Benefits Of Riboflavin

Benefits of Riboflavin

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is a water soluble vitamin and it can be found in various foods. Examples of good riboflavin sources include spinach, eggs, yeast, chicken and yogurt among others. Read on to discover the benefits of riboflavin in the body.

1. Energy production

Riboflavin plays a major role in energy production. It helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. It also acts like a fuel for carrying out normal body functions. Athletes are advised to consume a nutrition that is rich in riboflavin due to this benefit. It provides energy and may also help to boost endurance.

2. Treats anemia

The use of riboflavin is very beneficial in treating anemia, according to some research. This is mainly because the riboflavin levels in such people are usually very low. Both human and animal research clearly suggests that a deficiency of riboflavin might impair the absorption of iron in the body, enhance intestinal iron loss or inhibit utilization of iron for hemoglobin synthesis. Correction of this riboflavin deficiency therefore helps people who are iron deficient to respond better to their treatment.

3. Increases overall health

Just like all the other B vitamins, vitamin B2 is vital for maintaining proper health. In fact, riboflavin is vital for healthy hair, nails and skin. That is why riboflavin deficiency usually results in dry and scaly skin, lips as well as lesions round the mouth.

4. Enhances cognitive function

Sufficient nutrient supplementation using riboflavin is recommended for maintaining good cognitive function. In fact, treatment using vitamin B2 has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and increase cognitive function in patients. This might be linked to the depletion of this vital vitamin in the body caused by taking tricyclic antidepressants.

Excessive intake of riboflavin over extended periods of time can cause retinal disease and cataracts.

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