Vitamin B2

Today we continue on with our discussion of vitamin Bs with . . . vitamin B2.

Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin . . . is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which is a vital role in maintaining the body's energy. This process helps to metabolize glucose and support the production of healthy red blood cells.

And like vitamin B1 . . . it also serves as an antioxidant, preventing free radicals from damaging cells and increasing the risk of many aging-related diseases.

Many times . . . Riboflavin is used for prevention and/or treating certain medical conditions such as migraines, certain types of cancer, cataracts, preeclampsia, seizures, cardiovascular disease and dementia.

So how do we know if we have a vitamin B2 deficiency???

Well . . . signs to look for would be . . . skin disorders, hyperemia and edema of the mouth and throat, cracked corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis), cracks or sores on the lips (cheilosis), hair loss, reproductive problems, sore throat, fatigue and weakness, scaly, red patches (seborrheic dermatitis) or swollen blood vessels in the eyes

Some other reasons we could have low vitamin B2 are alcohol abuse, anorexia, lactose intolerance, birth control pills (they interfere with the absorption of B2, B6, B12, folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc) and hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency.

Okay . . . so where do we find a good source of vitamin B2???

In dairy milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, lean beef and pork, beef liver, chicken breast, salmon, asparagus, ground beef, spinach and almonds.

So like with vitamin B1 . . . this vitamin is very important for managing our weight. So remember this vitamin also when we discuss losing weight in our next series.

Tomorrow we'll talk about vitamin B3