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Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is important for metabolism and digestion. It can be found in natural sources such as milk, green leafy vegetables, and nuts, and is used in packaged foods. Riboflavin deficiency can cause health problems, but excess amounts can be toxic. Studies suggest it may reduce migraine headaches and improve immunity. It is important for dogs to have a recommended daily allowance of riboflavin in their food.
Riboflavin, also called vitamin B2, is an important dietary supplement. It can be taken in supplement or pill form, but it is also available naturally in a variety of foods and can be used as a preservative or additive in some packaged foods. Riboflavin aids the body by stimulating metabolism and aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
There are many fantastic natural sources of riboflavin. These include milk, soy, most green leafy vegetables, cheese, fish, meat, and nuts like almonds. It is also commonly used in breakfast cereals, pastas, and baby foods. Most multivitamin supplements also contain riboflavin, but since it can be obtained naturally from many foods, people who eat a healthy diet generally do not need to supplement this vitamin.
There are some good reasons why someone might want to take extra riboflavin. Some studies done in the year 2000 suggested that doses of 400mg per day can reduce and lessen migraine headaches. Riboflavin also binds to different types of blood cells and can inactivate certain diseases. Therefore, researchers are considering using B2 in blood transfusions so that people who receive transfused blood are less likely to become ill from viral or bacterial cells present in the blood. This knowledge may also suggest that riboflavin would have a general beneficial effect on immunity, although it certainly has not been shown to stop all diseases.
There have been some cases of riboflavin deficiency. This is due to either a diet extremely low in vitamins or the inability of the stomach, gut, or intestines to properly metabolize what is consumed. Although the condition is rare, riboflavin deficiency can lead to chapped lips, mouth ulcers, a swollen tongue, and a sore throat. The eyes can become bloodshot, and blood tests often show low iron levels or anemia. B2 deficiency is more common in people with intestinal diseases, HIV, in people with eating disorders, and in women who take birth control pills.
In animals, riboflavin deficiency is much more common and can have devastating effects. In puppies, it can lead to stunting or growth failure. Hair loss, the inability to stand, eye problems such as cataracts, and kidney and liver disease can lead to eventual coma and death. Any dog food should contain a recommended daily allowance of riboflavin to prevent a vitamin deficiency.
Riboflavin remains an important dietary supplement, but actual vitamin B2 supplementation should be done under the supervision of a physician. At high levels, it can be toxic, especially when taken in injected form. However, in most cases, excess riboflavin is simply excreted from the body in the urine. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 1.3 mg for men and 1.1 mg for women. A bowl of fortified cereal often easily provides half or double this amount.
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