Riboflavin Benefits

We all are familiar with the word vitamins, and also know that they are necessary for proper functioning of our body. The word vitamins is derived from vital-amines. Vitamins are organic compounds that help in carrying out chemical reactions in the body. Hence, vitamins can be called catalysts. Without these essential compounds, our body may take a longer time and more energy to carry out its basic functions. If vitamins are not made available to the body for a longer period of time, it can lead to abnormal functioning of certain organs leading to related diseases and disorders. Therefore, people are always advised to have a balanced diet in order to gain all the essential nutrients. Vitamins are classified as vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K, and each of them carry out certain functions in the body. Here, we will see more on vitamin B2 or riboflavin.

What is Riboflavin?

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is one of the types of B complex vitamins. When vitamin B was first discovered, it was believed to be a single vitamin. However, on further research it was found that this vitamin consists of several different sub types. These types were later isolated and today vitamin B is known as vitamin B complex and its types as vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). All the types of vitamin B are water soluble, and hence, cannot be stored in the body. Riboflavin or vitamin B2 can be found in a variety of foods.

Health Benefits of Riboflavin

Similar to all the B vitamins, riboflavin is essential in order to maintain good health. The following are the other riboflavin or vitamin B2 benefits:

• One of the most important uses of riboflavin is that it helps in the production of energy in the body. Riboflavin helps in converting carbohydrates to sugar which acts as a fuel to carry out bodily functions.
• Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is an excellent antioxidant which aids in slowing the process of aging.
• Riboflavin is essential for growth and proper functioning of the red blood cells.
• Another major riboflavin benefit is that it is essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. Hence, riboflavin or vitamin B2 deficiency leads to scaly, dry skin, lips and lesions around the mouth.
• Riboflavin also plays a major role in the functioning of the other B complex vitamins like vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Therefore, lack of riboflavin in the body can hinder the activity of other vitamins.
• It is believed that riboflavin is used in iron therapy for the treatment of sickle cell and iron deficiency anemia.
• It is also believed that riboflavin can lower the risk of cataract in people. However, the proposed theory has not yet been proven.

As there are several riboflavin benefits, one should include foods rich in this vitamin in the diet regularly. Whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, eggs, dairy products, and fish are good sources of vitamin B2, i.e., riboflavin. As it is found in a large number of foods, riboflavin deficiency is quite a rare case. However, chronic B2 vitamin deficiency can lead to a disease known as ariboflavinosis.

Lastly, one should remember that riboflavin is a water soluble vitamin which does not get stored in the body. Hence, it is essential to have a regular intake of foods rich in riboflavin. Take care!