Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is an easily absorbed, water-soluble micronutrient with a key role in maintaining human health. Riboflavin is an orange powder, and water solutions have intense greenish yellow fluorescence. Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin, one that cannot be stored by the body except in insignificant amounts. It must be replenished daily. Like the other B vitamins, it supports energy production by aiding in the metabolizing of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B2 is also required for red blood cell formation and respiration, antibody production, and for regulating human growth and reproduction. It is essential for healthy skin, nails, hair growth and general good health, including regulating thyroid activity.

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is an essential nutrient in human nutrition and plays a key role in the production of energy. Vitamin B2 is needed to process amino acids and fats, activate vitamin B6 and folic acid, and help convert carbohydrates into the fuel the body runs on. Under some conditions, vitamin B2 can act as an antioxidant. Vitamin B2 is an intermediary the transfer of electrons in the cellular oxidation-reduction reactions which generate energy from protein, carbohydrate and fat. The riboflavin coenzymes are also important for the transformation of vitamin B6 and folic acid into their respective active forms, and for the conversion of tryptophan into niacin. Riboflavin is involved in energy production as part of the electron transport chain that produces cellular energy.

What is Riboflavin?
Riboflavin is a type of B vitamin. It is water soluble, which means it is not stored in the body. We must replenish the vitamin every day. It is required by the body to use oxygen and the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Riboflavin is further needed to activate vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), helps to create niacin and assists the adrenal gland. It may be used for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth. It eases watery eye fatigue and may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Vitamin B2 is required for the health of the mucus membranes in the digestive tract and helps with the absorption of iron and vitamin B6. Although it is needed for periods of rapid growth, it is also needed when protein intake is high, and is most beneficial to the skin, hair and nails.

A shortage of this vitamin may manifest itself as cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth, eye disorders, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, and skin lesions.

Dermatitis, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity, poor digestion, retarded growth, and slow mental responses have also been reported. Burning feet can also be indicative of a shortage.

Where it is found?
Lean meats, eggs, legumes, nuts, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and milk provide riboflavin in the diet. Breads and cereals are often fortified with riboflavin because riboflavin is destroyed by exposure to light, foods with riboflavin should not be stored in glass containers that are exposed to light.

Benefits / uses
Riboflavin is an integral component of the coenzymes that participate in many energy-yielding metabolic pathways. Like its close relative vitamin B1 (thiamine), riboflavin plays a crucial role in certain metabolic reactions, particularly the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar, which is "burned" to produce energy. They promote the first steps in the metabolism (breakdown and production) of glucose and of fatty acids. The metabolism of some vitamins and minerals also require riboflavin. Riboflavin is essential for tissue respiration and the generation of energy from the carbohydrates, acids and fats. It is important for body growth and red blood cell production and helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Vitamin B2 helps prevent and is used to treat migraine headaches, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, and a number of skin disorders such as acne (acne rosacea), dermatitis, and eczema. In the treatment of anemia, adding Vitamin B2 to iron supplements has shown to increase its effectiveness. Vital to maintaining a proper metabolism, riboflavin also helps to shore up the immune system by reinforcing antibody reserves, the body's first line of defense against infection. Along with iron, riboflavin is essential for producing the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. In addition, the body uses extra riboflavin to keep tissue in good repair and speed healing of wounds, burns and other injuries. Along with such B vitamins as vitamin B6 and niacin (which it helps the body convert into active forms), riboflavin protects the nervous system. It may therefore have a role to play in treating nervous system conditions such as numbness and tingling, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and even anxiety, stress, and fatigue. Carpal tunnel syndrome may benefit from a treatment program including this vitamin when combined with vitamin B6. The body needs vitamin B2 for reproduction and it also enhances the immune system's ability to fight disease.
Riboflavin is vital for normal reproduction, growth, repair and development of body tissues including the skin, hair, nails, connective tissue and immune system. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) works with the other B vitamins. Dietary and supplemental vitamin B2, along with other nutrients is important for normal vision and prevention of cataracts. Riboflavin's ability to improve the skin's secretion of mucus may aid in clearing up skin pustules associated with rosacea.

When to take/Type to take
Vitamin B2 are best to be taken with meals. Commercially there are not multiple forms of vitamin B2. Riboflavin is produced by fermentation of ribose (from glucose)

Doses
The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary reference intake for riboflavin:
Infants
0 - 6 months: 0.3 milligrams per day (mg/day)
7 - 12 months: 0.4 mg/day
Children
1 - 3 years: 0.5 mg/day
4 - 8 years: 0.6 mg/day
9 - 13 years: 0.9 mg/day
Adolescents and Adults
Males age 14 and older: 1.3 mg/day
Females age 14 to 18 years: 1.0 mg/day
Females age 19 and older: 1.1 mg/day

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts.

Possible Side effects / Precautions / Possible Interactions:
There is no known toxicity to riboflavin. Because riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are easily excreted by the body in the urine. Possible reactions to very high doses may include itching, numbness, burning or prickling sensations, and sensitivity to light. Excess riboflavin excreted in the urine causes it to become bright yellow in color, which many people notice when they take B vitamin supplements.

Research studies / References