Vitamins and minerals >>>> Riboflavin is vitamin B2

Riboflavin is vitamin B2

Riboflavin or vitamin B2, is one of the few vitamins that is not destroyed by heat. For this reason, foods containing this vitamin remain beneficial even when cooked. However, when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, riboflavin is converted into inactive compounds. This dictates the storage guidelines for foods and medications containing vitamin B2: protect them from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation (UV lamps, artificial lighting).

A person who follows a balanced diet does not need to take vitamin B2 in pharmaceutical form. This vitamin is found in sufficient quantities in dry baker's yeast, in the maximum amount in dry brewer's yeast, in wheat and rye flour, and in flour products (rye and wheat pastries). The liver, kidneys, and heart of cattle contain large amounts of vitamin B2. Slightly smaller amounts are found in legumes (soybeans, lentils), corn kernels, peanut kernels, lean beef, veal, lamb, pork, as well as in lean ham, eggs, cheese, and mushrooms. Green peas, mushrooms, and milk also contain slightly smaller amounts.

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is essential for the body. Specifically, its deficiency has been noted to impair growth, hair loss, and skin quality and regenerative capacity. Since most vitamin B2 is obtained from food, overdoses are virtually unheard of. This is because this vitamin is low in toxicity and does not impact health in the same way that drug overdoses typically do.

Vitamin B2 is essential for the functioning of the nervous system and, consequently, for the innervation of internal organs and their smooth functioning. It controls the peristalsis of the smooth muscles of the intestines, stomach, and vascular walls. Vitamin B2 is also associated with the proper functioning of the visual system: a deficiency can impair vision, especially visual acuity, and impair accommodation.

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 affects the blood, protecting the body from anemia, and improves liver function by participating in the detoxification and elimination of harmful substances. This vitamin improves blood rheology, increases hemoglobin, and promotes an increase in red blood cell count.

Vitamin B2 plays a vital role in tissue healing and reducing inflammation. Adequate intake of vitamin B2 from food helps skin and mucous membrane injuries heal quickly. A vitamin B2 deficiency can cause cracking of the corners of the mouth and lips, which can spread to the areas of skin adjacent to the vermilion border. Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the tongue can also develop. The papillae of the tongue atrophy, and the tongue takes on a grainy appearance. A burning sensation may be felt in the tongue area.

Since vitamin B2 is directly related to the functioning of the higher nervous system (the brain), its deficiency in the body can lead to a persistent decrease in the excitability of higher nervous centers. This is reflected in headaches, rapid fatigue during mental activity, and decreased performance.

It's crucial to create a diet that eliminates the need to take supplemental vitamin B2. This is essential for the health and smooth functioning of many organs and systems.