What is vitamin B2 for? Vitamin B2 riboflavin – vitamin of energy and temperament

This vitamin is called differently: Lactoflavin, Beflavim, Bitavitam, etc. But, most people call it Riboflavin or Vitamin B2, an element. It is involved in many body processes, which means its quantity must be kept under control.

Some claim that the element is a panacea for almost all ailments, while others doubt its healing properties. So where is the truth? This will be discussed further.

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is found in the following foods of plant and animal origin (mg per 100 g):

Riboflavin - what is it?

Dosage form: tablets, pills, powder, liquid for injection, and eye drops.

Vitamin B2 is an important element that stimulates many biological processes. In appearance, they are bright yellow sharp crystals with a characteristic aroma and bitter taste. Under direct exposure to light, it loses its beneficial qualities. Riboflavin can be taken as a stand-alone supplement or together with other elements in multivitamin complexes.

Pharmacological effect

Riboflavin, in combination with other chemical elements, supports human health. Promotes energy production, protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Participates in the creation of red blood cells, which saturate the blood with oxygen. Helps produce immunoglobulins, which protect the body from harmful microorganisms.

Vitamin B2 helps the body produce thyroid hormones, which speed up metabolism and ensure the functioning of the entire body. Regulates body growth and reproductive function. Protects cells from damage by oxidants. The drug is used for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases. Normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system.

Participates in the process of tissue regeneration, accelerates the healing of wounds and burns. Good for the skin, strengthens hair roots and accelerates nail growth. Improves the general condition of a person, increases vitality.

Vitamin B2 deficiency

Classic symptoms of riboflavin deficiency:

• skin peels and cracks;
• small ulcers appear in the corners of the lips;
• photophobia, lacrimation, burning and itching of the mucous membranes of the eyes;
• peeling skin around the nose, ears and eyebrows;
• rash in the groin area;
• There are fewer red cells, which is characterized by chronic fatigue.

Components of Riboflavin

Flat-cylindrical yellow tablets

• The main component is riboflavin (3 or 11 mg).
• Additional substances: granulated sugar, potato starch, calcium salt of stearic acid, talc powder.
• Available in packs of 30, 50 and 90 pcs.

Solution for injections

• It is a transparent yellow-orange liquid.
• The active substance is riboflavin mononucleotide.
• Excipients: chlorethone, disodium salt of ethylene diomine tetraocytic acid and liquid for injection.
• 10 ampoules per pack.

Eye drops

They are an aqueous solution of element B2 (0.01%).

Dragee

• The active substance is vitamin B2.
• Auxiliary components: cellulose, hydrogen phosphate, purified talc, calcium salt.
• In a plastic jar of 50 and 90 pcs.

Powder-substance

• Yellow crystalline powder.
• 6,7-Sulfoxide-9-(D-1-ribetyl)-flavin.
• In a two-layer polyethylene bag of 10, 20 and 25 kg.

Instructions for use

Method of application and dosage

Vitamin B2 in the form of tablets according to the instructions for use should be taken orally in the following dosage:

• If there is a deficiency of riboflavin in the body for adult patients - from 6 to 33 mg (divided in half) per day.
• Patients suffering from migraines should take 390 mg of the drug in 24 hours. The course of treatment can last up to 90 days and only after completing it will a person notice the effect. If treatment is interrupted, the course will be ineffective.
• For partial or complete clouding of the lens of the eye and other eye diseases, you need to take about 3 mg of Lactoflavin. Vitamin B2 is taken in combination with the element B3, the daily diet is about 3.6 mg (B2) and 38 mg (B3).

Eye drops should be taken 2 drops per day. The doctor prescribes a course of treatment only after examination and identification of the cause of the disease.

Method of taking liquid for injections in ampoules- intramuscular and intravenous. The dosage for adults in the instructions for use is 0.01 g for 24 hours, for children - from 0.006 to 0.01 g. The treatment course for an adult lasts from 12 to 22 days, only a doctor can determine it. Treatment of the child takes place in two stages, the first lasts 2-4 days, and according to the conditions of the second, the liquid must be administered twice in seven days.

