Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is crucial in the production of body energy. It is involved with an enzyme called glutathione reductase, which helps maintain glutathione, a major protector against free radical damage. Vitamin B2 itself also has antioxidant qualities. Thus riboflavin is pivotal both in the inner breathing of our cells where energy is produced and also in the quenching of the toxic exhausts of that inner, energy producing cell respiration. Riboflavin is water soluble and so is not stored in significant quantities in the body. It must be replaced continuously through diet or supplementation to avoid deficiency. The most common cause of riboflavin deficiency is an unbalanced diet.

It is not uncommon to find vitamin B2 deficiencies in the elderly. Riboflavin deficiency is common in alcoholics, as well. People who indulge in a lot of physical exercise often need extra riboflavin particularly women. Vigorous exercise raises the daily requirement for the vitamin.

Riboflavin deficiency mainly affects skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms include cracks in the corners of the mouth, cracks on the lips, reddening of the tongue associated with a burning sensation and eczema of the face and genitals. When there is a deficiency of riboflavin there is usually a lack of the other B vitamins as well