VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN) – The Beauty Vitamin

It is very sensitive to both visible and UV rays and so most riboflavin are lost during sun drying. About 1/3rd of the riboflavin in the body is stored in the liver.

Sources
It is found in very small quantities in vegetables and animal foods. Green vegetables such as beet, colocasia and carrot leaves, lotus stems, radish leaves and turnip greens; Fruits such as apricots, custard apples, papaya and raisins; Milk, whole-milk and skimmed powder of cows milk and khoa; foods of animal origin such as eggs and sheep liver; Nuts such as almonds, mustard seeds, pistachio and walnuts are other sources.  
(RDA – Men – 1.5mg, Women – 1.2mg, Children – 1.3mg, Infants – 60mcg/kg)

Deficiency Symptoms
Deficiency of Riboflavin may lead to bloodshot eyes, burning and itching of the eyes, cracks on the lips and corners of the mouth, sore and burning tongue, and inflammation in the mouth. It may also lead to split nails, premature wrinkles on the face and arms, oily skin, dull or oily hair. Anemia, cataract and vaginal itching are due to the malfunction of the adrenal glands.

Healing and Therapeutic Properties
Riboflavin is beneficial if taken in larger quantities to treat cataract (it strengthens the muscles and nerves of the eyes), digestive disturbances, eye problems, general debility, nervous depression and nutritional deficiencies.

If anybody has weak eye muscles, has eye trouble of any sort including cataract, can include large amounts of riboflavin in their diet after physicians consultation. Skin problems, such as blackheads, cracks, oiliness, sores, scaling and whiteheads are cleared by taking riboflavin in therapeutic doses.

Precautions
Symptoms that may be possible are burning or pricking sensation, itching or numbness across the gastrointestinal mucosa.