Method of taking Riboflavin powder: adults - from 4 to 8 mg per day, children - from 1.5 to 4 mg twice or three times in 24 hours, depending on the doctor’s recommendations. The course of treatment lasts 30 - 45 days.

Daily dose of Riboflavin depending on the patient’s age:

• 0 - 8 months - 0.0003 g per day;
• 8 months - 1 year - 0.0004 g;
• 1 - 2 years 8 months - about 0.0005 g;
• 3 years 6 months - 7 years - about 0.0006 g;
• 8 years - 12 years - about 0.0009 g;
• girls 13 years old - 17 years old - 0.001 g;
• boys over 13 years old - 0.0013 g;
• girls 17 and above - 0.0011 g;
• - 0.0014 g;
• women during the period - 0.0016 g.

Indications for use

Contraindications

• while taking vitamin B2, it is prohibited to drink alcoholic beverages;
• Before you start taking riboflavin with oral contraceptives, antibiotics or psychiatric medications, you should consult your doctor;
• hypersensitivity to riboflavin.

By-effect

More often than not, there are no side effects from taking the drug. However, in some cases, Riboflavin may cause undesirable effects:

• urine darkens;
• allergy;
• visual acuity decreases for a short period of time;
• liver function is impaired.

If the dose of the drug is exceeded, a person may feel numbness, tingling and burning. You can relieve symptoms simply by stopping taking the drug.

Cost of Riboflavin

You can buy vitamin B2 in any city in Russia. The average prices for the drug can be found below.

Reviews about the vitamin

Doctors' opinion

Most doctors are in favor of taking the drug, since it has virtually no contraindications and is completely safe for pregnant women and children.

« The modern rhythm of life, the quality of products and the aggressive influence of the environment undoubtedly affect the human body. And this is far from a beneficial effect. Constant stress, poor nutrition, chronic fatigue - all these factors inevitably lead to an acute lack of vitamins in the body. This problem can be corrected with the help of a B vitamin, namely a drug called Riboflavin. It improves the functioning of almost all organs and systems. The results are noticeable after the first course of treatment. The main thing is to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.” - Elena Viktorovna (therapist)

“Riboflavin is an excellent drug that is simply irreplaceable for many eye diseases. It stimulates the production of antioxidants that protect the lens in the eye. Vitamin B2 is used to prevent cataracts, which impair vision. This is especially true for those who have hereditary eye diseases. Such people need to especially monitor the level of riboflavin in the body.” - Sergey Arkadyevich (ophthalmologist)

“This is a real beauty vitamin. It is simply indispensable for maintaining the beauty of the skin, strengthening the roots of hair and nails, and accelerating their growth. In addition, the drug can be used not only internally, but also externally. You can use it to make excellent masks for hair and skin at home.” - Natalya Vladimirovna (trichologist)

Consumers about Riboflavin

Like every popular drug, Riboflavin causes a lot of controversy. There are fans and opponents, and those who have not decided on their opinion about the drug.

“I suffered from migraines for a long time and my neurologist prescribed me Riboflavin tablets. I took 400 mg for a year in the morning and the attacks disappeared. I don’t know how to explain it, but when I forget to take my medicine, my head just hurts. I didn’t notice any side effects on myself. They are absolutely harmless and very effective.” - Alexander, 25 years old

“I purchased Riboflavin tablets to treat my hair and nails. After a couple of days of taking it, a red rash appeared and my vision decreased. As soon as I stopped taking them, all these terrible symptoms disappeared. I am very unhappy with these “vitamins”, because of which I got even more health problems.” - Marina, 35 years old

“For a long time I couldn’t cure the jams in the corners of my mouth, I didn’t smear it with anything, but they didn’t go away. Plus, they also began to fester. I found information on the Internet about Riboflavin in the form of an injection solution and bought it. Literally after 3 days everything began to heal. This problem has not bothered me for a whole year now, since I drink pills to prevent it.” - Mila, 22 years old

Everyone is aware of the benefits of vitamins, but rarely does anyone eat properly and balanced. A large number of people of different age categories experience a lack of B vitamins. This article will tell you which foods contain vitamin B2 and what ways you can maintain its balance in the human body.

