Supplements

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 is an easily absorbed water soluble vitamin. Riboflavin speeds up the conversion of B6 to its active form in the body. It is also one of the major nutrients involved in regenerating glutathione. Glutathione is often measured by the amount of Riboflavin in the body.

B2 is extremely important, as an antioxidant, in preventing or treating eye fatigue and cataracts (doses exceeding 500 mg or may cause retinal damage).

Vitamin B2, like the other B vitamins must be replaced daily through whole foods or supplements. Riboflavin in necessary for the formation of red blood cells, antibody production, growth and cell respiration.

Coupled with Vitamin A, Riboflavin helps maintain and improve the mucous membranes in the digestive tract.

Vitamin B2 is used to treat anemia, arteriosclerosis, baldness, bladder infections, cataract, hypoglycemia, immune system disorders, mental disorders, muscle diseases, morning sickness, obesity, sick cell anemia, stress, depression and trembling.

Riboflavin is necessary for normal development and repair of the immune system and of body tissues such as skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. Riboflavin is sometimes used in the treatment of acne, especially acne rosacea.

Riboflavin is needed by for the metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan, which is converted into niacin in the body. The combination of B2 and B6 may benefit the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

A recent study evaluated the links between rheumatoid arthritis and riboflavin status in individuals with and without the disease. Biochemical riboflavin deficiency was more frequent in those with active disease. Riboflavin deficiency may reduce the activity and effect of glutathione, an enzyme that works to prevent the inflammation involved in rheumatoid arthritis.

Riboflavin is essential to tissue respiration and to the generation of energy metabolism from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Recent studies suggest that riboflavin may be an effective low-cost preventive treatment for migraine headaches. A proposed mechanism for this effect suggests that migraines result from a reduction of energy production in the mitochondria, and riboflavin increases mitochondrial energy efficiency. In a 1998 study from Belgium, patients who suffered from migraines were given 400 mg of riboflavin a day for three months. Other patients also received a daily dose of aspirin. Fifty-nine percent of patients in the riboflavin groups showed at least a 50% improvement compared to 15% in the Aspirin group.

Deficiency: Persons most likely to have B2 deficiency include those with lactose intolerance, malabsorptive disorders, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. The elderly, whose diets are low in red meats and dairy products, may also be at risk for mild riboflavin deficiency. Systemic infection, with or without gastrointestinal tract involvement, may increase the body's need for riboflavin. Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency include anemia, cracking of lips and corner of the mouth, swollen, inflamed tongue, visual disturbances such as sensitivity to light and cataract formation. Other possible signs of deficiency are dermatitis, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity, poor digestion, retarded growth and slowed mental response.

Depleting Agents: Alcohol, coffee, oral contraceptives, tobacco, dieting, white sugar, ultraviolet light, radiation, estrogen, strenuous exercise, and certain antimalarial drugs. B2 is easily destroyed by light, alcohol and antibiotics.

Sources: Almonds, cheese, egg yolks, fish legumes, meat, organ meats milk, poultry, whole grains, mushrooms, soybeans, green leafy vegetables, yeast, and yogurt. Additional sources include asparagus, avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, currants, dandelion greens, dulse, kelp, molasses, and watercress.

Flours and cereals are enriched with riboflavin. Riboflavin is destroyed by light and alkalis, but not by heat, although it will leach into cooking water. To retain riboflavin content, foods should be stored in dark containers.

Herb Sources: Alfalfa, bladderwrack, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hops, horsetail, mullein, nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaves, red clover, rose hips, sage, and yellow dock.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: RDA for riboflavin is listed below.

• Children 1 to 3 years: 0.5 mg/day
• Children 4 to 8 years: 0.6 mg/day
• Children 9 to 13 years: 0.9 mg/day
• Men 14 years and older: 1.3 mg/day
• Women 14 to 19 years: 1.0 mg/day
• Women over 19 years: 1.2 mg/day
• Women during pregnancy: 1.4 mg/day
• Women during lactation: 1.6 mg/day

Precautions: Taking too much riboflavin (over 500 milligrams daily) over a long period of time may lead to cataracts and retinal diseases. Studies have shown that extremely high dosages of 500 mg. and more have actually caused retinal damage to experimental animals.

If you are taking the pill, pregnant, or lactating, you need more vitamin B2. If you eat little red meat or dairy products you should increase your intake. There is a strong likelihood of your being deficient in this vitamin if you are on a prolonged restricted diet for ulcers or diabetes.

All stress conditions require additional B complex. This vitamin works best with vitamin B6, vitamin C, and niacin. If you're taking an antineoplastic (anticancer) drug such as methotrexate, too much vitamin B2 can cut down the drug's effectiveness. The body does not absorb high doses larger than 20 mg of riboflavin well, making toxicity rare. Reactions to excess doses may include itching, numbness, burning or prickling sensations, and sensitivity to light.

Urine will become discolored with high doses of riboflavin. This can affect urinalysis results.

Interactions:

Nortriptyline
Supplementation with vitamins B1, B2, and B6 (10 mg each) at the start of tricyclic antidepressant therapy improved cognitive functioning and depression ratings in 14 geriatric patients undergoing treatment with nortriptyline titrated to doses yielding blood levels between 50 to 150 ng/mL. B vitamins may augment the treatment of depression in elderly patients.

Phenytoin
Children receiving the anticonvulsant drug diphenylhydantoin have displayed subnormal urinary excretions of riboflavin.

Tetracycline
In one study, the bioavailability of tetracycline hydrochloride was reduced significantly by concomitant administration of vitamin B complex to healthy subjects. Patients should be cautioned to take vitamin B complex supplements at different times from tetracycline.