Home / Health Insurance / Articles / Diseases / Learn About the Causes and Symptoms of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Learn About the Causes and Symptoms of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Team AckoDec 12, 2024

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the body. It is helpful in the metabolism of energy, the production of red blood cells, and the maintenance of healthy skin and eyes. Vitamin B2 is, however, not given such an important role, which may lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy disease, a neurological condition caused by Vitamin B2 shortage.

Vitamin B2 should be obtained through a balanced diet containing foods rich in Vitamin B2, such as lean meat, eggs, leafy green non-starchy vegetables, and fortified cereals. When dietary intake is insufficient, such as for those at risk of deficiency, supplements may be appropriate.

Knowing the signs of these deficiencies and the value of Vitamin B2, you can make sure that your vitamin intake is optimal. Seek medical care; however, if you suspect you do not receive adequate Vitamin B2, you need more detailed instructions. This article explores the critical functions of Vitamin B2, its signs and symptoms, and possible treatments for future preventive measures.

Vitamin

Contents

What is Vitamin B2?

Vitamin B2, riboflavin, is one specific water-soluble vitamin that is very important and plays an active role in cellular processes. This vitamin acts as a coenzyme in metabolising carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to yield energy for the body. Moreover, vitamins also have other vital functions in the human body, such as forming red blood cells, keeping skin and eyes healthy, and maintaining the nervous system's functionality.

Key Benefits of Vitamin B2

Energy production: Riboflavin is a part of the critical coenzymes such as flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the electron transport chain (ATP), the body's energy currency, is produced in the transport chain, of which FAD is crucial in its production.
Red blood cell production: Riboflavin is also essential in forming red blood cells that are responsible for oxygen transportation. Riboflavin deficiency is one of the causative factors of anaemia, a condition marked by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells.
Skin and eye health: Riboflavin ensures that the skin and the eyes remain healthy. It plays a vital role in forming the antioxidant glutathione, which protects the skin from free radical damage. Riboflavin is also responsible for the health of the eye's cornea, which is the eye's clear outer covering.
Nervous system function: Riboflavin is also essential for properly functioning the nervous system. It participates in the formation of neurotransmitters, which allow nerve cells to send signals to each other. Lack of riboflavin can cause neurological ailments, including tiredness, headaches, and cognitive dysfunction.

What is Vitamin B2 Deficiency?

The human body secretes vitamins regularly, which is why it is essential to replenish them by consuming enough vitamins through diet.

The human body can't store vitamins. Usually, a lack of Vitamin B2 also indicates a deficiency of other essential vitamins. In medical terms, a deficiency of riboflavin is called ariboflavinosis.

A Vitamin B2 deficiency can be of two types:

A primary riboflavin deficiency occurs when your diet is poor in Vitamin B2.
A secondary riboflavin deficiency occurs due to other reasons. This could be due to the inability of the intestines to absorb the vitamins properly or the inability of the body to use the absorbed vitamins. The body may be excreting the vitamins too frequently, which can contribute to a deficiency.

There are many signs and symptoms which can indicate a deficiency of Vitamin B2.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

If you want to assess yourself for a deficiency of Vitamin B2, here are some classic signs and symptoms that you can look out for:

Cracks form at the corners of the mouth, a condition also known as angular cheilitis.
Frequently cracked lips
Skin that feels extremely dry
Inflammation along the lining of the mouth
Inflammation along the tongue
Ulcers in the mouth
Lips that look too red
Soreness in the throat
Scrotal dermatitis
Filling of fluids in mucous membranes
Deficiency of iron
Increased eye sensitivity to bright lights or extreme sensation of itchiness in the eyes.

Those who consume excessive quantities of alcohol are at greater risk of developing a Vitamin B2 deficiency. Let's also identify other causes that contribute to a deficiency of Vitamin B2.

Causes of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Dietary insufficiency and lack of Vitamin B2 in the body can develop from some factors such as:

Dietary Insufficiency

Poor diet: A diet that does not incorporate foods containing Vitamin B2, including dairy products, meat, eggs, green vegetables, and fortified cereals, can be more deficient.
Strict dietary restrictions: Individuals following restrictive diets, such as vegan or vegetarian diets, may need to pay special attention to their B2 intake, as some of the richest sources of B2 are animal-based foods.

Malabsorption Syndromes

Celiac disease: This is an autoimmune disease that damages the intestines and blocks the intestinal uptake of nutrients, including Vitamin B2.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: These inflammatory bowel diseases can also be accompanied by an impact on nutrient absorption.
Other malabsorption disorders: Conditions such as pancreatic insufficiency or bile acid malabsorption relate directly to the possibility of absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, which may, in turn, impact B2 absorption.

Certain Medications

Diuretics: Some diuretics, especially loop diuretics, promote urinary losses of B2 and other B vitamins.
Antacids: Prolonged use of antacids may interfere with B vitamins absorption.

Alcohol Abuse

Reduced nutrient intake: Excessive alcohol use may cause a modest food intake and may act as a substitute for healthy food.
Malabsorption: Alcohol may hurt the gut and lead to malabsorption of nutrients.
Increased nutrient excretion: Alcohol may promote urinary B vitamin excretion.

A specific group of people are more prone to Vitamin B2 deficiency than others:

Athletes who undergo rigorous exercises tend to experience stress in metabolic pathways, which results in excessive consumption of Vitamin B2. Without additional consumption of Vitamin B2, their body is likely to experience a deficiency. The problem can be more prevalent in the case of vegetarian athletes who do not consume meat, a potentially vital source of riboflavin.
Lactating and pregnant women on a vegetarian diet are more prone to developing a Vitamin B2 deficiency. The same can lead to congenital disabilities in infants.
Since meat and dairy products contain a remarkable quantity of riboflavin, vegans and people who consume minimal dairy items are highly prone to lack of enough Vitamin B2.
A rare neurological disorder called Riboflavin transporter deficiency can make it difficult for the body to absorb and transport Vitamin B2, resulting in a deficiency.

