Vitamin B-2

Riboflavin is a common name for vitamin B-2 and was onceknown as Vitamin G. You will see Vitamin B-2 described asRiboflavin on the back of vitamin bottles and in other foodpackaging.

An interesting and curious fact about Riboflavin is that itis naturally produced by the bacteria in your gut. Althoughit may not be produced in sufficient quantities to preventdeficiencies. Intestinal production, however, can reducethe symptoms of a deficient state.

Some experts claim that B-2 deficiency is the most prominentnutrient deficiency in North America. Those who eat a dietlargely constructed of refined and fast foods may be atrisk. And of course, alcoholics are at higher risk of Bvitamin deficiencies. Low-income individuals may also tendto be at higher risk due to diet.

Problems with blood proteins may lead to deficiency. Andstates that block or reduce the uptake of riboflavin intothe cell can also be responsible for a deficient state.Therefore, just having an adequate supply of Riboflavin inyour food does not necessarily preclude deficiency.

Brewer's yeast and organ meats are sources that are high inRiboflavin. Lower amounts may be found in milk, eggs, greenleafy vegetables and some fruits.

As a side note, I once had a biochemistry teacher whomoffered two pieces of advice to his students. He told us todrink a gallon of water per day and to take some brewer'syeast every day. As I remember it, he talked about howbrewer's yeast was excellent food for the cellular processesof the body. That was probably due to the fact thatbrewer's yeast is an excellent source of the b vitamins.

Drinking a gallon of water per day was slightly unusualadvice as most experts and nutritionists agree that 2 litersis an adequate intake. This biochemistry teacher wasrecommending twice that amount. Remember to consult with aphysician before changing your diet, supplement or waterintake.

Riboflavin is very important in cellular metabolism, theprocess by which your body produces usable energy. It isimportant in forming the coenzymes that are necessary tomake ATP, which is the energy currency of the cells.

A partial list of deficiency symptoms include fatigue,sensitivity to light and dermatitis. Nerve tissue damageand retarded growth in infants and children can result froma deficiency.

More detailed and technical information about Riboflavin canbe found at emedicine.com. If you have any doubts aboutyour health as it relates to Riboflavin, ask your doctor fora proper diagnoses and treatment. Each human body isdifferent with different needs and contraindications, thatis why it is important to consult your physician.

This article is for information purposes only and is notintended to prevent, treat or diagnose any health issue. Ifyou have or think you might have a health condition orissue, please contact your primary care physician for properdiagnoses and treatment. The statements in this article havenot been evaluated by the US FDA as far as I know.

You have permission to publish this article electronicallyor in print, free of charge, as long as the author bylinesare included and any hyperlinks are left active on webpages. You may make minor editorial corrections only.

Dave Snape is a health, fitness and wellness enthusiast. His website is http://tobeinformed.com