Wednesday, May 30, 2012

What are the Food Sources of Riboflavin?

Riboflavin is one of the B vitamins, a group of water-soluble vitamins that are responsible for bio-chemical reactions in many parts of the body. It helps the body's cells convert carbohydrates and proteins into energy. It is also essential nutritional substance required for proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. A deficiency of riboflavin can lead to problems like dry and scaling skin, fluid in the mucous membranes, and anemia caused due to iron-deficiency. The eyes may also become bloodshot, itchy, watery and sensitive to bright light.

Riboflavin is found in a variety of food sources which include brewer's yeast, almonds, organ meats, flours and cereals such as whole grains, wheat germ, wild rice, mushrooms, soybeans, milk, yogurt, eggs, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, dairy products, brown rice, egg white and egg yolk contain specialized riboflavin-binding proteins, which are required for storage of free riboflavin in the egg, organ meats, nuts, cheese, milk and lean meat are great sources of riboflavin, but is also available in good quantities in green leafy vegetables, fish, legumes and yogurt.

Riboflavin content is lost in foods whenever foods are exposed to light. So, it is necessary to preserve the riboflavin sources to store away from the sunlight. Riboflavin is destroyed whenever the foods are boiled or soaked in water as well as frying or scalding. You can preserve riboflavin content during cooking, roasting, and steaming.

Riboflavin is yellow or yellow-orange in color, yeast extract is considered to be exceptionally rich in vitamin B2, and liver and kidney are also rich sources. Wheat bran and cheese are important sources in diets containing these foods.

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