Benefits of Vitamin B2

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Benefits of Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is naturally present in food, added to food and available as a supplement. Bacteria in the gut can produce small amounts of riboflavin, but not enough to meet dietary requirements. Riboflavin is a key component of coenzymes and is involved in cell growth, energy production and the breakdown of fats, steroids and drugs.

Riboflavin, along with all the other B vitamins, plays an important role in breaking down nutrients in food, including carbohydrates, proteins and fats, to produce energy. Without it, we simply could not function. It can also help prevent or treat migraines, certain cancers, cataracts, pre-eclampsia, seizures and dementia. Vitamin B2 is also beneficial for heart health. It appears to do this by maintaining the metabolic integrity of the body while minimising certain metabolic by-products that are harmful to cells, such as homocysteine.

In addition to its role in metabolism and blood cell synthesis, vitamin B2 converts vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) into its active coenzyme form and tryptophan into niacin.3 The following are some of the findings of current studies.

Migraines

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B2 shows great promise as a potential treatment for migraine. Migraines are thought to be caused by changes in the brainstem or an imbalance in brain chemicals.

Riboflavin appears to help overcome these imbalances by improving respiration and energy production within the mitochondria of brain cells.

A 1998 study published in the journal Neurology found that migraine-prone adults who took 400 mg (milligrams) of riboflavin per day had two fewer migraine attacks per month compared to those who took a placebo.

A subsequent study reported similar results in children.

Cancer

There is also evidence that vitamin B2 may help prevent cancer. The basic theory is that riboflavin protects cellular DNA from damage caused by carcinogens such as cigarette smoke.

Essentially, cancer is a disruption of normal cell function in which cells no longer undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death). If this happens, the cells can suddenly multiply out of control and form tumours.

By stabilising the structure of cellular DNA, scientists believe that certain cancers, such as oesophageal and cervical cancers, can be avoided.

Although riboflavin deficiency is known to be an independent risk factor for both diseases, it is not clear how much (if any) riboflavin is needed to significantly reduce the risk.

Corneal disease

Cataracts are a common disease associated with ageing in which the lens of the eye begins to cloud. People with riboflavin in their diet appear to have a lower risk of developing cataracts.

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is naturally present in food, added to food and available as a supplement. Bacteria in the gut can produce small amounts of riboflavin, but not enough to meet dietary requirements. Riboflavin is a key component of coenzymes and is involved in cell growth, energy production and the breakdown of fats, steroids and drugs.

A 2014 Tufts University study showed that riboflavin in amounts as low as 2 micrograms (μg) reduced the risk of cataracts in malnourished people.

Riboflavin is also important in the synthesis of niacin, and higher levels of niacin correspond to a reduced risk of cataracts.

Riboflavin eye drops are sometimes used in conjunction with ultraviolet (UV) light therapy to treat the degenerative eye disease known as cone cornea. When used together, the eye drops and UV radiation strengthen corneal collagen and stabilise the lens.

Homocysteinemia

Homocysteine is a common amino acid found in the blood. High levels of homocysteine (called homocysteinemia) are associated with a range of adverse medical conditions, including stroke, dementia, and heart attack.

Taking riboflavin supplements daily can reduce homocysteine levels by up to 40% in some people.

According to a study published in the journal Circulation, a 25% reduction in homocysteine can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) by 11% to 16% and the risk of stroke by 19% to 24%.

Similarly, a reduction in homocysteine may reduce the risk of neurocognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, vascular dementia and epilepsy, according to research from Northumbria University in the UK.

When used with anticonvulsant drugs, riboflavin reduced homocysteine levels by 26%, thus ensuring better seizure control.

High homocysteine levels can also increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication characterised by a sharp rise in blood pressure. Riboflavin, folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements are often used to reduce the risk.