Vitamin B2
Benefit
Vitamin B2 helps break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It plays a vital role in maintaining the body's energy supply.
Vitamin B is essential for:
• Maintaining the mucous membranes in the digestive system
• Maintaining a healthy liver
• Converting tryptophan into niacin, an amino acid
• Keeping the eyes, nerves, muscles and skin healthy
• Absorbing and activating iron, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B3 and B6
• Hormone production by the adrenal glands
• Preventing the development of cataracts
• Fetal development, especially in areas where vitamin deficiency is common
Harm
Vitamin B2 deficiency can hamper the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as these elements would require vitamin B2 for complete metabolism. The deficiency symptoms of vitamin B2 include bloodshot eyes, high sensitivity to light, a burning sensation in the eyes, parched lips, inflammation in the mouth, and a sore tongue. Other common symptoms include dull or oily hair, premature wrinkles, and split nails. Riboflavin deficiency could result in the improper functioning of adrenal glands, which in turn would result in various conditions such as anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and cataract development. Riboflavin deficiency is thought to be a major cause for the fatal condition of preeclampsia in pregnant women.
Riboflavin deficiency mainly manifests as skin lesions, especially over the tongue and around the corners of the mouth. If left untreated, it can lead to a swollen tongue, seborrheic dermatitis, and even an impaired nerve function. Dandruff, low blood count, chipping of the lips and corners of the mouth, dizziness, hair loss, loss of sleep, poor digestion, and slow mental responses are some of the other symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency.