Riboflavin

What is Riboflavin?

Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin also known as Vitamin B2. Riboflavin vitamin B2, regulates red blood cell growth and helps maintain a strong immune system by protecting the body from free-radical damage. Riboflavin also promotes healthy hair, skin, nails, and vision.

Without riboflavin, the other B vitamins, especially niacin (vitamin B3) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6), cannot do their job, and a host of chemical processes necessary to keep the body alive would come to a grinding halt.

You also need riboflavin to produce two enzymes that help the body convert fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy. Without enough riboflavin, these two enzymes are unable to work together to ensure your cells can both reproduce correctly and supply the body with the fuel it needs stay alive.

The best source of riboflavin is milk and there’s enough riboflavin in a quart of milk to supply the daily needs of most people. Of course, most of us don’t consume a quart of milk each day.

The elderly, those who perform regular strenuous exercise, diabetics, and the lactose intolerant may not be able to absorb enough riboflavin from their diet to meet their needs, and may want to consider taking extra riboflavin.

Side Effects and Warnings of Riboflavin

Stop taking riboflavin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Riboflavin may cause your urine to become a yellow-orange colour. This effect is harmless. Before taking riboflavin, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements.

Riboflavin is a safe supplement for most people. However, you should always seek medical advice especially if you get side effects that seem unusual or bothersome.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page