Vitamin B2 is a vitamin of the vitamin B complex group. Formerly known as vitamin G, vitamin B2 is also known as riboflavin or lactoflavin. Popularly, vitamin B2 is known as the “growth vitamin.”
Mode of action of vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is found in many foods. Among other things, vitamin B2 is found in milk and also in dairy products, as well as in vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus and spinach.
One of the main properties of vitamin B2 is poor water solubility. Furthermore, vitamin B2 is photosensitive, but unlike many other vitamins, it is resistant to heat and oxygen.
The mode of action of vitamin B2 includes a preventive effect against migraine at a dose of 100 mg of vitamin B2 per day.
It is also used wherever the glow effect of vitamin B2 under UV light is needed. Vitamin B2 is needed in the body to use proteins, fats and carbohydrates for energy.
Importance
Deficiency symptoms related to vitamin B2 rarely occur. Most notably, they can be observed in pregnant women and alcoholics. Symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency may manifest themselves in the form of exanthema, skin cracking, especially around the mouth, hypersensitivity to light, growth disorders, and burning eyes.
A typical deficiency disease would be pellagra, but it is also associated with other B group vitamins. It is typically accompanied by roughened skin, especially after sun exposure. Also in persons suffering from migraine, an undersupply of vitamin B2 could be involved at the same time. Otherwise, rather unspecific symptoms of a deficiency of vitamin B2 appear, which can affect the entire organism.
The importance of vitamin B2 for health is manifold. For example, vitamin B2 is involved in the formation of thyroid hormones, furthermore, vitamin B2 supports the function of other vitamins, especially B6 and niacin.
Vitamin B2 is also needed for fat breakdown (important for the figure-conscious and athletes) and in the conversion of purine into uric acid.
Furthermore, vitamin B2 has a beneficial effect on the immune system. Vitamin B2 has a cell-protective effect and also protects against stress. Beautiful skin and hair can also only be maintained with the help of vitamin B2. The preservation of muscle strength is also due, among other things, to vitamin B2; a deficiency of vitamin B2 would result in a weakening of muscle strength as well as a lack of drive and a decrease in general performance.
Especially for athletes, it is therefore important to pay attention to an adequate supply of vitamin B2 for the reasons mentioned above.
Occurrence in food
Vitamin B2 is found in many foods. Among other things, vitamin B2 is found in milk and also in dairy products, as well as in vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus and spinach. There is plenty of vitamin B2 in eggs, yeast, cereals and in all whole grain products, especially those made from rye.
In addition, vitamin B2 is found in fish and in muscle meat. The requirement of an adult person for vitamin B2 is about 1.2 mg per day and can usually be met with the usual diet. It is possible that the need for vitamin B2 is somewhat higher in persons with a higher energy requirement, such as athletes.
An overdose is not to be feared with vitamin B2, because as with all water-soluble vitamins, too much vitamin B2 is excreted in the urine.
