Q. What is riboflavin?
A. Riboflavin is one of the B complex vitamins. It is a yellow-orange water-soluble compound, and, since it was second to be discovered, is sometimes also called vitamin B2.
Q. What role does riboflavin play in the body?
A. Like other B complex vitamins, riboflavin is needed for the conversion of it carried through energy. It is earned through the blood to all cells in the body, where it is used to make enzymes important for energy metabolism. Riboflavin-containing compounds are essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and fats.
These compounds are also crucial for the proper development and maintenance of nerves and blood cells, for iron metabolism, for adrenal gland function, for the formation of connective tissues, and for proper immune function. It's easy to see why a riboflavin deficiency can have an impact on the entire body.
Q. Has a deficiency been linked with any particular illness?
A. In studies, riboflavin deficiency has been associated with an increase in throat cancers and with the development of cataracts.
Deficiency may also impair brain function. In one study, healthy people older than age 60 who got the RNI of riboflavin performed better on tests to assess memory than those getting less than the RNI of .riboflavin.
RIBOFLAVIN
QUICK-REFERENCE GUIDE
RNI
Men: 1.7 mg Women: 1 .3 m
Sources
Riboflavin is found in many different foods. The richest sources include organ meats such as liver, kidney and heart. Dark green, leafy vegetables are also a good source. However, most people get their riboflavin from meats and dairy products, along with riboflavin-enriched white flour and cereals.
Signs of Deficiency
Skin problems, including a greasy, scaly condition on the face, are common signs of a severe deficiency. Red, swollen, cracked lips, especially at the comers of the mouth, and a sore, red tongue may also occur, along with loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue, depression and anemia, dimness of vision and burning of the eyes. Decreased sensitivity to touch, temperature, vibration and position may occur in the hands and feet
Possible Toxicity Problems
Risk of toxicity is very low. Probably because high doses
