Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)

As early as the 19^th century, scientists noticed that certain foods possessed a yellow-green fluorescent pigment. They found this pigment in a wide range of foods, including milk, eggs, almonds, organ meats, and vegetables. Because of their fluorescent nature, these pigments were called “flavins,” which ultimately led to the naming of riboflavin. Originally, this B-vitamin was called “lactoflavin,” since its presence was first observed in milk.

Riboflavin deficiency may be induced by poor nutrition, high consumption of sugar, severe infections, surgery, birth control pills, and/or malabsorption. Other factors which may create a deficiency include lack of stomach acid, antibiotic usage, diuretics, and mental stress. Additionally, malabsorption, high protein intake, faulty lipid metabolism, acute injuries, pregnancy, and lactation all increase the need for riboflavin. The riboflavin content of foods is dependent upon a variety of factors. Farm fresh (unheated, unprocessed+ foods offer the highest amounts. Riboflavin losses may be as high as 90% in commercial foods, including “fresh” produce. That is because riboflavin is a highly unstable substance. It is readily destroyed by light, particularly fluorescent light. For example, milk stored in plastic jugs and glass containers loses the majority of its riboflavin content by the time it is consumed.

One of riboflavin’s most critical functions relates to oxygen metabolism. Riboflavin accelerates the capacity of the lungs to remove oxygen from the air. In addition, it aids in the transfer of blood into the cells and is also crucial for the utilization of oxygen at the cellular level. Sufficient riboflavin in the lungs helps protect the body from the ill effects of air pollution.

Top sources of riboflavin include organ meats, muscle meats, eggs, almonds, caviar and, to a lesser degree, dark green leafy vegetables. Starchy foods, such as beans, grains, and potatoes, are generally poor sources of this vitamin, Additionally, riboflavin is more readily absorbed from meat than from vegetable sources. Riboflavin may well be one of the most difficult of all vitamins to procure in the diet because of its instability and rarity in the food supply.

Which of these apply to you?

1. inflamed and/or swollen tongue

2. bloodshot eyes or conjunctivitis

3. cracks at the corners of the mouth

4. depression

5. dizziness

6. burning and/or itching of the eyes

7. blurred vision

8. sensitivity of the eyes to light (photophobia)

9. eczema

10. lips which are constantly chapped

11. cholesterol and/or whitehead-like deposits on the face

12. crusting of the eyelids (granulated eyelids)

13. wrinkles radiating from lips towards nose and checks

14. poor wound healing

15. excessive tearing of the eyes

16. insomnia

17. unusually red or whitish lips

18. decreased hand grip strength

19. digestive disturbances

20. mood swings

21. nervousness

22. abnormal or excessive appetite

23. a feeling of “sand” under the eyelids

24. chronic acne

25. loss in the width (fullness) of the upper lip

26. fatigue

27. sores around and/or in the mouth

28. lack of concentration

29. irritable colon

30. dandruff

31. painful tongue

32. eye fatigue

33. chronic sinus problems

34. eyelid spasms/twitching

35. myopia (nearsightedness)

36. greasy facial skin, especially on the nose

37. lips which are swollen, inflamed, and/or crack easily

38. scaly greasy lesions on scrotum or vulva

39. tendency to walk or stand with feet turned in ward

40. visible tiny red blood vessels about the nose or on the cheeks

41. tongue which is cherry red or reddish blue in color

42. roughening or thickening of the skin on the nose

43. Do you use chewing tobacco?

44. Do you smoke cigarettes (1/2 pack or more per day)?

45. Do you consume alcohol on a regular basis?

46. Do you take birth control pills or have you in the past taken birth control pills for a prolonged time (five or more years)?

47. Do you suffer from chronic lung disease?

48. Do you urinate frequently or with excessive volume?

49. Have you had your duodenum removed, or are you suffering from duodenal ulcer?

50. Are you taking cholesterol-lowering medications?

51. Do you suffer from retinal detachment or retinitis?

52. Do you have macular degeneration?

53. Do you suffer from corneal ulcers?

54. Do you consume refined sugars on a daily or weekly basis?

55. Do you have chronic dermatitis and/or dermatitis due to light or metal sensitivity?

56. Are you a vegetarian?

57. Due you regularly take diuretics?

58. Do you take antibiotics on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis?

59. Do you have a history of cataracts?

60. Do you have anemia that has failed to respond to iron therapy?

61. Do you sunburn easily, or do you develop rashes from sun exposure?

62. Are you constantly rubbing your eyes?

63. Do you have bald spots (atrophy) on your tongue?

Your Score ______

1 to 9 points Mild riboflavin deficiency: Riboflavin is a tightly controlled nutrient in terms of tissue storage/losses, since it is firmly bound within the cells. However, even a modest reduction in tissue stores results in cellular dysfunction. Mild riboflavin deficiency may be corrected by taking a multiple vitamin containing riboflavin and by curtailing the consumption of refined sugar and alcohol, both of which destroy this nutrient. Add hefty portions of riboflavin rich foods to the diet.

10 to 21 points Moderate riboflavin deficiency: At this stage individuals may suffer from certain medical conditions, including myopia, astigmatism, alopecia, and/or growth impairment. Correct the deficiency by taking a multiple vitamin containing riboflavin, plus a B-complex tablet containing 25 or 50 mg of riboflavin, plus a B-complex tablet containing 25 or 50 mg of riboflavin. Additionally, include riboflavin-rich foods such as organ meats (especially liver), lean red meat, and fresh dark green leafy vegetables.

22 to 34 points Severe riboflavin deficiency: Significant impairment of the function of the cells and internal organs, especially the liver, may occur at this level of deficiency. An aggressive program should be instituted for replenishing tissue riboflavin stores. Create riboflavin rich menus. In addition to a multiple vitamin, take a B-complex tablet containing at least 50 mg of riboflavin twice daily. Take also desiccated buffalo liver (4 capsules 3 times daily), the richest natural source of riboflavin. Strictly avoid refined sugar and alcohol.

35 and above Extreme riboflavin deficiency: If the tissue riboflavin content falls to a critical level, the system responsible for the production of cellular energy fails to function properly. Furthermore, prolonged extreme riboflavin deficiency may result in permanent damage of the skin, nerves, and/or internal organs. The skin, hair, and eyes are particularly vulnerable. Diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, eczema, alopecia, and premature aging are likely to occur. Correct the deficiency by taking 100 mg of riboflavin morning and night. Additionally, take 6 capsules of desiccated buffalo liver 3 times daily. Also take a multiple vitamin containing all the B-vitamins and load up on riboflavin-rich foods.