Article Keyword Videos to Watch
Health
Click on the image to start the video.
|
Related Topics
Images - Links - Articles
Washington
Related Images
|
Vitamin b2 and health
Before we discuss the benefits of vitamin B2, we will first give a brief introduction about Vitamin B2.
Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, is a water soluble vitamin which helps to regulate red blood cell growth and maintain healthy eyes and skin. B2, by increasing protection from free radicals, maintains a strong immune system. The vitamin is necessary for the production of flavin mononucleotides and flavin adenine denucleotides, enzymes that help the body turn carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in to energy. The vitamin is also important for turning folate and pantothenic acid into neurotransmitters.
The best source of B2 is milk. To get enough B2 to meet the recommended daily allowance, one should drink at least one quart of milk daily. Riboflavin is also found in meat and fish, as well as some fruits and vegetables, especially dark green vegetables.
Signs of B2 deficiency
Deficiencies of B2 can occur, and are indicated by cracking of the skin in the corners of the lips, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. These may be relieved with B2 supplementation.
B2 Deficiencies occur in individuals who take oral contraceptives or regularly use alcohol; these individuals, to ensure they are getting sufficient nutrition, may need B2 supplementation. The elderly, those who regularly do strenuous exercise, diabetics, and lactose intolerant individuals may not be able to properly absorb B2-Riboflavin from their diet.
There are no known toxicity reports; as for precautions, those with cataracts, as they may wish to avoid B2 supplementation, should consult with their doctor, before using it.
Vitamin B2 Riboflavin: Things to Watch Out For
The good news is that, because Vitamin B2 Riboflavin has extremely low toxicity, the precautions concerning safe dosages are largely unnecessary. The human body, because B2 is water-soluble, can only store it in limited amounts; the excess is simply excreted in urine. However, if you do take high doses of this vitamin, your urine may become a brighter yellow. This change of no concern; it is, however, important to note that high levels of vitamin B2 in the urine could interfere with certain tests, especially those requiring a urine sample.
Certain things may negatively influence the way you absorb or metabolize vitamin B2, and result in a B2 deficiency. If you don’t have a balanced diet and have an inadequate dietary intake, specific mal-absorption syndromes, lactose intolerant, exercise strenuously, suffer from systemic infections or liver disease, abuse alcohol, take high doses of oral contraceptives or antacids, consume lots of caffeine, tobacco, certain antibiotics and even antidepressants, you may not be properly absorbing vitamin B2.
Pregnant and nursing women, we always advise, should talk with their physicians before starting any new supplementation.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Vitamin B2
Our tips for choosing a quality vitamin B2 supplement
1. Because dietary supplements in the U.S. are unregulated and consumers have had only a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product that contains the actual ingredients stated, people should choose a manufacturer that is pharmaceutical GMP compliant. These facilities comply with the most stringent manufacturing standards, eliminating the possibility of harmful contaminants, and ensuring that you receive the amount of ingredients you actually paid for.
2. Make sure the product does not contain any fillers or additives (examples include: sugar, starch, gluten, silica (sand!) or any artificial colors or flavors of any kind.
3. Purchase a riboflavin B2 supplement that contains, because they work synergistically to provide the best possible health benefits, other B vitamins.
About the Author: The product we personally use called Total Balance - http://www.health-product-we-use.com is the best supplement we have come across. We have been using this supplement for over 3 years with excellent health results.
We highly reccomend you take a further look in to our supplement of choice if you are interested in improving your overall health.
John Gibb runs a series of health websites, We offer a free health book for subscribers to our websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition and how to improve your general overall health. Check out our nutrition e-book, for more information on our nutrition book.
|
