Riboflavin is an important nutrient found in plant foods. Its benefits include anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties. It can be found in dark green leafy vegetables, fortified grains, and mushrooms. Most Americans don’t get the recommended daily allowance of riboflavin from their diet, but vegans can get enough through fortified grains and mushrooms.
Angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is an inflammatory process that results in red lesions at the labial commissures. These lesions are painful and triangular in shape. In milder cases, the lesions are pink and erythematous. In more severe cases, the lesions become gray or white. The skin may be eczematous or fissured.
Riboflavin is a vitamin B2 and is found in various animal products. It is also found in supplements and fortified foods. Several examples of riboflavin-fortified foods include liver, beef, and fish. Also, some cereals are fortified with the nutrient.
Anti-cancer
Riboflavin is a versatile and essential micronutrient involved in many metabolic processes. It is important for the production of red blood cells and helps some enzymes function properly. It can also help keep the skin, nails, and hair healthy. It is found in leafy vegetables, milk, and malted barley. However, it must be taken in adequate amounts to be effective. High amounts can cause skin problems and mouth sores.
Researchers have found that riboflavin enhances the uptake of drugs in cancer cells. The evidence suggests that this vitamin may be a promising anti-cancer drug. However, there are some concerns associated with riboflavin in cancer treatment. Some studies have noted that riboflavin may cause side effects, particularly in the kidneys.
Anti-inflammatory
Riboflavin is a micronutrient that is readily absorbed and plays an important role in maintaining health. It is a direct precursor of redox enzyme cofactors and is required for multiple cellular functions. Its pharmacokinetics have not been fully studied, but it has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects in mice. It also inhibits inflammatory mediator production and alters cytokine maturation in various cell types.
Riboflavin also inhibits the activity of the non-canonical inflammasome. This mechanism involves the inhibition of IL-1b secretion. In addition, it disrupts the transfection of dsDNA and E. coli, which are known to activate inflammasomes.
Antinociceptive
Riboflavin is a micronutrient that is easily absorbed and plays a crucial role in maintaining health in humans and other animals. It is not commercially available, but is used extensively in animal research. Riboflavin is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties.
Riboflavin is found in small amounts in most plant and animal-derived foods. It has been enriched in bread, wheat flour, and thiamin since the early 1940s. A study in older, independent living adults revealed that 25% of participants consumed less than the recommended amount of riboflavin, with biochemical evidence for deficiency in 10% of the subjects.
Sources
Sources of riboflavin are abundant in a variety of foods. Beef and spinach are among the best sources of this vitamin. These vegetables are also high in fiber and other B vitamins. Tempeh, a fermented soy product from Indonesia, is another excellent plant source of riboflavin. It contains several essential nutrients and is high in protein. Eggs also contain a significant amount of riboflavin.
Riboflavin was first discovered in 1920, isolated in 1933, and synthesized in 1935. It is a yellow-orange crystalline powder that is water-soluble. It is also used as a food coloring agent and is obtained naturally from bacteria, fungi, and plants. Riboflavin has also been incorporated into genetically modified bacteria.