Why do we care about Vitamin B2?
Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is a member of the B-complex vitamins — you often see this vitamin in supplements. All B-complex vitamins help the body metabolize fats and protein. It is a key component of co-enzymes involved with cell growth, energy production, and the breakdown of fats, steroids, and medications. It is used immediately, and not stored in the body. Excess Vitamin B2 causes urine to be bright yellow. (If you have never taken a Vitamin B supplement, please take note of this. It can be alarming when you see it for the first time.) Women who are pregnant or lactating have an increased daily need.
People may use it to help with migraines and high levels of homocysteine in the blood.
How do you get it?
Vitamin B2 is found in foods such as liver, chicken, eggs, beef, pork, salmon, dairy, eggs, almonds, spinach, and fortified foods.
What does a deficiency look like?
Thankfully, deficiencies are rare. Riboflavin deficiency can be seen in those with thyroid disorders. Deficiency is also seen in vegans or pregnant women who have low dairy intake.
What would you see? Cracked lips, sore throat, swollen tongue, hair loss, skin rash anemia, itchy red eyes. You can also see it in brain and heart disorders, and some cancers.
Overdoses are rarely seen, as your gut can only absorb a little and excess is peed out in the urine. (Again, remember the bright yellow).
How can Biohackr Health help?
Testing. Undergo our micronutrient test as part of our Biohackr Benchmark program to discover what your levels are. If you are vegan, pregnant, or have thyroid issues, know you may have lower levels.
Supplement. Most of our IV therapies have B-complex for a reason.
