Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin and a type of vitamin B. Found in milk, eggs, and green vegetables; it supplements the diet and results in increased health and a healthier body.

 

Reported Effects

1) Increases immunity.

2) Assists in fat metabolism.

3) Helps with healing from injuries.

 

Other reported effects include:

Energy production – it assists in fat metabolism as well as in the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins.

 

Results to stable energy levels – the additional energy will help you with having better workouts and better athletic performance.

 

Healing – helps in repairing tissues that have broken, heals wounds in the body, and results to an overall improvement in injuries.

 

Immunity – increases immunity and reinforces the antibody reserves as well as the body’s defense against infections and diseases.

 

Growth and reproduction – reproductive organs are developed better and growth of body tissues such as the skin and connective tissues are enhanced.

 

RBC production – it helps in building fresh red blood cells and more antibodies that help maintain good health.

 

Disease prevention – it helps prevent headaches, acne, dermatitis and eczema, among other things.

 

Helps maintain healthy eyes and perfect vision.

 

Helps block the progression of AIDS.

 

May help in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, sclerosis and anxiety.

 

Possible Dangers

There are no major side effects when taken in regular doses, and there is usually no deficiency because Riboflavin is abundant in a lot of the regular food that we eat. Excessive amounts are usually flushed out of the body through urine. In case of deficiency, the following symptoms may materialize:

- Anemia

- Lip sores

- Skin disorders

- Sore or swelling throat

 

FDA Approved?

Drugs and medicines such as Berocca PN, Infuvite Adult, and M.V.I. Pediatric contain Riboflavin as one of the active and main ingredients and have been approved as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.

 

Studies

University of Maryland Medical Center - One study revealed that taking 400 mg of riboflavin per day reduces the occurrence of migraine attacks by half. However, there was no comparison to the usual or common medications used to treat migraines, so more research may be needed on this matter.

Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research - This research suggests that having a high dosage of riboflavin coupled with a reduction of red meat intake may result to recovery of some of the motor skills of patient suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Powers HJ. Riboflavin and Health (2003) – This report concluded that a lack in riboflavin may indeed interfere with iron handling and may lead to anemia. They have also looked into the possibility of riboflavin having a preventive effect on certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Siassi F, Ghadirian P. (2005) – This research hints that a deficiency in riboflavin plays an essential role in causing esophageal cancer.

McCabe H. (2001) – This clinical study presented that a deficiency of riboflavin was observed in some children who attended a cystic fibrosis clinic. They were given riboflavin supplements, which eventually resulted to some of the patients being nourished adequately.

 

Supplements using this Ingredient:

1. Nature’s Science Vitamin B-Complex

2. Ultimate Nutrition Super Vitamin B-Complex

3. Jarrow Formulas B-Right

4. Champion Vitamin B-Complex

5. Natures WayVitamin B-2 100 MG Riboflavin

6. Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) 100 MG 100 Caps by Swanson Premium

7. DouglasLaboratories Riboflavin, B-2

8. Phytopharmica Riboflavin 400 MG

9. Twinlab Super B Complex Dietary Supplement Liquid

10. Now Foods Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) 100mg

 

Conclusion

Riboflavin is a vitamin that may be found in most of our meals, and should be sufficiently available in the body. A healthy intake of riboflavin supplements may provide a healthy boost of energy, which is why this has become one of the more common ingredients in energy and exercise supplements. It may be seen along other health ingredients such as maltodextrine.

As an energy booster, it is only moderately effective at best. It needs to be combined with other active ingredients to be noticeable. Overall however, it is quite important for maintenance of one’s health.