Description:
Riboflavin is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, immune
function, and growth. Riboflavin alleviates eye fatigue, and is
important in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. It aids
in the body's use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is important
for healthy nails and hair. Deficiencies of riboflavin can lead
to cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth, eye disorders,
oral inflammation, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity,
poor digestion, and in children growth problems.
Complimentary Nutrients:
B complex, B6, niacin, C, phosphorus
Antagonists:
Oral contraceptives, strenuous exercise, tobacco, antibiotics,
alcohol, coffee, sodium bicarbonate, and excessive sugar.
Health Benefits:
Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, soft body tissue,
eyes, hair, nails, cell respiration, skin, antibody and red blood
cell formation.
Therapeutic Uses:
Diabetes, acne, alcoholism, athletes toot, baldness, cataracts,
diarrhea, arthritis, indigestion, and stress.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Dizziness, corner of mouth cracks and sores, itching burning eyes,
light sensitivity and eye fatigue, oily skin, poor digestion, cataracts,
retarded growth, and red sore tongue.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 1.6-1.7 mg (male), 1.2-1.3 mg (female) |
50 mg |
100-400 mg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
Cheese, egg yolks, fish, milk, spinach, poultry, whole grains,
asparagus, avocado, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, mushrooms,
watercress, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, fruits, green leafy
vegetables, legumes, nuts, organ meat, and tongue. Here are some
examples.
| Food |
Amount |
MG |
| raw almonds |
1 cup |
1 1/4 |
| whole milk |
3/4 cup |
1 1/2 |
