VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin)

VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin)Vitamin B2 is also called riboflavin. Vitamin B2 is important for burning fat, carbohydrates and proteins. Riboflavin, like the other B vitamins, is water-soluble and is only stored in small amounts in the body, any excess being excreted in the urine.

What does vitamin B2 do for the body?Vitamin B2 is important for the body to be able to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and convert these into energy. In addition, vitamin B2 must be present for vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to function optimally.

Sources of vitamin B2 in the dietVitamin B2 is found in most foods. Good sources are milk, cheese, meat, liver and eggs.

Recommended intake of vitamin B2Children up to 9 years: 0.5-1.1 mgMen over 10 years: 1.3-1.7 mgWomen over 10 years: 1.2-1.3 mgPregnant women: 1.6 mgLactating: 1.7 mgFor children, men and women, the recommendations vary depending on age.

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What happens with a lack of vitamin B2?

Lack of vitamin B2 (ariboflavinosis) rarely occurs alone, but can occur in combination with a lack of other B vitamins and vitamin C. Symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency are often weak, but can appear as cracks in the corner of the mouth and around the nose.

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What happens with high intake of vitamin B2?

Excess vitamin B2 is excreted from the body via the urine, and the risk of getting too much vitamin B2 is small. Some people may experience a strong yellow colored urine with a high intake of vitamin B2, but this is not dangerous.

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Advice and guidance on supplements of vitamin B2Although a normal diet covers the need for vitamin B2, certain conditions can lead to a lack of riboflavin (at the same time as a lack of other B or C vitamins as riboflavin deficiency is rarely seen alone). People with long-term low food intake, high alcohol intake or with malabsorption are examples of groups that can benefit from supplementation with vitamin B2, preferably in the form of a B-complex preparation or multi-vitamin-mineral preparation.