(Riboflavin)

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is an essential nutrient required for life. This vitamin plays a crucial role in converting protein, fats, and carbohydrates into the energy that the body demands to grow and develop properly.

Specifically, riboflavin may help to:

Combat migraines.
When taken in high doses, riboflavin has been shown to reduce the severity and the frequency of migraines. Experts speculate this is because migraine sufferers seem to have uncharacteristically low energy reserves in their brains, and riboflavin appears to boost these energy supplies. According to a 3-month double-blind placebo-controlled study of 55 people with migraines, riboflavin can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks.12 This study found that, when given at least 2 months to work, a daily dose of riboflavin (400 mg) can produce dramatic migraine relief. The majority of the participants experienced a greater than 50% decrease in the number of migraine attacks as well as the total days with headache pain.

Prevent or slow the development of cataracts.
Substances in riboflavin appear to enhance antioxidant activity, thus limiting the damage that oxygen free radicals can cause to cells. In this way, riboflavin helps protect the eye's lens and may prevent the development of cataracts, a progressive clouding of the lens that dulls sight. Ophthalmologists recommend riboflavin for people of all ages, but most particularly for people with a family history of cataracts, and for older people, who are particularly prone to this vision-robbing condition.

Riboflavin is found in organ meats (such as liver, kidney, and heart) and in many vegetables, nuts, legumes, and leafy greens. The richest sources are torula (nutritional) yeast, brewer's yeast, and calf liver. Almonds, wheat germ, wild rice, and mushrooms are good sources as well.

Health Concerns
Migraine/headaches, Prevent Cataract

Warnings
If you use oral contraceptives, antibiotics or psychiatric drugs, check with your doctor before taking riboflavin. Dosage requirements of the vitamin may need to be adjusted.
There are no other known drug or nutrient interactions associated with riboflavin.
Avoid taking riboflavin with alcohol, which can interfere with the digestive tract's ability to absorb the vitamin.