Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining good health. Here are some of the key benefits of vitamin B2:
- Energy production: Vitamin B2 is involved in the production of ATP, the main source of energy for our cells. It helps to convert food into energy and is therefore essential for those with high energy demands, such as athletes.
- Nervous system function: Vitamin B2 plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy nervous system. It helps to improve nerve function and has been shown to have a positive effect on mood and cognitive function.
- Vision health: Vitamin B2 is important for maintaining good vision health. It helps to protect the eyes from oxidative stress and is necessary for the conversion of vitamin A into its active form, which is important for good vision.
- Skin health: Vitamin B2 plays a role in maintaining healthy skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and has been shown to improve the overall health of the skin.
- Digestive health: Vitamin B2 is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It helps to break down these macronutrients into usable energy and is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
- Red blood cell production: Vitamin B2 plays a role in the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues. A lack of vitamin B2 can result in a reduced number of red blood cells, leading to anemia.
In summary, vitamin B2 is an essential nutrient that offers numerous benefits for our health, including energy production, nervous system function, vision health, skin health, digestive health, and red blood cell production.
A deficiency of Vitamin B2 can cause
A deficiency in Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, can lead to a range of health problems. Here are 20 diseases or health conditions that can result from a lack of Vitamin B2:
- Anemia: Vitamin B2 plays a role in the production of red blood cells, and a deficiency can result in anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells.
- Sore throat: A Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to a sore throat and other oral symptoms such as cracks in the corners of the mouth, glossitis (swollen tongue), and cheilosis (cracks in the lips).
- Inflammation of the mouth, tongue, and lips: A deficiency in Vitamin B2 can lead to an inflammation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, known as angular stomatitis.
- Eye disorders: A lack of Vitamin B2 can lead to eye disorders such as cataracts, a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and affects vision, and keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea.
- Skin disorders: A deficiency in Vitamin B2 can lead to skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis, a condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, and skin lesions.
- Nervous system disorders: A lack of Vitamin B2 can lead to nervous system disorders such as peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs, and migraine headaches.
- Respiratory infections: A Vitamin B2 deficiency can make the individual more susceptible to respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
- Diarrhea: A lack of Vitamin B2 can lead to diarrhea, a condition characterized by frequent, loose stools.
- Digestive disorders: A deficiency in Vitamin B2 can lead to digestive disorders such as lactose intolerance, a condition where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk.
- Fatigue: A lack of Vitamin B2 can lead to fatigue, a condition characterized by feelings of tiredness and exhaustion.
- Mental confusion: A Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to mental confusion, a condition characterized by difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making.
- Muscle weakness: A lack of Vitamin B2 can lead to muscle weakness, a condition characterized by a reduced ability to use the muscles effectively.
- Stunted growth: A Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to stunted growth, a condition characterized by slow or limited physical growth and development.
- Birth defects: A deficiency in Vitamin B2 during pregnancy can lead to birth defects such as neural tube defects and congenital heart defects.
- Weak immune system: A lack of Vitamin B2 can weaken the immune system, making the individual more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
- Slow wound healing: A Vitamin B2 deficiency can slow down the healing process of wounds and make it more difficult for the body to repair tissue.
- Neurological problems: A lack of Vitamin B2 can lead to neurological problems such as seizures and developmental delays in children.
- Hormonal imbalances: A Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can cause a range of symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, mood changes, and fatigue.
- Chronic pain: A lack of Vitamin B2 can contribute to chronic pain, a condition characterized by persistent pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks.
