Riboflavin - Vitamin B2

Riboflavin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is stable to heat, oxidation, and acid, but is unstable in the presence of light. Helps release energy from food. Riboflavin helps maintain healthy respiratory, digestive and circulatory mucous membrane linings and helps maintain the nervous system.

Riboflavin promotes normal growth and development and is necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, nails, and hair. Cancer-preventative. Riboflavin is easily absorbed through the walls of the small intestine where it is carried by the blood to the tissues of the body, used, and then excess is excreted in the urine. Riboflavin is not stored in great quantity - must be ingested regularly.

FOOD SOURCES

Almonds, asparagus, barley grass, brewer's yeast, dairly products, poultry, eggs, green leafy vegetables, meat and offal, peppermint leaves, senna leaves, spirulina, wheat germ.

SUPPLEMENTATION

Riboflavin as a part of a B-complex preparation.

SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY

Hair loss, burning of the eyes, cataracts, cracks and sores in the corners of the mouth, depression, dermatitis, digestive disturbances, dilation of pupils, dizziness, dropsy, eye fatigue, feeling of grit or sand on the inside of the eyelids, impaired lactation, inability to urinate, inflammation of the tongue and lips, insomnia, lack of stamina and vigour, oily skin, red sore tongue, scaling around the nose, mouth, forehead, and ears, sensitivity to light, sluggishness, tension, trembling, vaginal itching, weight loss.

SIGNS OF TOXICITY

There are no known toxic effects at moderate doses, however, large doses may cause B-complex imbalances, dark urine, nausea, vomiting.

DAILY REQUIREMENT

Approx. 10-15mg.