The body cannot store or synthesize vitamin B2, so people need to have a diet that regularly supplements this nutrient. This vitamin is abundant in foods such as fish, eggs, milk, fruits,…
1. What is Vitamin B2?
Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, is an important vitamin in many vital activities of the body. Like all other B vitamins, this vitamin is water-soluble and acts as an effective antioxidant, preventing harmful free radicals.
Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin.
The mechanism of action of this vitamin is to transform into 2 active coenzymes, FMN and FAD. They are present in most cells of the body, participating in metabolism and energy conversion.
Vitamin B2 can be isolated independently in the form of yellow crystals, not damaged, easily decomposed under light, relatively heat-resistant.
This type of vitamin is abundant in natural foods such as: yeast, bread yeast, liver, meat, eggs, beans, leafy vegetables, yogurt, … and can be artificially synthesized for supplementation in cases requiring treatment or increased use.
2. The role of vitamin B2 in the body
The use of vitamin B2 in the body is very important. This type of vitamin participates in the process of converting nutrients from protein, fat, carbohydrates into energy for cells in the form of ATP. Therefore, it is undeniable that the benefits of vitamin B2 in maintaining the function of all organ systems in the body, notably:
Vitamin B2 helps the body absorb nutrients better
2.1. Helps the body absorb and use other vitamins and minerals
In fact, this vitamin will be equivalent to other B vitamins, forming an active complex. Therefore, the body must have enough vitamins to allow folic acid, vitamin B6 and other vitamins to perform their functions.
2.2. Antioxidants
The formation of free radicals (excess electrons) in the body is a very big risk of causing disease. Vitamin B2 is a good antioxidant, helping to control free radicals, prevent disease, and strengthen the immune system.
For the liver, this vitamin participates in the production of the antioxidant glutathione, which acts as a free radical scavenger, detoxifying the liver.
For the digestive system , this vitamin plays a role as an “internal reinforcement”, strengthening the immune system against pathogens. In addition, the presence of vitamin B2 also helps the body absorb and use nutrients more effectively from the daily diet.
Vitamin B2 has been proven to be effective in preventing certain cancers such as cervical cancer, esophageal cancer,…
Vitamin B2 is effective in preventing certain cancers.
2.3. Support for the treatment of migraines
The treatment of migraines is currently facing many difficulties, vitamin B2 has been proven to be effective in supporting the treatment of this disease.
With a high dose of 400mg, patients can reduce the frequency of migraines, the level of pain and duration are also improved.
2.4. Prevent eye problems
Scientific research has also shown that vitamin B2 is effective in preventing cataracts, glaucoma, and keratoconus. In addition, using this vitamin in the form of eye drops is being applied in medicine for patients with glaucoma and eye disorders in the elderly.
2.5. Prevent and treat anemia
Reduced red blood cell production causes anemia. Vitamin B2 participates in this process, specifically the synthesis of steroid hormones and the production of red blood cells as well as the transport of oxygen to cells.
When a person has anemia, sickle cell anemia, the cause may be a deficiency of vitamin B2. In addition, this vitamin is also related to reducing the concentration of homocysteine in the blood, converting it into amino acids for the body to use, thereby preventing cardiovascular disease.
Anemia can be treated with vitamin B2
2.6. Maintain and provide energy for the body
Vitamin B2 participates in the process of converting nutrients from food into energy for cells, maintaining brain function, digestive function, nerve conduction and hormones. A deficiency of this vitamin will lead to decreased metabolism, affecting the development and recovery of the body.
Vitamin B2 is also necessary for the activity and function of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands. This nutrient is a factor that calms the nervous system, fights stress, regulates energy, temperature, mood, and stimulates appetite for the body.
2.7. Hair and skin care
Not only vitamin A but vitamin B2 also plays an important role in collagen synthesis, nourishing healthy skin and hair. Therefore, a deficiency of this vitamin often accelerates the aging process, making you age faster.
With this mechanism, vitamin B2 is also necessary in healing wounds, preventing aging and reducing dermatitis.
3. When should you use vitamin B2?
Daily vitamin B2 supplementation is extremely necessary, in which natural food sources are given priority. According to nutritional recommendations, each day the body should be loaded with 1oz (equivalent to 85g) of foods rich in vitamin B2 such as: Seaweed, Liver, cuttlefish, beef or lamb, organic cheese, soy milk, eggs, …
Vitamin B2 is abundant in seaweed.
The use of vitamin B2 from preparations is indicated in the prevention and treatment of this vitamin deficiency. In addition, vitamin B2 is also useful in the following cases:
- Treatment of red blood cell anemia: often indicated for people with familial metabolic diseases.
- Treatment of acne, muscle spasms, congenital methemoglobinemia, etc.
- Migraine relief: Use prophylactic vitamin B2 for at least 3 months in high doses (400mg per day) and monitor the reduction in frequency, severity and duration of pain.
- As an indicator in monitoring drug excretion: Because vitamin B2 is excreted quickly in the urine.
In cases of high-dose vitamin B2 supplementation for the purpose of treatment or prevention of disease, consult a doctor.
