Let’s Talk About Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is one of many vital B vitamins that your body needs to function.

With a little bit of planning, your diet can be optimized to ensure that you have the recommended daily intake of vitamin B2.

This is best achieved by working with a naturopathic doctor who can create a tailored dietary plan which will ensure that your body is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs, including vitamin B2.

If you’re looking for a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, of course, you can contact me, Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND.

Now, let’s understand more about vitamin B2 and why you need it.

What Is Vitamin B2?

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a type of B vitamin integral to human health.

It plays an important role in digestive health, breaking down food components and absorbing other nutrients, as well as tissue maintenance.

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it dissolves in water and is carried throughout your body by your bloodstream.

If you have more than you need, it will pass out of your body when you urinate.

You need to maintain this vitamin every day because your body can only store small amounts, and it is very easy for your supply to diminish as a result.

Benefits Of Vitamin B2

The main purpose of vitamin B2 is to help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Specifically it converts carbohydrates into adenosine triphosphate, which produces energy as your body needs it.

This compound is also vital for storing energy in your muscles.

In addition to these main benefits, there is some evidence that vitamin B2 is helpful in other ways too.

1. May Help Relieve Migraine Headaches

There is some evidence that vitamin B2 may offer migraine relief.

Specifically, taking a high oral dose seems to reduce the number of migraines by about two per month.

Vitamin B2 in combination with other vitamins and minerals also seems to reduce the intensity of the pain experienced.

A 2004 study explored this, using a dose of 400 mg daily for 3 months.

2. May Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Studies have shown that vitamin B2 taken in conjunction with vitamin B6, and physical therapy show promising results for managing carpal tunnel syndrome.

This is just one of the tools in a naturopathic doctor’s arsenal for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Acupuncture in Toronto has also been shown to be effective.

3. May Help With Cataracts

People with substantial amounts of vitamin B2 in their diet seem to have a lower risk of developing cataracts.

This seems especially true if you take a supplement containing vitamin B2 and niacin, or vitamin B3.

A paper from Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute outlines several studies that shows this to be the case.

Other benefits

Some other benefits of vitamin B2 include:

• maintaining liver health
• Supporting the adrenal glands in hormone production
• Supporting fetal development
• Maintaining healthy skin, eyes, nerves, and muscles
• Supporting mucous membranes in the digestive system
• Converting tryptophan into niacin

Dietary Sources Of Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is found in a wide variety of food sources.

It is found in everything from fish, meat, and poultry to dairy, and even vegetables.

Some specific examples include:

• Asparagus
• Artichokes
• Cayenne pepper
• Lima beans
• Navy beans
• Peas
• Turkey
• Beef
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Mushrooms
• Parsley
• Pumpkins

This list is by no means exhaustive.

Your naturopathic doctor can help to recommend foods with vitamin B2 that are the best match for your diet.

It’s important to note that because vitamin B2 is water soluble, boiling foods that contains it will cause much of it to be lost.

Steaming your food, or eating it raw where it’s safe and possible, is a better choice.

Symptoms Of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Vitamin B2 deficiency is a risk because your body can’t store a substantial amount of it.

There are two types of vitamin B2 deficiency: primary and secondary.

Primary vitamin B2 deficiency is when your diet is lacking in vitamin B2, and has a fairly simple solution.

Secondary vitamin B2 deficiency is when your intestines can’t absorb vitamin B2 properly, or your body can’t actually use the amount it has absorbed because it’s being excreted too rapidly.

If you drink excessive amounts of alcohol, you’re at a greater risk of vitamin B2 deficiency.

Signs of vitamin B2 deficiency include:

• Cracks at the corners of your mouth
• Dry skin
• Cracked lips
• Sore throat
• Scrotal dermatitis
• Mouth ulcers
• Sensitive eyes that are also itchy, bloodshot, or watery

Symptoms Of Vitamin B2 Toxicity

On the other hand, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing.

Vitamin B2 toxicity happens when you have excessively high levels of vitamin B2 in your body.

The main risk to this is damage to your liver, but it’s pretty rare to experience this.

In order to have vitamin B2 toxicity, you’d have to eat an absurd amount of food high in vitamin B2, or take a large amount of vitamin B2 supplement all at once.

Because vitamin B2 is water soluble, your body releases it fairly quickly, which is what makes this so rare.

If you do manage to create an environment of vitamin B2 toxicity, symptoms include:

• Itching
• Numbness
• Burning
• Yellow urine
• Light sensitivity

To prevent an imbalance of B vitamins and the resulting toxicity, it’s a good idea to take a B complex vitamin if supplementing seems like the right path.

Your naturopathic doctor will help to point you in the right direction for optimal supplementation.

Book An Appointment With Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND

Remember, naturopathic doctors are a big help if you’re looking to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin B2 in your diet.

Our knowledge and experience is key to creating a customized nutritional plan to support your overall health, including making sure you get enough key vitamins and minerals.

Book an appointment today with me, Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND, and let’s get you feeling your best.