Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Role in the Body & Benefits

Role in the Body
Riboflavin is essential for extracting energy from the carbohydrates, protein, and fats in the foods you eat. It is also important for red blood cell formation, antibody production, and keeps the mucous membranes that line the mouth, eyes, nose throat, urinary and digestive tracts healthy.

Dietary Sources
Riboflavin is found in lean meats, poultry, fish, cheese, eggs, milk, whole or enriched grains, and vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, avocados, and spinach.

Who Is at Risk for Deficiency?
You may be at risk for deficiency if you are older, exercise strenuously, are a strict vegetarian, have diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome or other malabsorption disorders, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take tricyclic antidepressants or birth control pills.

Benefits
Some research suggests that riboflavin may reduce the incidence and severity of migraines. It is also thought to be beneficial in carpal tunnel syndrome, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis and sickle cell anemia.

Cautions
There is no known toxicity.