Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 is also member of vitamin B tree. It is also known as Riboflavin. It helps in the breakdown of Proteins, fats and steroids during energy gaining process. During breakdown of these macromolecules a larger amount of energy is released. This energy is stored in the muscles as ATP molecules. When any part of body needs energy these ATP provides it to that part of the body.

It is also involved in the cellular function the adrenal gland uses it for the manufacturing of hormones which are secreted by this gland. It also keeps the mucous membrane of digestive track healthy and activefor proper digestion of food substances. It is also needed for the skin and eye health.

It also acts as coenzyme in respiratory process. Flavin mononucleotide FMN is a coenzyme. It is necessary for respiratory reactions. There is one more coenzyme known as flavin adenine dinucleotide FAD which is also needed for the respiratory reactions. Vitamin B2 acts as FAD and FMN in these respiratory reactions during respiratory procedure.

It keeps the cells healthy by supporting many enzymatic reactions. It is also involved in the electron transport chain which is basic system for the proper functioning of the cell. This electron transport chain is a system in which ATP molecules are generated.

Vitamin B2 is also involved in the assistance procedures. It assists other vitamins for their conversion into active forms. It also provides other vitamins such as B6 and niacin perfect environment for their working. In this perfect environment they are converted into inert form to perform and participate in reactions. This conversion into active form is essential for many metabolic processes.

Sources and Foods

Vitamin B2 is present in both animal and plants. Whenever a food that has vitamin B2 in its constituent is boiled it lost some of its part. This is due to fact that it is water soluble. And its solubility increases when we boil the food in water. It is present in meat, beef, fish, chicken and turkey.

It is present in following food items:

• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Asparagus
• Artichokes
• Avocados
• Cayenne
• Currants
• Fortified cereals
• Kelp
• Lima beans, navy beans, and peas
• Molasses
• Mushrooms
• Nuts
• Parsley
• pumpkins
• Rosehips
• Sage
• Sweet potatoes
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, dandelion greens, and watercress
• Whole-grain breads, enriched breads, and wheat bran
• Yeast extract

Body Requirement

The daily requirement of body depends on age and sex. Here is a table for recommended amount for body on daily basis:

Medical Condition Due to Deficiency

If body is not having enough supply as required by the body then it may leads to medical conditions.

1.     Ariboflavinosis

When body is not getting enough supply of this vitamin then it may lead to ariboflaviosis.  This medical condition is rarely present in developed countries. But in developing countries there is a different scenario. About 50 % of population in developing countries doesn’t have enough supply of this much needed vitamin.

The main reason behind this disorder is inadequate amount of vitamin B2. The most common reason behind it is that if person is not taking this vitamin in diet. Sometimes digestive system doesn’t absorb it from food.

Symptoms

When a person is suffering from ariboflavinosis his throat gets sore. He also has inflammation at the mouth known as stomatitis. Cracks also appear at the corner of the mouth. His tongue also gets swelled called as glossitis. Skin of the patient may get dry, scaly and inflamed. This change in skin is visible around nose and ears.

2.     Anemia

When body of a person is not getting adequate amount of Vitamin B it may lead to siderblastic anemia. In this kind of anemia iron is properly used in the production of hemoglobin. When iron is not utilized normally then it leads abnormal production of red blood cells.

Symptoms

A person who is suffering from anemia feels tired and fatigues. He finds himself unable to do any physical work. He feels weak and fragile. It also causes dizziness and skin becomes pale. All these symptoms appears due to lack of oxygen to the cells.

3.     Eye Disorder

When body is suffering from deficiency of this vitamin then it leads to many eye related disorders. It also affects eye health.

Cataracts

In this eye disorder a sort of cloud appears in front of lens. This hinders the vision and person can’t watch things clearly unless this is removed surgically.

Corneal Neovascularization

This condition also arises due to deficiency of riboflavin. In this disorder cornea doesn’t get sufficient supply of blood. Because there is abnormal growth of blood vessels develops here. It hinders the vision and affects vision and causes discomfort.

Photophobia

Photo means light and phobia means fear. So during this disorder eyes becomes very sensitive to light. Due to this sensitivity eyes gets discomfort able whenever exposed to light. It also cause some vision issues if remains unchecked for longer period of time.

4.     Digestive Problems

This particular vitamin is responsible for the health of digestive track. So when its deficiency arises it causes problems in the digestive track as well. Riboflavin keeps the lining of digestive track healthy. Due to its deficiency throat gets sore. Mouth, tongue and lips become swollen.