Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Applications:
Anemia, arteriosclerosis, baldness, bladder infections, carpal tunnel, cataracts, hypoglycemia, immune system disorders, mental disorders, muscle diseases, morning sickness, obesity, sickle cell anemia, stress, depression, trembling.
Scientific Data:
Riboflavin deficiencies have been linked to cataract formation, psychiatric and emotional disorders, sickle cell anemia, and esophageal cancer.Some studies suggest that riboflavin therapy may help to alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome. Testing of 42 adolescent boys found that 38 percent of them were riboflavin deficient.
Depleting Agents:
Alcohol, dieting, tobacco, oral contraceptives, coffee, cooking, radiation, ultraviolet light, white sugar, estrogen, exercise, certain antimalarial drugs.
Sources:
Almonds, organ meats, whole grains, mushrooms, soybeans, green leafy vegetables.
Safety:
Riboflavin has no known toxicity.
Interactions:
Thiamin has a synergistic effect with riboflavin.
Recommendations:
Most supplements will use riboflavin as a simple compound or what is referred to as activated riboflavin or riboflavin-5-phosphate.