It is thus essential to follow a proper diet and enhance the consumption of Vitamin B2 to maintain a healthy level of riboflavin in the body.

Sources of Vitamin B2

You get most of your supply of Vitamin B2 from the food you consume. There are many sources of Vitamin B2, including, but not limited to, the following:

Fish
Meat
Poultry such as beef, chicken, liver
Eggs
Dairy items
Avocados
Cayenne peppers
Mushrooms
Peas
Nuts
Pumpkins
Sweet Potatoes
Whole grain bread
Wheat bran

Since Vitamin B2 is water soluble, much of it can be lost while boiling these foods. The ideal requirement of the vitamin ranges between 1.1 milligrams to 1.6 milligrams per day for men, women, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Diagnosis of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

The diagnosis of Vitamin B2 insufficiency is typically made through a combination of clinical and laboratory tests.

Clinical Evaluation

Medical history: A structured, complete medical history can expose any risk factors like inadequate intake, malabsorption disorders, or alcohol abuse.
Physical examination: Physical findings of Angiogenesis may include oral lesions, angular stomatitis, gingivitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. It also includes corneal vascularisation and other symptoms of B2 deficiency, which might be seen during a medical examination.

Laboratory Tests

Blood Tests

Serum Riboflavin Levels: This test measures the amount of riboflavin in the blood as it is present in almost entirely protein-bound form in the blood. Low levels signal a deficiency.

Urine Tests

Erythrocyte Glutathione Reductase Activity Coefficient (EGRAC): This test measures the activity of an enzyme that relies on riboflavin as a coenzyme. A low EGRAC concentration suggests B2 deficiency.
Riboflavin Excretion Test: Riboflavin excretion indicates how much was taken after loading doses. Reduced excretion may suggest inadequate intake or an obstruction to absorption.

Treatment of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

The treatment approach for Vitamin B2 deficiency usually includes giving the patient supplements and improving their diet:

Dietary Modifications

B2-rich foods: A range of food sources among the following should be included so that the B2 level improves:
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt)
- Meat (liver, kidney, lean beef)
- Eggs
- Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale)
- Fortified cereals and grains
Dietary counseling: A registered dietitian can provide personalized nutritional advice to help individuals with B2 deficiency plan a balanced diet that meets their specific needs.

Supplementation

Oral supplements: Formulated Vitamin B2 tablets, capsules, or liquids are available as oral supplements. The healthcare provider should determine the dosage based on the level of deficiency and the individual's needs.
Intravenous supplementation: In some severe deficiency cases or gastrointestinal malabsorption, riboflavin may be given intravenously.

With appropriate dietary changes and supplementation, most people suffering from Vitamin B2 deficiency may restore their B2 levels and modulate their symptoms.

Prevention of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Where possible, prevention of Vitamin B2 deficiency should target a well-balanced diet and additional measures when appropriate:

Consuming a Balanced Diet Rich in B2

Diverse food choices: Incorporate a variety of B2-rich foods into your daily diet, such as:
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt)
- Meat (liver, kidney, lean beef)
- Eggs
- Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale)
- Fortified cereals and grains
Regular meal patterns: Maintain regular meal times to ensure consistent nutrient intake.

Fortified Foods

Check labels: Consumers should select products such as cereals, grains, or other ready-to-eat meals fortified with Vitamin B2. If someone has problems eating a varied diet or has specific nutritional requirements, this might be a straightforward approach to improving intake.

Dietary Supplements (If Necessary)

Consult a healthcare provider: If you have a diagnosed B2 deficiency or are at high risk, consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of B2 supplementation.
Follow instructions: Adhere to the recommended dosage and usage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the supplement label.

Following these preventive measures can maintain adequate Vitamin B2 levels and support your overall health and well-being.

Key Takeaway

Lack of enough Vitamin B2 in the body can result in significant long-term side effects. It is essential to ensure you take care of your body's nutritional needs to avoid major health implications.

It is also necessary to invest in a good healthcare plan that can provide decent coverage for medical expenses in case you face any problems due to a deficiency in Vitamin B2.

ACKO's health plans can enable you to handle any medical emergencies and make it easier to access health benefits in times of need.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on Vitamin B2.

Is it possible to obtain Vitamin B2 from any source other than food?

Ans. Vitamin B2 is naturally present in food but is also available as a food supplement. A small amount of riboflavin is produced by bacteria in the gut, but it is not enough to meet the dietary needs of the human body.

At what levels is excessive riboflavin toxic to the human body?

Ans. Food supplements and items are not likely to cause toxicity in the body. The human gut is capable of absorbing only a limited quantity of riboflavin at a given time. Any excess amount of Vitamin B2 is excreted from the body through urine. Therefore, there is no upper limit on the quantity of Vitamin B2 which may pose a danger to the body.

Is Vitamin B2 affected by exposure to light?

Ans. In many food sources, such as milk, prolonged exposure to light can cause the deactivation of the usable form of vitamins. This is why vitamin B2 supplements are typically sold in opaque containers.

What is the action of Vitamin B2 on carbohydrates in the human body?

Ans. Vitamin B2 is considered essential for the human body since it helps convert carbohydrates into adenosine triphosphate, which in turn, provides energy to the body. This compound is also essential for storing energy in the muscles.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.