Vitamin B2
Alternate Names : Riboflavin
Riboflavin, also called Vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin. It is
one of the eight B vitamins. The B vitamin complex includes vitamins
B1, niacin, B6, B12, folate, biotin, and pantothenic acid.
Information
Because riboflavin is so key to health, a shortage in the
diet can cause problems. Severe riboflavin deficiency with clinical
symptoms is rare. Mild deficiencies are more common, especially
with elderly people and individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Strict vegans, who eat no meat or dairy products, may
have riboflavin deficiencies. Symptoms can include:
dry and scaly skin, especially on the face
cracks at the corners of the mouth
eye disorders
swollen tongue or gums
Children who do not get enough riboflavin over a long period
of time can have poor growth. Vitamin
supplements usually reverse symptoms within a few days to a few weeks.
It is not possible to be poisoned by too much riboflavin.
Because it is a water-soluble vitamin, any extra is passed in the urine.
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