Vitamin B2 Health Benefits

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a part of B Complex, is essential for producing niacin, and is important for every function of the body. It works best in combination with B6, C and niacin.

If you experience a lot of stress in your life, it is recommended that you consume extra B2 in either the foods you eat or from supplements.

Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, refined sugars and caffeine can also deplete your body of riboflavin. Excessive exercise can also cause a depletion.

What does it do for you?

• helps metabolize proteins, fats, carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, and certain proteins
• promotes healthy skin, hair and nails
• aids the digestive tract's mucous membranes
• helps in forming red blood cell
• aids in cell respiration and growth
• helps the body absorb Vitamin B6
• aids your vision AND eye fatigue
• helps development of the body
• is essential in the production of antibodies
• aids the body’s absorption of iron
• regulates thyroid activity

Symptoms of B2 deficiency include:

• sore mouth, tongue, lips, throat tongue cracks / sores in the corners of the mouth
• dermatitis
• retarded growth
• anemia

If you experience any of the above symptoms or believe that taking vitamin supplements will improve your health, it is recommended that you first consult your physician. You want to make sure that any supplements you are considering will not adversly affect any medications you are currently taking or any health conditions you now experience.

Anti Aging Vitamins - Which Vitamins Slow The Aging Process?

Anti aging vitamins are among many products being pitched today to keep us young and healthy. We would all like to slow down the aging process, wouldn't we?

Let's see how vitamins can help us.

First of all we need to keep our immune system strong. Antioxidants, especially vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene, and selenium can boost immunity. You should also be sure to ingest adequate amounts of zinc and magnesium to assist them.

Degenerative diseases come naturally with age. What can we do to ward off such enemies to our body? Again, we look at antioxidants. They have been shown to lower our possible risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and heart disease, among other things.

Other nutrients can also aid in slowing the breakdown of our body. Niacin (vitamin B), can aid in keeping cholesterol in check, even lowering it in some degrees. Cartenoids, flavinoids, and some amino acids can also play an important role in keeping us young and healthy.

If you diet does not include enough of all of these vitamins and nutrients, it is strongly recommended that you include daily supplements to assist your body in fighting the natural aging process. But, do try to get as much as you possibly can from natural foods, as they will assimilate in a more natural way.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

People who are more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency are strict vegetarians, those who consume high protein diets, people who consume alcohol on a regular basis, and the elderly (because of their low ability to absorb it).

Symptoms may include:

• heart palpitation
• anemia
• weakness
• fatigue
• confusion
• menstrual problems
• mouth sores and cracks
• nervousness
• loss of appetite
• numbness in feet and hands
• body odor
• dandruff

How it can help you:

• prevents anemia, as it forms and regenerates red
  blood cells
• increases your level of energy
• relieves irritability
• helps combat stress and anxiety
• helps concentration and memory
• keeps your nervous system healthy
• in children, it promotes growth and increases
  appetite

B12 injected shots are common for those who require more energy, as well as older adults who experience inadequate absorption. Most common though, injections are ideal for those who currently have a diagnosed severe deficiency and for those who suffer from severe fatigue.

If you experience any of the above symptoms for a prolonged time, it is advisable to see your doctor and discucss the possibility of a B12 deficiency. It can actually take years for the symptoms to appear.