Vitamin B2, Functions, Sources, Deficiency and Diseases

Vitamin B2 is another vitamin that is important for normal growth and development. It is also called Riboflavin.

Functions of Vitamin B2 in Human Body

Vitamin B2 work as co-factor for many enzymes. Enzymes are catalysts that speed up the chemical reactions taking place in the human body at the cellular level. Without the co-factor, an enzyme can’t do its function. So without Vitamin B2 enzymes can’t work efficiently. Vitamin B2 plays an important role in cellular respiration and energy production, growth, the formation of blood cells and production of antibodies.

Sources of Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is a yellow-orange coloured material. It is used in artificial and canned food as a colouring agent. It is also used to fortify other food products especially canned milk. The most important natural sources of vitamin B2 include; eggs, meat, wheat, green vegetables, fish, legumes, whole grains and yoghurt.

Daily Requirement of Vitamin B2.

For adults: 1.2-1.3mg per day
For pregnant women: 1.4 mg per day
For Lactating women: 1.6mg per day
For infants: 0.3 – 0.4 mg per day
For children: 0.6 – 0.9 mg per day

Deficiency of Vitamin B2

Deficiency of vitamin B2 affects, growth and immunity. The symptoms are dizziness, hair loss, lack of sleep, photophobia (eyes become light sensitive) indigestion, growth retardation and burning of feet. Moreover, immuno-depression may cause mouth ulcers, cracking and dryness of lip corners and sore throat. As vitamin B2 plays its role in red blood cell formation, therefore it deficiency also results in anaemia.

Toxicity of excess of vitamin B2.

It is not toxic when taken orally. It may cause toxicity when administered in large doses through injections. Higher doses change urine colour to yellow.