinal flora and is easily absorbed. It is a member of the B-complex family. Small amounts of this water soluble vitamin are in practically every type of plant and animal tissue. Vitamin B2 is responsible for several important bodily functions including assisting with the metabolization process of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

The body needs riboflavin to maintain the mucous membranes that are located throughout the digestive tract. Riboflavin is necessary for proper formation of red blood cells. It helps the body produce antibodies. This vitamin benefits skin, hair, finger and toenails and the connective tissues.

It plays a crucial role in certain metabolic reactions, particularly the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar, which is "burned" to produce energy. Vitamin B2, plays an important role in maintaining muscle tone along the lining of the digestive tract and promoting the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver.

Deficiency of vitamin B2:

Ther symptoms that may occur, due to the deficiency of vitamin B2 are as: red, swollen, cracked lips, mouth and tongue, aversion to bright light, loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue, depression, anemia, loss of vision, burning and itching of the eyes.

Vitamin B2 deficiency by itself is uncommon. It usually occurs with deficiencies of other B vitamins in people who have a protein and calorie deficiency.

Chronic disorders, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes mellitus, and malabsorption disorders increase the risk of vitamin B2 deficiency.

Sources of Vitamin B2:

The common sources of vitamin B2 are as:-

• Riboflavin-enriched breads and cereals are very beneficial for the proper functioning of the bdy organs, because they contain a high quantity of vitamin B2.

• Eggs and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of Vitamin B2.

• Fruits, organ meats (liver, kidney and the heart) and fish contain ample amounts of Vitamin B2 as well.

• Vitamin B2, is greatly found in Green, leafy vegetables.

• Marmite. Milk, Almonds, Hard or Cream cheese, Wheatgerm are the main source of vitamin B2.

Functions of Vitamin B2:

The important functions of vitamin B2 are as:-

• Vitamin B2, helps in converting carbohydrate into energy and this energy is utilised by the body.

• It is very useful for normal tissue respiration.

• Necessary for healthy mucous membranes

• Good for skin, nails and eyes

• It helps in protects the body against cancer.