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Vitamins B2 is also called Riboflavin. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which is involved in vital metabolic processes in the body, and is necessary for normal cell function, growth, and energy production. Small amounts of riboflavin are present in most animal and plant tissues.

Riboflavin, works with other vitamins in the B complex to process calories from carbohydrates, protein and fat. Your body needs it for growth and red cell production, and adequate riboflavin intake promotes healthy skin and good vision.

Functions and benefits of Vitamin B2

The metabolism of some vitamins and minerals also require riboflavin. Riboflavin is essential for tissue respiration and the generation of energy from the carbohydrates, acids and fats. It is important for body growth and red blood cell production and helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin which is involved in vital metabolic processes in the body, and is necessary for normal cell function, growth, and energy production. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is essential in formation of antibodies and red blood cells.

Riboflavin is often used as a tracer of medication compliance in the treatment of patients with alcohol dependence, mental disorders, and other conditions. Although it is needed for periods of rapid growth, it is also needed when protein intake is high, and is most beneficial to the skin, hair and nails.

Recommended Dosage for Vitamin B2

Women should have 1.1 milligrams of riboflavin daily and men should have 1.7 milligrams daily. Child from 0to 6 months have to take 0.3mg, Child from 7to 12 months have to take 0.4mg, Child from 1to 3 years have to take 0.5mg and child for 4 to 8 years have to take 0.6mg.

Food sources of Vitamin B2

The best sources of riboflavin include brewer's yeast, almonds, organ meats, whole grains, wheat germ, wild rice, mushrooms, soybeans, milk, yogurt, eggs, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach. Flour and cereals are enriched with riboflavin. Riboflavin is stable when heated but will leach into cooking water. It is easily destroyed by light, and foods stored in clear containers will lose their riboflavin content in a short period of time.

* Riboflavin-enriched breads and cereals
* Red meats
* Green, leafy vegetables
* Dairy products

Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 deficiency by itself is uncommon. It usually occurs with deficiencies of other B vitamins in people who have a protein and calorie deficiency. Chronic disorders, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes mellitus, and malabsorption disorders increase the risk of vitamin B2 deficiency, as can hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis—procedures that filter the blood.

Symptoms are vague. They include painful cracks in the corners of the mouth and on the lips and a sore mouth and tongue. The tongue may turn magenta, and greasy (seborrheic) patches may appear around the nose and in the area between the nose and the lips.

Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency include fatigue; slowed growth; digestive problems; cracks and sores around the corners of the mouth; swollen magenta tongue; eye fatigue; soreness of the lips, mouth and tongue; and sensitivity to light.

Common symptoms are :-

Anemia
Cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth
Dizziness
Hair loss
Inflammation of the mouth and tongue
Insomnia
Retarded growth and slowed mental response
Skin lesions

This Nutrition article is provided by Articleteller - The Free Article Directory http://www.articleteller.com

Alien writes for Vitamins and Minerals . He also writes for vitamins world and you can get more information on Vitamin B2 .

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