Vitamin B2 is also known as Riboflavin, belongs to a group of the B-complex vitamins, all of which are necessary for proper metabolic function. Here are the benefits of vitamin B2.
Table of Contents
1. Keep Eye Health
Vitamin B2 helps maintain and improve eye health. Two key players in the retina, rods and cones, depend on this water-soluble vitamin to work properly. Vitamin B2 helps with night vision because it is essential for the retina’s light receptors (rods).
It absorbs light and helps you see when the light levels are reduced. Maintaining healthy levels of vitamin B2 can prevent or slow down macular degeneration, a common cause of blindness in older individuals.
2. Prevent Heart Disease
Vitamin B2 has been shown to reduce one’s risk of cardiovascular diseases like stroke. This is because it reduces homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid that increases the risk of blocked arteries and heart attack.
3. Lower High Cholesterol
B2 may also be used as part of a treatment for high cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia. This is because it helps to break down fat cells in the body and clears them from the body’s bloodstream.
4. Treatment for Migraine Headaches
Migraines are often triggered by foods containing high levels of tyramine. If you know that certain foods trigger your migraine attacks then avoiding them can help reduce or eliminate the problem.
Some sufferers find the symptom of migraines can be relieved if they take vitamin b2 supplements beforehand. This is because riboflavin counteracts the effect of this tyramine.
Vitamin B2 has positive effects on migraines. Some studies have suggested that taking 200 mg of this vitamin daily can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks by 50%. Other benefits include less pain and fewer days spent with a headache.
5. Maintain Cell Formation and Function
Vitamin B2 is essential for cell growth and production. It helps with DNA synthesis, which is necessary for cell reproduction, as well as fatty acid metabolism.
Vitamin b2 also assists in the breakdown of nucleotides that are part of DNA replication. Riboflavin is also important for the metabolism of iron, which ensures that your red blood cells have enough oxygen to distribute throughout your body. It can help prevent or slow down anemia.
6. Build Muscle Strength
Athletes can also benefit from a daily intake of Vitamin B2. This vitamin works with calcium to help form strong bones and muscles, especially in areas that are hit or strained more often. It also helps the oxygenation of cells, which increases endurance and muscle cell function for better athletic performance.
7. Increase Hair Strength
Those who experience hair loss because of vitamin deficiency may find relief by taking B2 supplements. This is because it helps in the growth and development of hair and in preventing dry, rough skin that may contribute to hair loss. It also works with other B vitamins to create healthy cell membranes and blood vessels in the scalp.
8. Boost Immune System
Vitamin B2 boosts the functions of your immune system by promoting new cell growth and increasing oxygen in your blood. This can help you in fighting off germs and viruses that may cause illnesses like colds or the flu. Vitamin B2 does this by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are necessary for protecting you against infections.
9. Fight Stress and Fatigue
Vitamin B2 is also known to prevent physical and mental fatigue by helping your cells to restore their energy. It works with other B vitamins to break down amino acids that help your body produce cellular energy. This means that it can also lower the effects of stress on your body.
10. Fight Cancer
Some research suggests that vitamin B2 may have anti-cancer properties. For example, it may lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
11. Prevent Birth Defects in Infants
B2 also plays a role in cell formation and the development of healthy babies. Women who are pregnant should make sure to get an adequate amount of this vitamin everyday through food or supplements.
It helps prevent the risk of neural tube defects, which can cause a baby to have a small head, mental retardation, or paralysis. Riboflavin deficiency is also a risk factor for infertility and low birth weight of newborns.
Image source