Benefits of vitamin

B2 (vitamin, which is also known as riboflavin), is actively involved in vital processes in the human body. It is required for the full formation of some hormonal substances and blood cells of red blood cells.

B2 is a vitamin that helps the visual organs adapt to darkness. It guarantees good human vision, makes it sharper, enhancing color and light perception.

Riboflavin is involved in the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and is an integral part of a large number of enzymes. According to experts, without this vitamin, normal growth and constant tissue renewal are impossible.

B2 is a vitamin that has a positive effect on the health of the human liver, skin and nervous system.

Signs of riboflavin deficiency

The main symptom of vitamin B2 deficiency is the presence of peeling on the mucous membranes, wings of the nose and ears. A sign of this disease is also considered to be the presence of cracks in the corners of the mouth, causing pain.

With riboflavin deficiency, patients may experience discomfort in the eyes. They begin to experience itching, tearing and redness of the organs of vision. A red tongue is also a symptom of riboflavin deficiency.

It is important to know that heat treatment reduces the amount of this vitamin in foods. Riboflavin is not able to be absorbed and processed by the human body if combined with alkalis. Vitamin B2 in foods is also negatively affected by sunlight.

Vitamin B2 norm

The daily intake of riboflavin directly depends on the characteristics of the human body and his gender. There are groups of people who need an increased amount of this vitamin. These include the fair sex, expecting a baby or breastfeeding a child, and people who drink alcoholic beverages.

The body intensively requires vitamin B2 when consuming foods saturated with fats and carbohydrates, when using certain contraceptives, as well as sudden changes in temperature.

If you have symptoms indicating riboflavin deficiency, you should seek help from a specialist. They will help identify the true causes of this violation and recommend remedies to eliminate it.

The role of a balanced diet in the fight against vitamin B2 deficiency

In order to prevent riboflavin deficiency and to combat it in the initial stages, it is recommended to adjust the diet. Having an idea of ​​what foods contain vitamin B2 in sufficient quantities, you can, without resorting to the help of special means, replenish the supply of this vitamin in the human body

50 grams of products containing a record amount of riboflavin can saturate the body with a daily dose of this vitamin. In this article we will try to answer the question of which foods contain the greatest amount of vitamin B2, because it is mandatory to obtain it from food.

Foods rich in riboflavin

There is an opinion that a lot of vitamin B2 is found in vegetables and fruits. However, they do not top the list of products with a record content of this vitamin. This list looks like this:

1. Yeast (the amount of riboflavin depends on the form of its preparation).
2. Liver (a large amount of the vitamin is found in the liver of elk, walrus, fur seals, and also in lamb liver).
3. Purified hemp seed.
4. Dried spirulina.
5. Beef kidneys.

The kidneys and liver of a large number of animals play the role of a kind of vitamin warehouse. They are the richest sources of riboflavin. People living in the North eat mainly meat and offal, and this saves them from vitamin deficiency.

Certain food concentrates are also rich in vitamin B2, but they are not considered the main sources of this vitamin. It’s hard to even imagine that it’s realistic to include 100 grams of these concentrates in your diet.

This also applies to the liver and kidneys of various exotic animals. Eating elk or walrus liver every day is just as problematic as spirulina, especially since vitamin B2 is found in foods that are easier to purchase and prepare.

Vitamin B2 (which foods contain it)

It is believed that people who eat the following foods do not experience vitamin B2 deficiency:

• Meat products and offal, as well as products made from them.
• Dairy products.
• Slightly processed cereals (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal).
• Mushrooms.
• Bread products with bran.

It is important to know that B2 is a vitamin that cannot accumulate in the human body. Excessive consumption of foods containing riboflavin does not guarantee the formation of a reserve of this vitamin for the following days. Vitamin B2 leaves the body with urine.

A deficiency of this vitamin can be a side effect of ill-conceived, strict diets. Vegetarians who do not rely on plant sources of this vitamin are also susceptible to it. They are advised to eat almonds, mushrooms and berries or replenish vitamin B2 with tablets.

Pregnant women, in order for the child to develop well and be born healthy, should saturate their body with the necessary amount of riboflavin. Representatives of the fair sex are recommended to introduce the vitamin into the body with food, and not with the help of expensive medications.

