Vitamin B2/Riboflavin is a water soluble vitamin. Daily consumption of Vitamin B2/Riboflavin is needed as water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body for later use.
Vitamin B2/Riboflavin plays numerous roles in the body including:
- Energy production
- Metabolism
- Cellular growth, function and development
- Maintaining the health of mucous membranes and tissues
- Migraine Prevention
- Cardiovascular Health
US Recommended Daily Allowance for Vitamin B2/Riboflavin:
- 1.3mg daily for adult men
- 1.1mg daily for adult nonpregnant women
Who is at risk for Riboflavin Deficiency?
- Vegans
- Vegetarian Athletes
- People with malabsorption syndromes
- People with celiac disease
Riboflavin Deficiency is more common than many think due to the mild nature of symptoms.
Symptoms of Riboflavin Deficiency include:
- Sore throat
- Swelling of mucous membranes
- Chelitis- inflammation of the lips
- Angular Stomatitis- lesions in the corners of the mouth
- Stomatitis- inflammation of the mouth
- Glossitis- inflammation of the tongue
- Anemia
- Dermatitis
As mentioned above, Vitamin B2 is a water soluble vitamin that requires daily consumption to maintain adequate levels. There are numerous healthy food options that you can start adding to your diet today to ensure you meet your needs! Some examples of foods rich in Vitamin B2/Riboflavin include:
- Eggs
- Organ Meats such as kidney and liver
- Lean Meats such as chicken
- Red Meat
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Dark Leafy Greens
- Mushrooms
- Almonds
- Yeast
- Fortified whole grain cereals
- Fortified whole wheat breads
With so many great options to choose from it is easy to start filling your plate with some healthy B2!
This article is for information purposes only. Always consult your treating physician prior to starting any new diet or supplement.
Wondering what your vitamin levels are? Check out Rootine.
References:
Overview of water-soluble vitamins. Pazirandeh et al. Uptodate.com. Accessed 2020
Roboflavin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Accessed 2020. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/
Institute of Functional Medicine Fact Sheet. Micronutrients:Vitamins. Accessed 2020