Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is also called riboflavin. It is part of vitamin B-complex, a combination of eight vitamins that the body needs to help it convert the food you eat into the energy you need. In addition, B2 is necessary for the production of antibodies, cell respiration, and cell growth. As an antioxidant, it helps fight damaging particles in the body known as free radicals.

Benefits of Vitamin B2

Other ways vitamin B2 works in the body are:

Prevents Headaches including Migraines

In one study, patients who received 400 mg riboflavin capsules per day had a significant reduction in headache frequency and use of anti-migraine tablets.^[1]

Supports Eye Health

Studies have shown that riboflavin deficiency is associated with certain eye disorders such as cataracts, keratoconus, and glaucoma.^[2-3] In the Blue Mountains Eye study, the risk of cataract was significantly reduced with riboflavin supplementation.^[4]

Prevents and Treats Anemia

Anemia is caused by decreased red blood cell (RBC) production. Normally, RBCs carry oxygen and other essential nutrients. In one study, 4 months of riboflavin supplementation in pregnant women decreased the prevalence of anemia as evidenced by a significant increase in the number of RBCs.^[5]      

Prevents Serious Chronic Diseases

Homocysteine is an amino acid, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein. When proteins break down, increased levels of homocysteine accumulate in the bloodstream, resulting in the formation of blood clots and plaque build-up inside the arteries (atherosclerosis). These events can lead to serious chronic diseases such as heart problems, stroke, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and other fatal illnesses. Interestingly, riboflavin supplementation in 680 healthy adults 18 to 65 years of age, decreased homocysteine levels by as much as 22%.^[6]

Lowers Blood Pressure

In hypertensive patients with heart problems, daily riboflavin supplementation at 1.6 mg significantly lowered blood pressure, suggesting that riboflavin have important implications for the prevention and treatment of hypertension.^[7]

Improves Mood and Mental Health

In one study assessing the effect of vitamin supplements in 129 young healthy adults, 12 months of riboflavin supplementation resulted in improved mood. Participants also reported that they felt more composed and have better mental health.^[8]

Prevents Cancer

Researchers believe that vitamin B2 can reduce the effects of cancer-producing carcinogens and cell damage caused by free radicals. In fact, several studies have shown that riboflavin supplementation inhibits tumor growth.^[9-10]

Improves Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor and problems with movement, chiefly affecting the older population. In one study, high doses of riboflavin were able to promote recovery of some of the motor functions in PD patients. After 2 months of treatment, participants were able to stand and walk with improved balance.^[11]   

Protects Against a Wide Array of Infections

It has been postulated that riboflavin possesses antimicrobial activity. In one study, riboflavin significantly enhanced the efficacy of simulated solar disinfection (a water purification method) against a variety of microorganisms.^[12]

References:

1. Boehnke C, Reuter U, Flach U, Schuh-hofer S, Einhäupl KM, Arnold G. High-dose riboflavin treatment is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis: an open study in a tertiary care centre. Eur J Neurol. 2004;11(7):475-7.
2. Wollensak G, Spoerl E, Seiler T. Riboflavin/ultraviolet-a-induced collagen crosslinking for the treatment of keratoconus. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003;135(5):620-7.
3. Skalka HW, Prchal JT. Cataracts and riboflavin deficiency. Am J Clin Nutr. 1981;34(5):861-3.
4. Bartlett H, Eperjesi F. An ideal ocular nutritional supplement?. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2004;24(4):339-49.
5. Ma AG, Schouten EG, Zhang FZ, et al. Retinol and riboflavin supplementation decreases the prevalence of anemia in Chinese pregnant women taking iron and folic Acid supplements. J Nutr. 2008;138(10):1946-50.
6. Mcnulty H, Dowey le RC, Strain JJ, et al. Riboflavin lowers homocysteine in individuals homozygous for the MTHFR 677C->T polymorphism. Circulation. 2006;113(1):74-80.
7. Horigan G, Mcnulty H, Ward M, Strain JJ, Purvis J, Scott JM. Riboflavin lowers blood pressure in cardiovascular disease patients homozygous for the 677C–>T polymorphism in MTHFR. J Hypertens. 2010;28(3):478-86.
8. Benton D, Haller J, Fordy J. Vitamin supplementation for 1 year improves mood. Neuropsychobiology. 1995;32(2):98-105.
9. Perumal SS, Shanthi P, Sachdanandam P. Energy-modulating vitamins–a new combinatorial therapy prevents cancer cachexia in rat mammary carcinoma. Br J Nutr. 2005;93(6):901-9.
10. De vogel S, Dindore V, Van engeland M, Goldbohm RA, Van den brandt PA, Weijenberg MP. Dietary folate, methionine, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 and risk of sporadic colorectal cancer. J Nutr. 2008;138(12):2372-8.
11. Coimbra CG, Junqueira VB. High doses of riboflavin and the elimination of dietary red meat promote the recovery of some motor functions in Parkinson’s disease patients. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2003;36(10):1409-17.
12. Heaselgrave W, Kilvington S. Antimicrobial activity of simulated solar disinfection against bacterial, fungal, and protozoan pathogens and its enhancement by riboflavin. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2010;76(17):6010-2.