Top five uses for Vitamin B2
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A couple of weeks ago, we looked at the uses of Vitamin B1, and following on from this, we will be looking at another water soluble B vitamin, vitamin B2, or riboflavin. Riboflavin has a number of uses including treating migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and age related cataracts.
Preventing migraines
Chronic migraines can be a debilitating condition. In can affect social life, work and can leave sufferers with constant threat of suffering an another migraine attack. Thankfully, there is long term relief for migraines sufferers, and may reduce the long-term use of painkillers. High dose treatment with Riboflavin has been soon to reduce the frequency of migraines. Studies of 400mgs of riboflavin showed a significant reduction in headache frequency by about 50%. Painkiller use was also halved.
Riboflavin is affective at reducing migraine frequency and may also halve the frequency of attacks and painkiller use. Supplementation must be taken for at least 3 months.
Rheumatoid arthritis
One study has suggested that patients who have increased pain and active rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from riboflavin. In a study, rheumatoid arthritic patients showed signs of riboflavin deficiency. At this stage the association is unclear, and further studies are still needed.
Riboflavin may play a role in Rheumatoid arthritis, though further studies are needed.
Age-related cataract prevention
Riboflavin has been associated with riboflavin deficiency in animals dating back to the 1930s. Since then, this has been confirmed by human studies. Riboflavin indirectly influences key enzymes associated with lens health and free radical damage. Large cross sectional studies of close to 3000 volunteers detected a clear link between riboflavin and cataracts. Other vitamins involved in lens health and include Vitamin A, niacin (B3) and folate to name a few.
Riboflavin is involved in prevention of age-related cataracts along with other nutrients.
Many drugs can increase the need for further riboflavin and these include:
Antibiotics
Oral contraceptive pill
Tricyclic anti-depressants
Sources of riboflavin
There are two sources of riboflavin, bacterial or dietary. Riboflavin can either be made by the bacteria in your stomach (assuming there are good levels of healthy bacteria) or can be taken in from dietary/supplementary measures.
Food sources
These include:
Organ meats
Yeast products
Almonds
Wild rice
Mushrooms
Cooking can destroy, some, but all of the riboflavin present.
Thank you for another week of looking at an effective, safe natural medicine. If you are after detailed clinical advice on natural medicine, click here to make an enquiry today.
By Jeremy Brown
Naturopath and educator
A couple of weeks ago, we looked at the uses of Vitamin B1, following on from this, we are looking at another water soluble B vitamin, vitamin B2, or riboflavin. Riboflavin has a number of uses including preventing migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and age related cataracts.
Preventing migraines
Chronic migraines can be a debilitating condition. It can affect social life, work and can leave sufferers with the constant threat of suffering yet an another migraine attack. Thankfully, there is long term relief for migraines sufferers, which may also reduce the long-term use of painkillers. High dose treatment with Riboflavin has been soon to reduce the frequency of migraines. Studies of 400mgs of riboflavin showed a significant reduction in migraine frequency by about 50%. Painkiller use was also halved.
Riboflavin is affective at reducing migraine frequency and pain and may also halve painkiller use. Supplementation must be taken for at least 3 months.
Rheumatoid arthritis
One study has suggested that patients who have increased pain and active rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from Riboflavin. In one study, rheumatoid arthritic patients showed signs of Riboflavin deficiency. At this stage the association is unclear, and further studies are still needed.
Riboflavin may play a role in Rheumatoid arthritis, though further studies are needed.
Age-related cataract prevention
Riboflavin has been associated with Riboflavin deficiency in animals dating back to the 1930s. Since then, this has been confirmed by human studies. Riboflavin indirectly influences key enzymes associated with lens health related to free radical damage. Large cross sectional studies of close to 3000 volunteers detected a clear link between Riboflavin and cataracts. Other vitamins involved in lens health and include Vitamin A, Niacin (B3) and Folate to name a few.
Riboflavin is involved in the prevention of age-related cataracts along with other nutrients.
Increased need
Many drugs can increase the need for riboflavin and these include:
Antibiotics
Oral contraceptive pill
Tricyclic anti-depressants
Alcohol
Sources of Riboflavin
There are two sources of Riboflavin; bacterial or dietary. Riboflavin can either be made by the bacteria in your stomach (assuming there are good levels of healthy bacteria) or can be taken in from dietary/supplementary measures.
Food sources
Organ meats
Yeast products
Almonds
Wild rice
Mushrooms
Cooking can destroy, some, but all of the Riboflavin present, so consider supplementation if needed.
As with many natural medicines, the applications are broad and far reaching. Speaking to a Naturopathic practitioner will maximise your health outcomes to help you reach your health goals sooner.
Click here to improve your health today
Yours in health,
Jeremy Brown
| Naturopath | Educator | Writer |
Supporting Evidence:
Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2010). Herbs & natural supplements. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
Hechtman, L. (2012). Clinical Naturopathic medicine. Sydney, Australia: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier Australia.
Brown’s Wellbeing Centre 