“A deficiency of vitamin B2 can occur due to insufficient intake of these nutritious foods or a disturbance in the absorption of nutrients. This condition can cause characteristics, such as fatigue, chapped lips and others.
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is one of the eight important B vitamins. All of the B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose) which is used to produce energy.
Vitamin B2 can not only increase energy, but is also beneficial for various functions in the body. Starting from maintaining healthy blood cells, regulating metabolism, protecting skin and eye health, and many more. That is why a lack of these nutrients can cause many adverse effects on the body. Know the characteristics of vitamin B2 deficiency here so you can be aware of it.
Symptoms of Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin Deficiency
Vitamin B2 plays an important role in absorbing other nutrients, breaking down food components, and maintaining healthy tissues. This nutrient is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect your body from damage caused by free radicals, which are responsible for many age-related health problems. You can find out more about the benefits of Vitamin B for the body in this article.
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin and travels through the body via the bloodstream. Excess of these nutrients will leave the body through urine. Since the body cannot keep vitamin B2, you need to get this vitamin every day. Riboflavin is found in certain foods, such as spinach, meat, eggs, almonds, and many more.
If you lack this nutrient, a number of symptoms can occur, including:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Chapped or sore lips.
- Scaly red patches on the skin.
- Hair loss.
- Swelling of the blood vessels in the eye.
- Inflammation of the tongue.
- Insomnia.
- shaking.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Causes of Riboflavin Deficiency
Riboflavin can be found widely in many foods, so a deficiency in this nutrient is actually rare. However, there are several factors that can cause a vitamin B2 deficiency:
- Insufficient intake of vitamin B2.
- Presence of malabsorption disorders that prevent its absorption.
- Have a chronic condition, such as liver disease and recurrent diarrhea.
- Have chronic alcoholism.
- Undergo dialysis or dialysis.
- Long-term use of barbiturates.
There are two types of vitamin B2 deficiency, primary and secondary deficiencies. Primary deficiency is a nutritional deficiency that occurs as a result of a diet lacking in vitamin B2.
Meanwhile, secondary deficiencies occur when the intestine cannot absorb these nutrients, cannot use them, or vitamins are excreted quickly.
There are several groups of people who are prone to riboflavin deficiency, such as:
- Pregnant and lactating women.
- Babies and children.
- Parents over 65 years of age.
- Athlete.
- People with riboflavin transporter deficiency.
- Tips to Meet Vitamin B2
The recommended daily intake of riboflavin for men is 1.3 milligrams (mg) daily, and for women 1.1 mg daily. This requirement increases during pregnancy and lactation with doses of 1.4 mg and 1.6 mg daily, respectively.
So, you can meet your vitamin needs by eating foods rich in vitamin B2. Here are some good sources of riboflavin:
- Almond nut.
- Innards.
- Whole grains.
- Mold.
- Soya bean.
- Milk.
- Yogurt.
- Broccoli.
- Spinach.
- Brussels sprouts.
If you can't get enough vitamin B2 from your daily diet, you can take riboflavin supplements. However, as with any supplement, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Riboflavin supplements are helpful for managing and preventing riboflavin deficiency. The ideal dose is between 25-100 mg. You need to know, the intestine can only absorb a small amount of these vitamins. So, the rest will come out through the urine.
If you have a health problem that prevents optimal absorption of nutrients, try to see a doctor to get treatment for this health problem.
That is an explanation of the characteristics of vitamin B2 deficiency.