Vitamin B2 tablets

Experts advise using “Riboflavin” in tablet form:

• For the prevention and treatment of vitamin B2 deficiency.
• For dermatological diseases.
• In the treatment of radiation sickness.
• As a remedy for healing wounds and scratches.
• With a lack of iron in the body.
• In case of malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract that occur due to a lack of riboflavin.
• For liver diseases: in combination with other drugs.
• For the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

"Riboflavin" tablets should be consumed as prescribed by doctors. The daily dosage of drugs directly depends on the age category of the patients.

Vitamin B2 tablets have almost no contraindications for use. It is not recommended to take it if the patient has an individual intolerance. Riboflavin tablets should be taken two hours before meals with plenty of water.

Vitamin B2 is one of the most important vitamins necessary for the human body. To maintain good health, it is important to control the daily intake of this vitamin into the body.

B2 is a vitamin that saturates the body not only with health, but also with beauty. To have skin that attracts attention with its youth, smoothness and elasticity, it is recommended to include in your diet foods that serve as sources of this vitamin.

• all metabolic processes, including ATP synthesis;
• participates in the absorption of iron by the body;
• synthesis of respiratory pigment - hemoglobin;
• ensuring the normal functioning of the visual organs;
• important role in maintaining healthy mucous membranes, skin, hair and nails;
• regulation of growth processes and maintenance of thyroid function.

Where is vitamin B2 found?

Sources of vitamin B2 are varied, but it is found in small quantities in consumer products. Despite the prevalence of the vitamin, it is not so easy to meet the daily requirement with food. Of all the things that contain vitamin B2, only dry yeast, liver and kidneys contain a truly significant amount of it. Significantly less riboflavin is found in meat, cottage cheese, egg whites, cereals, vegetables and herbs.

Products containing vitamin B2

• oregano;
• clover;
• dandelion;
• asparagus;
• nettle;
• alfalfa;
• chicory.

Preparations containing vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is available in tablets and injections, in the form of syrup and chewable lozenges, as eye drops. Most often, for hypovitaminosis, vitamin B2 is prescribed in ampoules: the price of the medicine is low, and the effectiveness of injections is much higher than oral administration. The most common medications containing riboflavin are shown in the table.

Daily requirement for vitamin B2 for children and adults

The vitamin is not synthesized in the human body; its excess is quickly eliminated through the excretory system. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish its reserves daily for the normal functioning of organs and systems.

The daily intake of riboflavin varies quite widely and depends not only on the gender and age of a person, but on his lifestyle and state of health.

Children, pregnant and lactating women and hard working people of both sexes need vitamin B2 the most.

Riboflavin is destroyed when drinking alcohol, so people who suffer from alcoholism are usually deficient in vitamin B2.

The following norms for daily intake of vitamin B2 are accepted:

Note*: increased amounts of vitamin B2 are required for people involved in heavy physical labor and sports.

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Vitamin B2 deficiency: symptoms of hypovitaminosis

If the body does not receive enough vitamin B2, unpleasant symptoms or even diseases may develop. Since riboflavin is involved in metabolic processes, with its deficiency a person:

• begins to feel weak;
• gets tired quickly;
• loses appetite;
• weight loss;
• skin sensitivity disappears;
• often suffers from headaches, poor sleep, dizziness and mood swings.

All these symptoms are often indications for the use of vitamin B2.

In addition, visual disturbances are possible: discomfort in the eyes, inflammation, impaired twilight vision (“night blindness”). In severe cases of vitamin B2 deficiency, cataracts may develop.

Children suffering from riboflavin deficiency develop worse, including intellectually.

Vitamin B2 is important for hair, nails and skin, so its lack is reflected in the deterioration of their condition. Possible hair loss, dandruff, and dermatitis. Foci of inflammation and cracks appear on the mucous membrane. One of the most noticeable symptoms of vitamin deficiency is a purple-red tongue.

Riboflavin deficiency also leads to anemia and thyroid dysfunction.

Excess (hypervitaminosis) of vitamin B2

An overdose of riboflavin does not lead to any negative consequences, since the substance is quickly excreted in urine and does not accumulate in the body.

