Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is an important vitamin that also acts as an antioxidant within the body. It is responsible for maintaining healthy blood cells, helping to boost energy levels, facilitating in a healthy metabolism, preventing free radical damage, contributing to growth, and protecting skin and eye health.

Symptoms Linked to B2 (Riboflavin) Deficiency:

  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in mood, such as increased anxiety and signs of depression
  • Nerve damage
  • Mouth or lip sores or cracks
  • Skin inflammation and skin disorders, especially around the nose and face
  • Inflamed mouth and tongue
  • Sore throat
  • Swelling of mucus membranes

Health Problems Associated to B2 (Riboflavin) Deficiency: 

  • Depression – Low B2 has been implicated in depression due to its role in methylation reactions in the brain.
  • Fatigue – B Vitamins are necessary for converting food into energy. Cofactors in the mitochondrial respiratory chain include B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and Folate (B9).
  • Headaches – B2 is effective for migraine prevention, aids mitochondrial energy metabolism.
  • Hypertension – People with a certain gene (called MTHFR type TT) tend to respond well to B2 therapy for lowering blood pressure.
  • Inflammation – B2 helps minimize pain associated with inflammation. Detoxifies homocysteine, an amino acid that indirectly causes inflammation in various tissues.
  • Methylation – Helps recycle Folate (B9) into a usable methyl-donor form. Precursor to FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) which assists methylation reactions.
  • Pain – Vitamins B1, B2, B2, and B12 produce a dose dependent decrease in various kinds of pain (heat, pressure, chemical. They increase sensitivity to pain meds. Their effect is likely mediated through serotonergic neurotransmitters.
  • Sports Nutrition – B vitamins are cofactors for efficient energy metabolism from food. Synthesizing red blood cells require Folate (B9) and B12. Deficiencies in various B vitamins may slow healing in sports injuries.
  • Telomeres – B2 is crucial for proper DNA methylation.

How to Acquire B2 (Riboflavin):

  • Liver (from lamb, beef, veal, turkey, or chicken)
  • Almonds
  • Grass-Fed Beef or Lamb
  • Eggs
  • Organic Goat cheese
  • Mackerel Fish

Clinical Updates on B2 (Riboflavin)