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Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is crucial in the production of
body energy. It is involved with an enzyme called glutathione reductase, which helps maintain
glutathione,
a major protector against free radical damage. Vitamin B2
itself also has antioxidant qualities. Thus riboflavin is
pivotal both in the inner breathing of our cells where
energy is produced and also in the quenching of the toxic
exhausts of that inner, energy producing cell
respiration. Riboflavin is water soluble and so is not
stored in significant quantities in the body. It must be
replaced continuously through diet or supplementation to
avoid deficiency. The most common cause of riboflavin
deficiency is an unbalanced diet.
Vitamin B-2
It is not uncommon to find vitamin B2 deficiencies in the
elderly. Riboflavin deficiency is common in alcoholics,
as well. People who indulge in a lot of physical exercise
often need extra riboflavin particularly women. Vigorous
exercise raises the daily requirement for the vitamin.
Riboflavin deficiency mainly affects skin and mucous
membranes. Symptoms include cracks in the corners of the
mouth, cracks on the lips, reddening of the tongue
associated with a burning sensation and eczema
of the
face and genitals. When there is a deficiency of
riboflavin there is usually a lack of the other B
vitamins as well.
Vitamin B2 helps with the following::
o Protects exercisers from antioxidant damage and boosts
athletic performance;
o protects against cancer
o protects against anemia
o helps cell respiration
o good healthy diet
o growth in children
Riboflavin is also known as:
vitamin B2,
Riboflavin-5-phosphate
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