Combination of vitamin B2 with other vitamins and minerals

For the most effective absorption of vitamins, it is important to take them correctly, since not all substances are compatible. This also applies to vitamin B2.

Riboflavin combines well with vitamin B6, enhancing its effectiveness. But it is not recommended to take it with it, since B1 is destroyed upon interaction. It is useful to combine riboflavin and zinc supplements: B2 improves zinc absorption, making this trace element more bioavailable. All B vitamins are incompatible with vitamin C.

Long life depends on the proper functioning of metabolic processes in the body. It is vitamins that regulate metabolism, and riboflavin is one of the most important vitamins, on which normal hemoglobin synthesis, healthy skin, beautiful hair, and good vision depend.

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Why vitamin B2 is useful in video format:

Greetings, my wonderful readers. I propose to continue our fascinating journey into the “kingdom” of vitamins. Our guest today is Riboflavin - also known as vitamin B2. This element has a total of 20 names. Just a real “chameleon” :)

Vitamin B2 is an important element, acting as an antioxidant. However, it is not the element B2 itself that is most valuable for the body, but its derivatives. These are flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide. Most of the redox reactions in the body take place with the participation of these complex substances.

Without these elements, many biochemical processes will not be able to occur properly. They are needed for:

• digestion of food;
• tissue growth;
• brain activity;
• contraction of muscle tissue;
• enhancing the action of folic acid, pyridoxine and vitamin K;
• hemoglobin production;
• invaluable for hair (ensures its growth);
• normalization of cardiac activity.

maintains a good mood, helps to feel a surge of strength and vigor;

In addition, this vitamin is responsible for maintaining healthy cells, helps increase energy levels and feel a surge of strength and vigor. It also stimulates metabolism and prevents cell damage from free radicals. Moreover, B2 is important for eye health, skin health, and so on ( 1 ).

In short, vitamin B2 is essential for the functioning of every cell in your body. And the lack or absence of this element in your diet can create a number of serious side effects.

Deficiency Symptoms

Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, and like all B vitamins, it comes from food. Ideally, it should be replenished every day to avoid shortages.

According to research, vitamin B2 deficiency is not very common in Western countries. Most likely, because people consume a lot of refined carbohydrates, additionally enriched with riboflavin. In addition, other frequently consumed foods (eggs and meat) provide the body with this element in full.

The daily requirement for men is 1.5 mg/day and 1.3 mg/day for women. Children and infants require significantly less vitamin.

Signs of deficiency of this element include ( 2 ):

• anemia;
• fatigue;
• migraine;
• slow metabolism;
• disruptions in the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• ulcers, cracks in the mouth and lips;
• skin inflammation and skin diseases;
• inflammation in the oral cavity;
• swelling of the mucous membranes;
• a sore throat;
• changes in mood - increased anxiety and signs of depression;
• hair loss;
• insomnia;
• pain in the eyes and rapid deterioration of vision;
• disorders of the digestive system (from diarrhea to constipation);
• burning pain in the legs;
• sudden weight loss.

B2 deficiency is especially dangerous in childhood. This phenomenon negatively affects the growth and functioning of the central nervous system.

As for excess vitamin B2, cases of this are unknown. Excessive amounts of this element are eliminated from the body after a few hours. Also, if you frequently take multi-vitamins that contain riboflavin, you may notice a bright yellow color in your urine. It `s naturally. Yellow color in urine indicates that your body is actually absorbing the vitamin. And you don't experience a deficiency of it. And your body properly gets rid of excess.

What products contain

Dietary sources of riboflavin include the following food groups ( 3 ):

• meat and offal;
• milk;
• cheeses;
• egg;
• green leafy vegetables;
• legumes;
• some nuts and seeds.

Riboflavin, along with other B vitamins, is also included in whole grain foods. So when you eat whole grain bread, cereal or bars, you get this element. Although there isn't much of it there.

Here are the 10 best food sources of riboflavin (at a daily value of 1.5 mg/day for adults). Get to know these leaders.

This element is quite resistant to heat. Therefore, it is well preserved during heat treatment of products - only 20% is lost during cooking.

But it also has an “Achilles heel”: it quickly disintegrates when exposed to sunlight. Milk, cheese and other foods rich in B2 can lose 70% of the valuable vitamin molecules after 3 hours. Therefore, it is not advisable to store riboflavin-rich foods in transparent containers.

