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Vitamin B2, also referred to as riboflavin, a water soluble vitamin which serve as coenzyme in biochemical reactions, and aid energy metabolism.
As one of the eight B vitamin, it does not stay in the body, hence required to be eating on daily basis. This helps breakdown fat, carbohydrate and protein so as to generate energy.
Riboflavin is a components of coenzyme that participate in electron transport chain, such as flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and flavin adenin dinucleotide (FAD), to promote bodily functions (1) .
Most importantly, meeting up your daily dietary intake keeps your eyes, muscle, nerves, healthy skin as well as fetal development. Riboflavin is also said to have antioxidant properties that can reduce aging process.
Consuming 1.3mg per for men and 1.1mg per day for women is recommended, according to the recommended dietary allowance report.
Deficiency And Symptoms
Lack of riboflavin contributes to inflammation of the membrane of the mouth, eyes, skin, gastrointestinal track disorder, sore throat, anemia, and angular cheilities, and scrotal dermatitis.
Source Of Riboflavin(Vitamin B2)
Fish
Liver
Eggs
Dairy products
Asparagus
Artichokes
Avocado
Cayenne
Fortified cereals
Peas
Sweet potatoes
Watercress
Broccoli
Spinach
Wheat grains
Mushroom
Parsley
7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Riboflavin.
1. Boost Energy Level
Riboflavin functions as coenzyme, and participate in various metabolic reactions in which energy is produced. This energy is used to maintain proper digestive, nerves, brain, and hormones functions. Evidently, lack of riboflavin, vitamin B2 deficiency appears, and product seem in protein, fat, and carbohydrate foods would not be effectively and completely digested, utilized for fuel, that sustained the body to function optimally. In addition, riboflavin or vitamin B 2 involves in breaking down of carbohydrate, fat, and protein into energy our body use daily, through series of enzymatic reactions.
2. Protect The Skin And Hair
You can keep wrinkles, fine lines as well as premature aging at bay by adding riboflavin rich foods or supplement. Thanks to riboflavin, as it play a significant role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein components required to protect, and maintain the young structure of skin. Equally, riboflavin can as well speed up wound healing and decrease skin inflammation.
3. Protect The Digestive Tract
Impairment of the mucous membrane of the GIT has been associated to deficiency of some vitamins, among them is riboflavin. Riboflavin is believed to play a crucial role in this regard as it protect and maintain the mucous membrane to function properly.
4. May Prevent Cancer
Riboflavin is said to act as an antioxidant, a compound that inhibit appearance of free radicals in the body that triggers inflammation and cancer. Riboflavin allowance your body produce an antioxidant known as glutathione which eliminate free radicals.
5. Protect The Eyes
One of the symptoms linked to eye defects is deficiency of riboflavin. A research conducted in the university of Michigan, shows that vitamin B2 is needed to protect glutathione, an important antioxidant in the eye. However, Adequate intake of riboflavin diet can help ward off oxidative damage, inflamed eyelids and promote a healthy eye.
6. Prevent Anemia
Anemia is characterized with fatigue, shortness of breathe and many others. This occurs mostly where there is deficiency of blood in the body. Vitamin B2 participate in the steroid hormone synthesis and red blood cells formation. As a coenzyme, it is also involves in the transportation of oxygen to the cells.
7. Helps Prevent headache
Over decade, vitamin B2 has been used to reduce appearance of headache and migraines. This is why over- the counter physician often prescribe dose of riboflavin to prevent and treat headache and migraines.
Conclusion
Riboflavin is a water- soluble vitamin that play a significant role in many biochemical reactions in the body. Lack of riboflavin in the blood leads to several health problems. However, legumes, vegetable, meat and fruit are source of riboflavin.
