Vitamin B2 is one of the groups of vitamins that are known as the B vitamins and is also known as Riboflavin. It is very important in helping the body to use oxygen and also for making red blood cells. Vitamin B2 is also known to help the body use fats well, control the growth and the making of antibodies. Riboflavin is also necessary for many areas of the body to remain healthy. It is essential that there is enough of this vitamin in our bodies in order to keep the skin, nails and hair healthy and it is also thought to aid with the maintenance of good eyesight. Riboflavin is found in many different foods. There are good amounts in dairy products, such as milk and cheese and it is also found in green leaf vegetables. One of the best sources of Vitamin B2 is in liver; this is very healthy meat that is sometimes overlooked in favor of more popular foods such as steak and chicken. Many nuts and beans are also good sources of Riboflavin and Soya in particular is very rich in B2. Riboflavin is sometimes added in a chemical alternative and is also used as a coloring for food as it has a yellow color. If you do not have enough Vitamin B2 you can suffer from eye problems and problems of the lips, mouth and tongue. Other problems that are thought to be caused by a B2 deficiency are skin complaints, loss of hair, limited growth and poor intelligence. If you think that you are suffering from any of these then it might be worth asking your doctor if they think that you have enough of the vitamin in your diet. There are thought to be low levels of this vitamin in most peoples diets, however there are plenty of good sources available. It is very often added to foods such as cereals and fruit drinks to enrich them. It is also used in many multivitamins. Naturally, if you have a good diet that contains most of the essential food groups in the right proportions, then you should be getting enough Vitamin B2. But if you are taking antibiotics or if you drink too much, then it is possible that you should take extra supplements, either by eating more of the foods that contain it or by taking additional minerals and supplements. As with all medical matters you should always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet. |
