Riboflavin – Helpful For Migraines And Overall Good Health |
What is Riboflavin? Riboflavin is a type of B vitamin. Like all B vitamins, it is soluble in water. It plays a major role in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. The eight B vitamins, which are also known as vitamin B complex, are necessary to metabolize fat and proteins. They help keep the muscles in good tone and are necessary for the overall health of the digestive and nervous system. It is also necessary for the skin, hair, mouth and liver. If we will not get enough, is there any impact? There are some impacts if we do not get sufficient riboflavin. Headaches, fatigue, visual disturbance, digestive problems, cracks in the mouth, and sensitivity to light are amongst a few of the impacts. In which foods is riboflavin found in a sufficient quantity?Green leafy vegetables, liver, legumes, eggs, milk, cheese, dairy products and fortified cereals are some of the food items which contain riboflavin. The most common reason of riboflavin deficiency is insufficient amount of the vitamin in the diet. The deficiency is usually a problem with the elderly. As riboflavin is a soluble vitamin, it can be lost in water when foods are cooked. This can be counteracted by retaining the water which is used to boil vegetables and use it in cooking. There are a number of fortified flours which have riboflavin added to it. Can you take supplements? Yes, supplements can be taken. Supplements are best taken with a meal as they are absorbed the best that way. It will help you if you take a supplement which contains all the b vitamins. Can anyone take it?The level of riboflavin can be reduced from the body with the help of some medications. Some times it may affect how some medications work. Before taking Vitamin B2 consult with the doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines. Tricyclic antidepressants Anti-malaria drugs Chlorpromazine or other antipsychotic medications Birth control pills Doxorubicin (chemotherapy used for some cancers) Methotrexate Phenytoin Probenecid (for gout) Selegiline (for Parkinson’s disease) ‘Sulfa’ medications – certain antibiotics Thiazide diuretics Are there any side-effects of taking riboflavin supplements?Riboflavin may result in urine becoming an orange red color. Allergic reactions in some patients may take place. Avoid overdosing yourself with any supplement containing riboflavin. Ask your family physician or a nutritionist on proper advice. Related Articles
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