In addition, part of the vitamin is lost when washing vegetables in large amounts of water. Therefore, do not soak foods for a long time. And when storing food in the refrigerator, they lose about 1% of vitamin B2 per day. Therefore, we eat it fresh and do not store it in the refrigerator for a long time.

Instructions for use and standards

For children

For adults

If necessary, vitamin B2 can be purchased at the pharmacy. It is sold in tablets, ampoules or as eye drops. The solution and the drug that is available in tablets are called riboflavin mononucleotide. The price depends on the form of release of the drug.

The body needs additional supply of B2 in the following cases:

• anemia;
• radiation sickness;
• disturbances in the digestive tract;
• cataract;
• hepatitis;
• corneal ulcer;
• leukemia;
• pregnancy;
• lactation.

Workers in contact with heavy metal salts and poisons also need additional amounts of B2. And with increased emotional and mental stress, b2 increases the release of adrenaline into the blood. In this case, riboflavin simply wastes its energy, which could be used to produce energy. Therefore, people experiencing stress should also take additional vitamin supplements.

However, you should take pharmaceutical vitamin complexes and use drops only after consulting a doctor. He will describe the name of the drug that is recommended in each specific case. And he will tell you in what quantity you need to take it. In addition to pharmacy vitamins, riboflavin should also be supplied to the body through food. For example, you can eat liver or seaweed more often :)

Top 5 Benefits of Vitamin B2

1. Helps prevent migraines. Riboflavin is a proven method for combating excruciating headaches. A study found that taking 400 mg of the vitamin per day reduced the number of migraine attacks by half. However, they did not compare the effects of riboflavin with conventional medications used to prevent migraines.( 4 ).
2. Supports eye health. Research has shown that riboflavin deficiency increases the risk of certain vision problems. B2 helps prevent eye diseases including cataracts, keratoconus, glaucoma ( 5 ). Research has shown a correlation between people consuming plenty of riboflavin with niacin and a reduced risk of eye disease. However, researchers do not know whether this is due to riboflavin, niacin, or a combination of the two. In general, this vitamin will be studied further. But for the treatment of glaucoma, riboflavin drops are prescribed along with the use of light therapy.
3. Helps prevent anemia. This disease is caused by several factors. These include decreased red blood cell production, inability to carry oxygen in the blood, and severe blood loss. Vitamin B2 helps normalize all these functions, plus is involved in the prevention and treatment of anemia ( 6 ). It is necessary for the synthesis of steroid hormones and the production of red blood cells.
4. Antioxidant properties. Riboflavin acts as an antioxidant that controls the presence of harmful free radicals in our body. It is needed to produce an antioxidant called glutathione, which acts as a free radical killer. It also provides a detox for the liver. According to recent studies, B2 helps prevent certain types of cancer. These include colon, prostate and cervical cancer ( 7 ).
5. Protects hair and skin. Riboflavin helps maintain proper levels of collagen, which keeps skin and hair healthy. We need collagen to maintain youthful skin and prevent the appearance of wrinkles. So a deficiency of this vitamin can make you look older than your age. Some studies show that b2 also speeds up wound healing time.

Interaction with other drugs

Vitamin B2 has both “friends” and “enemies”. Research shows that taking certain medications affects the rate at which vitamin B2 is absorbed into the body. Keep this in mind if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Anticholinergic drugs - these drugs affect the stomach and intestines. They can increase the amount of riboflavin that is absorbed in the body.
• Medicines to treat depression (tricyclic antidepressants). It is possible that they may reduce the amount of riboflavin in the body.
• Phenobarbital - may increase the rate of breakdown of this element.
• Probenecid - may increase the rate at which B2 is absorbed by the body.

Vitamin B2 also interacts with drugs that are used to regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland. These drugs include thyroidine. It enhances the conversion of riboflavin into forms that are more easily absorbed by the body - derivatives.

In addition, when taking iron-containing drugs and vitamin B2 simultaneously, the absorption of the former is enhanced. Also, element B2 promotes the mobilization and preservation of iron in the body.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is one of the most important water-soluble elements for humans, an activator of biological processes. This compound is poorly soluble in alcohol and water with a high pH level, and is stable in an acidic environment. Riboflavin is destroyed by exposure to sunlight and alkali.

