Vitamin B2, which is also called riboflavin, is important for the body because it participates in functions such as stimulating blood production and maintaining proper metabolism.
This vitamin can be found mainly in milk and its derivatives, such as cheese and yogurt, and is also present in foods such as oat flakes, mushrooms, spinach and eggs. See other foods here.
Thus, adequate consumption of vitamin B2 is important because it performs the following functions in the body:
- Participate in the production of energy in the body; Encourage growth and development, especially during childhood; Act as antioxidants, preventing diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis; Maintain the health of red blood cells, which are responsible for the transport of oxygen in the body; eye health and prevent cataracts; maintain the health of the skin and mouth; maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system; decrease the frequency and intensity of migraines.
In addition, this vitamin is also important for vitamins B6 and folic acid to perform their proper functions in the body.
Recommended quantity
The recommended amount of vitamin B2 intake varies according to age and gender, as shown in the following table:
| Age | Amount of Vitamin B2 per day |
| 1 to 3 years | 0.5 mg |
| 4 to 8 years | 0.6 mg |
| 9 to 13 years | 0.9 mg |
| Girls aged 14 to 18 | 1.0 mg |
| Men 14 years and over | 1.3 mg |
| Women 19 years and over | 1.1 mg |
| Pregnant women | 1.4 mg |
| Breastfeeding women | 1.6 mg |
The lack of this vitamin can cause problems such as frequent tiredness and mouth sores, being more common in people who do vegetarian diets without the inclusion of milk and eggs in the menu. See the symptoms of lack of vitamin B2 in the body.
