5 fun facts about vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 (also known as riboflavin) is part of the B complex group of vitamins (a group of vitamins that was initially thought to be the singular B vitamin due to their similar functions in the body). It was discovered in the 1930s when Otto Warburg successfully isolated riboflavin as a result of detailed research on B-complex vitamins. Riboflavin’s main function is to help cells in your body break down food for energy, But there is much more than that. In this article, I’ll help you learn a little more about this vitamin by giving you five fun facts about vitamin B2.
1) WORKS WITH THE OTHER B-COMPLEX VITAMINS TO GIVE YOU ENERGY:- Although your body needs vitamin B2 to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into a form you can use, it doesn’t work alone. All of the B-complex vitamins combine so that the reaction that breaks down these macronutrients into energy can take place. So while it’s important that you get adequate levels of B2, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting your other B vitamins as well.
2) PROMOTES SKIN, VISION AND BLOOD HEALTH: Every time your body uses oxygen, free radicals are produced as a by-product. These free radicals can damage many structures in the body, including the linings of blood vessels and cell membranes. To protect against these free radicals, your body can use molecules called antioxidants. Riboflavin helps your body recycle the antioxidant glutathione that protects your eyes, skin, and blood vessels from this oxygen damage. Therefore, vitamin B2 promotes skin, vision, and blood health by protecting these vital structures.
3) CAN BE FOUND IN MULTIPLE FOODS:- This vitamin can be obtained from a variety of foods. In fact, you probably consume more vitamin B2 than you realize. Milk is one of the best sources of riboflavin, but other dairy products like cheese and yogurt also contain good levels. So if you think you’re not getting enough of this vitamin, try adding some dairy to your diet.
4) IT IS A WATER SOLUBLE VITAMIN:- Vitamin B2 is a water soluble vitamin which (as you probably guessed from the name) means that it dissolves in water. Your body cannot store water-soluble vitamins, so you need to make sure you get the recommended amount of riboflavin each day, which is 1.3 mg for men and 1.1 mg for women. Water-soluble vitamins are also very sensitive to light, which means you should try to store foods that contain B2 in a dark place and keep them away from strong light.
5) NOT TAKING ENOUGH CAN CAUSE SKIN PROBLEMS:- Riboflavin deficiency is very rare in Western developed countries. However, if your diet is seriously lacking in vitamin B2, it can cause your skin to become oily, flaky, or dry. Ultimately, this can lead to painful cracks and sores developing on the skin.
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of vitamin B2 and the role it plays in your body. It allows the cells in your body to extract energy from the food you eat and also plays a key role in protecting against oxidative damage. Therefore, it is essential for a healthy life.
