Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Overview:

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin crucial for energy production and cellular function. It acts as a precursor for the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are involved in redox reactions.

Sources:

Riboflavin is found in a variety of foods such as eggs, green leafy vegetables, milk and dairy products, meat, almonds, and fortified cereals.

Functions:

Energy Metabolism: Riboflavin plays a key role in the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. It is essential for the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy.

Antioxidant Protection: It helps maintain the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms by regenerating glutathione, a major cellular antioxidant.

Cellular Function: Riboflavin supports normal cell growth and function and is necessary for the production of red blood cells.

Deficiency:

Riboflavin deficiency, known as ariboflavinosis, can cause symptoms such as sore throat, redness and swelling of the lining of the mouth and throat, cracks or sores on the outsides of the lips (cheilosis) and at the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis), and inflammation and redness of the tongue (magenta tongue). It can also result in a reduced red blood cell count (anemia).

Toxicity:

Excess riboflavin is not typically harmful because it is water-soluble and excess amounts are excreted in urine. However, very high doses may lead to urine discoloration and other minor side effects.