What is Vitamin B 2

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 on 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 a 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 who 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 an 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 litres is an adequate intake. This biochemistry teacher was recommending twice that amount. Before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or water intake, consult with your doctor.     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 includes 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 diagnosis 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 provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to prevent, treat, or diagnose any medical condition.If you have or think you might have a health condition or issue, please contact your primary care physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. As far as I know, the statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the US FDA.     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.