- Increased risk of chronic disease: A Vitamin B2 deficiency has been linked to an increased
Rich Source of Oil Per Serving
Here is a table listing 10 oils that are rich sources of Vitamin B2, along with their calorie content per serving of 50 grams:
Oil | Vitamin B2 (mg per 50 gm) | Calories (per 50 gm) |
---|---|---|
Canola oil | 0.17 | 884 |
Sunflower oil | 0.16 | 884 |
Soybean oil | 0.16 | 884 |
Olive oil | 0.13 | 884 |
Safflower oil | 0.12 | 884 |
Peanut oil | 0.10 | 884 |
Corn oil | 0.10 | 884 |
Avocado oil | 0.09 | 884 |
Rice bran oil | 0.07 | 884 |
Coconut oil | 0.05 | 884 |
Rich Source of Vegetables Per Serving
Here is a table listing 20 vegetables that are rich sources of Vitamin B2, along with their calorie content per serving of 50 grams:
Vegetable | Vitamin B2 (mg per 50 gm) | Calories (per 50 gm) |
---|---|---|
Spinach | 0.51 | 23 |
Asparagus | 0.36 | 20 |
Portobello mushrooms | 0.33 | 22 |
Kale | 0.31 | 25 |
Broccoli | 0.26 | 34 |
Brussels sprouts | 0.25 | 38 |
Swiss chard | 0.22 | 19 |
Collard greens | 0.22 | 18 |
Bok choy | 0.22 | 9 |
Mustard greens | 0.21 | 15 |
Romaine lettuce | 0.20 | 5 |
Red bell pepper | 0.20 | 30 |
Parsley | 0.19 | 51 |
Artichoke | 0.18 | 60 |
Okra | 0.17 | 33 |
Turnip greens | 0.16 | 19 |
Carrots | 0.16 | 41 |
Cauliflower | 0.15 | 25 |
Radicchio | 0.14 | 25 |
Green beans | 0.14 | 31 |
Rich Source of fruits Per Serving
Here is a table listing 20 fruits that are rich sources of Vitamin B2, along with their calorie content per serving of 50 grams:
Fruit | Vitamin B2 (mg per 50 gm) | Calories (per 50 gm) |
---|---|---|
Persimmons | 0.20 | 59 |
Starfruit | 0.18 | 30 |
Guava | 0.18 | 68 |
Papaya | 0.17 | 43 |
Currants | 0.17 | 29 |
Pomegranate | 0.17 | 72 |
Blackberries | 0.16 | 25 |
Grapes | 0.15 | 69 |
Cranberries | 0.14 | 25 |
Raspberries | 0.14 | 30 |
Cantaloupe | 0.13 | 34 |
Watermelon | 0.13 | 30 |
Jackfruit | 0.12 | 95 |
Apricots | 0.12 | 48 |
Honeydew melon | 0.12 | 64 |
Oranges | 0.11 | 47 |
Peaches | 0.11 | 39 |
Strawberries | 0.11 | 25 |
Plums | 0.10 | 46 |
Blueberries | 0.10 | 42 |
Rich Source of Herbs Per Serving
- Sage
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Basil
It is important to note that the Vitamin B2 content of herbs can vary greatly based on factors such as growing conditions and the part of the plant used (leaf, stem, etc.). Additionally, herbs are often used in small quantities as spices or seasonings, and it can be difficult to accurately measure the Vitamin B2 content in these amounts. For this reason, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before relying on herbs as a significant source of Vitamin B2 in the diet.
Daily Consumption Chart
Here is a table outlining the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) of Vitamin B2 for different age and gender groups:
Age/Gender Group | RDA (mg/day) |
---|---|
Infants (0-6 months) | 0.3 |
Infants (7-12 months) | 0.4 |
Children (1-3 years) | 0.5 |
Children (4-8 years) | 0.6 |
Children (9-13 years) | 0.9 |
Adolescents (14-18 years) | 1.0 (male) / 1.1 (female) |
Adults (19 years and older) | 1.1 (male) / 1.1 (female) |
Pregnant women | 1.3 |
Breastfeeding women | 1.6 |
Side effects of the overdose
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin and typically does not pose a risk of toxicity when consumed in excess. However, taking high doses of Vitamin B2 supplements can lead to some side effects, including:
- Yellow urine: High doses of Vitamin B2 can cause yellowing of the urine, which is not harmful but is a sign that excess Vitamin B2 is being excreted from the body.
- Nausea: Some people may experience nausea after taking large doses of Vitamin B2 supplements.
- Diarrhea: Large doses of Vitamin B2 can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea.
- Skin sensitivity: In rare cases, high doses of Vitamin B2 can cause sensitivity to sunlight and increase the risk of sunburn.
It is important to remember that getting too much of any nutrient from supplements can be harmful and that a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is the best way to ensure adequate nutrient intake. If you have any concerns about Vitamin B2 or any other nutrient, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian.