| 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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