Vitamin B2 - Vitamins

Vitamin B ₂

Vitamin B ₂ (riboflavin) aids in the release of energy from food and preserves the integrity of the nervous system, eyes, and skin. It acts as a component in two co-enzymes (flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide), both of which are needed for normal tissue growth. Vitamin B ₂ maintains healthy mucous membranes lining the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and excretory tracts when used in conjunction with vitamin A. In their Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine , Murray and Pizzorno report that vitamin B ₂ appears to decrease a craving for sugar and thus may help prevent diabetes, and improves vision, especially in elderly people. It aids in treating infections, stomach problems, burns, alcoholism, and liver disease.

Natural sources of vitamin B ₂ include almonds, liver, kidney, beef, brewer's yeast, cheese, chicken, and most B ₁ sources. Vitamin B ₂ deficiencies may result in itching and burning of the eyes, cracking of the skin, inflammation of the mouth, and bloodshot eyes. A deficiency of riboflavin is also believed to be linked with cataract formation.

The use of oral contraceptives has been associated with inducing several nutrient deficiencies, including riboflavin, pyridoxine, ascorbic acid, and zinc, while iron, copper, and vitamin A levels typically are increased. These findings suggest decreased liver metabolism of riboflavin. Females who suffer from premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, may benefit from B ₂ supplements administered under the care of a health practitioner.

The administration of large doses of B vitamins, especially riboflavin, has been shown to be quite effective in the treatment of acute acne (rosacea), according to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine .