What it does in the body
Vitamin B2 is an easily absorbed micronutrient with a key role in maintaining health.1 It is needed by the body for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and is involved in energy production. It aids in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells, assists in maintaining respiration and is necessary for maintenance of good vision, skin, nails and hair. Vitamin B2 has also been found to alleviate eye fatigue and promotes general good health.2
Common signs of deficiency include cracking of the lips and corners of the mouth, inflamed tongue, visual disturbances like sensitivity to light, loss of visual acuity, cataract formation, burning and itching of the eyes, lips, mouth and tongue, anemia and seborrheic dermatitis.3
- Vitamin B2 is commonly found in dairy foods, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains. It is sensitive to light.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
- The RDA for riboflavin ranges from 0.9 to 1.6 mg.4
Orthomolecular Dosage Range:
- Much higher than RDA levels. 25 mg
"Riboflavin has played little role in orthomolecular medicine, but this may soon change. . . . riboflavin deficiency is produced by the chronic use of high doses of tranquilizers. . . .5 The first symptoms of riboflavin deficiency are sore throat and angular stomatitis. Later, patients develop glossitis, seborrheic dermatitis of the face, and dermatitis on the trunk and limbs. Skin becomes atrophic, hyperkeratotic, and hyperplastic. In some, the cornea becomes vascularized and cataracts may form. Later, a normochromic and normocytic anemia develops." (From: Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone, Basic Health Publications, 2008.)
1 Brody, Tom (1999). Nutritional Biochemistry. San Diego: Academic Press.
5 Zaslove, M., T. Silverio, and R. Minenna. "Severe Riboflavin Deficiency: A Previously Undescribed Side Effect of Phenothiazines." J Ortho Psych 12 (1983): 113-115.