Vitamin B-2
June 10th, 2008 by
admin
Riboflavin is a common name for vitamin B-2 and was once
known as Vitamin G. You will see Vitamin B-2 described as
Riboflavin on the back of vitamin bottles and in other food
packaging.
An interesting and curious fact about Riboflavin is that it
is naturally produced by the bacteria in your gut. Although
it may not be produced in sufficient quantities to prevent
deficiencies. Intestinal production, however, can reduce
the symptoms of a deficient state.
Some experts claim that B-2 deficiency is the most prominent
nutrient deficiency in North America. Those who eat a diet
largely constructed of refined and fast foods may be at
risk. And of course, alcoholics are at higher risk of B
vitamin deficiencies. Low-income individuals may also tend
to be at higher risk due to diet.
Problems with blood proteins may lead to deficiency. And
states that block or reduce the uptake of riboflavin into
the cell can also be responsible for a deficient state.
Therefore, just having an adequate supply of Riboflavin in
your food does not necessarily preclude deficiency.
Brewer’s yeast and organ meats are sources that are high in
Riboflavin. Lower amounts may be found in milk, eggs, green
leafy vegetables and some fruits.
As a side note, I once had a biochemistry teacher whom
offered two pieces of advice to his students. He told us to
drink a gallon of water per day and to take some brewer’s
yeast every day. As I remember it, he talked about how
brewer’s yeast was excellent food for the cellular processes
of the body. That was probably due to the fact that
brewer’s yeast is an excellent source of the b vitamins.
Drinking a gallon of water per day was slightly unusual
advice as most experts and nutritionists agree that 2 liters
is an adequate intake. This biochemistry teacher was
recommending twice that amount. Remember to consult with a
physician before changing your diet, supplement or water
intake.
Riboflavin is very important in cellular metabolism, the
process by which your body produces usable energy. It is
important in forming the coenzymes that are necessary to
make ATP, which is the energy currency of the cells.
A partial list of deficiency symptoms include fatigue,
sensitivity to light and dermatitis. Nerve tissue damage
and retarded growth in infants and children can result from
a deficiency.
More detailed and technical information about Riboflavin can
be found at emedicine.com. If you have any doubts about
your health as it relates to Riboflavin, ask your doctor for
a proper diagnoses and treatment. Each human body is
different with different needs and contraindications, that
is why it is important to consult your physician.
This article is for information purposes only and is not
intended to prevent, treat or diagnose any health issue. If
you have or think you might have a health condition or
issue, please contact your primary care physician for proper
diagnoses and treatment. The statements in this article have
not been evaluated by the US FDA as far as I know.
You have permission to publish this article electronically
or in print, free of charge, as long as the author bylines
are included and any hyperlinks are left active on web
pages. You may make minor editorial corrections only.
David Snape writes for All Things Pondered: http://allthingspondered.com - where you can have your say and (almost) anything is pondered. He also writes for To Be Informed: http://tobeinformed.com - a site supportive of health, fitness and wellness.
Tags: b2, fitness, health, nutrition, supplement, vitamin b 2, vitamins