Riboflavin is commonly known as vitamin B2. It is an important member of vitamin B complex group. It is a water soluble vitamin. Body cannot store it in large quantities. It therefore needs daily supply.

Sources: Riboflavin is found largely in whole grains, green and leafy vegetables, oily fish, cheese, cereals, fish, eggs and soya beans. It is sensitive to light and gets destroyed when cooked in large quantities of water.

Role of Riboflavin: Riboflavin plays a very important role in certain metabolic functions, like conversion of carbohydrates into sugar for energy generation. This nutrient is essential for repairing tissues, growth and development of the body and red blood cell production. Apart from these functions it is also important for general well being of health. . It keeps nervous system in the healthy state. Thus certain diseases and disorders can be treated using Riboflavin. Some such diseases are Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, depression.

Riboflavin Deficiency: If you don’t eat foods that are rich in vitamin B2 or Riboflavin then you may have Riboflavin deficiency. Some of the symptoms that occur during deficiency of this vitamin are itchy eyes, dry mouth, cracked lips, dull hair and skin, split nails premature wrinkles on skin, sore tongue etc.