Functions of vitamin B2 in the body:

• Increases and accelerates metabolic processes in the body;
• Participates in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism;
• Necessary for the formation of blood antibodies and cells;
• Promotes cell growth and respiration;
• Saturates skin, nails and hair cells with oxygen;
• Improves vision, prevents the development of cataracts;
• Positively affects the mucous membranes of the digestive tract;
• Accelerates the activation of pyridoxine (B6) in the body.

With the help of vitamin B2, skin diseases, slow-healing wounds, eye diseases, gastrointestinal dysfunction, diabetes, anemia and cirrhosis of the liver are treated and prevented.

Riboflavin was isolated from the B vitamin group in 1933 as a heat-resistant element from a yellow-colored substance.

Sources

Vitamin B2 is found in various foods.

Plant sources

• Bread;
• Yeast;
• Vegetables – green leafy;
• Cereals – oatmeal, buckwheat;
• Legumes – green peas;
• Cereals - shells and germs.

Animal sources

• Meat;
• By-products – kidneys, liver;
• Fish;
• Egg white;
• Dairy products - cheese, milk, pressed cottage cheese, yogurt.

Daily norm

The daily requirement for riboflavin increases depending on age (except for older people), increased physical activity and the use of oral contraceptives. Alcohol contributes to the deformation of the mechanism of riboflavin absorption, so people who abuse alcoholic beverages need additional intake of this vitamin.

Vitamin B2 is given orally (in tablets, powders, or pills) or as injections and eye drops. The course of treatment for different age groups is a month or a month and a half, depending on the condition of the body.

For children

• From 0 to 6 months – 0.5 mg;
• From 6 months to a year – 0.6 mg;
• From one to three years – 0.9 mg;
• From 4 to 6 years – 1.0 mg;
• From 7 to 10 years – 1.4 mg.

For men

• From 11 to 14 years – 1.7 mg;
• From 15 to 18 years – 1.8 mg;
• From 19 to 59 years – 1.5 mg;
• From 60 to 74 years – 1.6 mg;
• From 75 years and older – 1.4 mg.

For women

• From 11 to 14 years – 1.5 mg;
• From 15 to 18 years – 1.5 mg;
• From 19 to 59 years – 1.3 mg;
• From 60 to 74 years – 1.5 mg;
• From 75 years and older – 1.3 mg;
• Pregnant women – +0.3 mg;
• Nursing – + 0.5 mg.

Video from the Internet

Signs of shortage

A reduced content or absence of riboflavin in the body leads to the development of hyporiboflavinosis, which over time develops into ariboflavinosis, which is characterized by damage to the skin, oral mucosa, nervous system and organs of vision.

With a lack of vitamin B2, the following are noted:

• Decreased appetite and body weight;
• General weakness and headaches;
• Burning sensation on the skin;
• Pain in the eyes and impaired visibility in the dark;
• Pain in the corners of the mouth and lower lip.

Long-term deficiency of this element in the body leads to sad consequences: acne stomatitis, inflammation of the oral mucosa, seborrheic dermatitis of the labial folds and nose, hair loss and skin lesions, digestive disorders, conjunctivitis, slowed mental reactions, as well as growth retardation.

Hypovitaminosis of this element in the body primarily affects the condition of the brain tissue, as well as the absorption of iron and the condition of the thyroid gland.

Consequences

Vitamin B2 is consumed very quickly in the human body, as a result of which daily replenishment with this element is necessary. To prevent the emergence and development of diseases due to riboflavin deficiency, you must try to preserve as much vitamin B2 as possible in food or meet the daily requirement by taking vitamin complex preparations.

Long-term riboflavin deficiency leads to the following consequences:

• Burning pain in the legs;
• Keratitis and cataracts;
• Stomatitis and glossitis;
• Anemia and muscle weakness.

Overdose

An excess of riboflavin in medical practice is a rare case, and its excessive introduction into the body does not have any unpleasant consequences, with the exception of itching, numbness and a slight burning sensation, but these symptoms quickly pass.