The Role of Vitamin B2 (CAS#83-88-5) in Human Health

Overview of Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is a vital nutrient necessary for the maintenance and development of body tissues and organs. Because the human body cannot store it, vitamin B2 must be supplied daily through the diet. Mild deficiency may go unnoticed, but more serious shortages lead to clear and troublesome symptoms.

Nutrient Characteristics
Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble member of the B-vitamin family. After absorption, only a small portion is retained, while the excess is eliminated in urine. It is also known as riboflavin (chemical formula C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆, molecular weight 376.37). Riboflavin dissolves slightly in water and remains stable when heated in neutral or acidic conditions. It is a component of flavoproteins, which are essential for hydrogen transfer in biological oxidation–reduction reactions. When vitamin B2 is lacking, these processes are disrupted, leading to metabolic imbalance. Typical deficiency symptoms include inflammation of the mouth, eyes, and external genital areas, such as angular stomatitis, cheilitis, glossitis, conjunctivitis, and scrotal swelling. Because the body stores very little riboflavin, continuous daily intake is necessary.

Why Vitamin B2 Is Important
Vitamin B2 supports the normal metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is especially important in fat metabolism, helping to limit fat buildup and reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis. It is essential for growth and development, helps keep the skin healthy, and promotes the growth of hair and nails. Riboflavin also aids in the repair of mucous membranes, preventing inflammation of the lips, tongue, and mouth.
It contributes to eye health by easing eye fatigue and plays a key role in cellular oxidation and antioxidant activity, ensuring normal cell function. In addition, it supports iron absorption and red blood cell formation, assists in vitamin B6 metabolism, and participates in antibody production.

Effects of Deficiency or Excess
As a water-soluble vitamin, excess vitamin B2 is usually excreted in urine, so overdose is rare unless intake is extremely high. Most problems are linked to deficiency, which may cause:

• Impaired skin cell renewal, leading to seborrheic dermatitis, heavy hair loss, or even baldness.

• Poor healing of mucous membranes, resulting in conjunctivitis, angular stomatitis, glossitis, sore throat, and swelling of the throat or oral tissues.

• Eye problems such as light sensitivity, pain, blurred vision, itching, tearing, and corneal congestion.

• General tiredness and weakness.

• Disruption of vitamin B6 metabolism in severe cases.

When intake is excessive, the most noticeable effect is yellow-colored urine.