Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, is characterized by its yellow color. A person’s urine turns bright yellow when they take high levels of riboflavin. Riboflavin plays a pivotal role in the energy metabolisms of cells. Riboflavin transforms into its dinucleotide (FAD) or flavin mononucleotide (FMN) forms whenever it is in the body’s energy production passageway. When Riboflavin changes to its FAD or FMN forms, it attaches itself to protein enzymes. This process allows oxygen-based energy production to take place. Flavoproteins, proteins that are attached to FMNs and FADs, are typically found in the heart and skeletal muscles and throughout the body. Moreover, riboflavin prevents harming of cell membranes, blood vessels linings, and joint tissues from oxidation.

Vitamin B2 is greatly influenced by the intake of vitamin B1. If thiamine is deficient, there is a great chance that riboflavin is also deficient. Likewise, sufficient amounts of vitamin B1 also increase the levels of vitamin B2 in the body. The availability of iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B3, and vitamin B12 in the body depends on the availability of riboflavin.

Vitamin B2 may cure or prevent health conditions such as anemia, carpal tunnel syndrome, cataracts, migraine, rosacea, and vaginitis.

Birth control pills, antidepressant drugs, and alcohol decrease the amount of vitamin B2 in the body, which can cause riboflavin deficiency. Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency include hypersensitivity to light, blurred vision, and reddening of the cornea. Soreness around the tongue, lips, and mouth are also signs of riboflavin deficiency. Riboflavin deficient individuals may experience skin problems such as cracking of the skin at the corners of the mouth and peeling of the skin near the nose.

Foods that are rich in vitamin B2 include mushrooms, spinach, and cottage cheese. Other sources of vitamin B2 include cow’s milk, chicken eggs, yogurt, beef liver, pork chops, and broccoli.

The recommended daily intake of riboflavin is 1.7 milligrams a day. There are no known toxic side effects for high levels of riboflavin intake. A tolerable Upper Limit has not yet been established for vitamin B2.

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