The Importance of Vitamin B2 CAS#83-88-5 to The Human Body

Vitamin B2 Overview

Vitamin B2 is an essential nutrient required for the maintenance and formation of human tissues and organs. Since the body cannot store vitamin B2, it must be replenished daily through food intake.

A mild deficiency of vitamin B2 may not produce noticeable effects, but when the deficiency becomes significant, obvious symptoms will occur.

Nutrient Type of Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 belongs to the B-vitamin group and is a water-soluble vitamin. After absorption, only a small amount remains in the body, while excess is excreted in urine.

Also known as riboflavin (chemical formula: C17H20N4O6, molecular weight 376.37), vitamin B2 is slightly soluble in water and remains stable when heated in neutral or acidic solutions. It forms part of the prosthetic group of flavoproteins, which are crucial for hydrogen transfer in biological redox reactions. A deficiency disrupts biological oxidation, leading to metabolic disorders. Symptoms typically manifest as inflammation of the mouth, eyes, and external genitalia, including angular stomatitis, cheilitis, glossitis, conjunctivitis, and scrotal swelling. Therefore, vitamin B2 is important for both the prevention and treatment of these conditions. Since its storage in the body is very limited, daily dietary intake is essential.

The Importance of Vitamin B2 for the Human Body
Vitamin B2 plays a vital role in supporting the normal metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, particularly in fat metabolism, where it helps reduce fat accumulation and prevent arteriosclerosis.

It is an essential nutrient for growth and development, while also maintaining skin health and promoting the growth of skin, hair, and nails. Vitamin B2 supports the repair of mucous membranes, helping to prevent inflammation of the mouth, tongue, and lips.

In addition, it contributes to eye health by relieving eye fatigue, and is closely involved in cellular oxidative reactions and antioxidant mechanisms, thereby supporting normal cell function. It also assists in iron absorption, influencing red blood cell production, aids in vitamin B6 metabolism, and plays a role in antibody synthesis.

Effects of Vitamin B2 Deficiency or Excess on the Body
Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin, and excess amounts are usually excreted in urine, making overdose uncommon unless consumed in very large quantities. Most health issues arise from deficiency:

Impaired skin cell regeneration, which can lead to seborrheic dermatitis, significant hair loss, or even baldness.

Poor repair of mucosal cells, causing problems such as conjunctivitis, angular stomatitis, glossitis, sore throat, and swelling of the throat or oral mucosa.

Eye-related issues, including light sensitivity, eye pain, blurred vision, itching, tearing, and corneal congestion.

General fatigue and weakness.

Severe deficiency can interfere with vitamin B6 metabolism.

In cases of excess intake, the most common sign is yellowish discoloration of urine.