The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point
  • About this web log

    This blog ran from 2006 to 2016 and was intended as an objective and dispassionate source of information on the latest CAM research. Since my background is in pharmacy and allopathic medicine, I view all CAM as advancing through the development pipeline to eventually become integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some will succeed while others fail. But all are treated fairly here.

  • About the author

    John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

  • Common sense considerations

    The material on this weblog is for informational purposes. It is not medical advice or counsel. Be smart, consult your health professional before using CAM.

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    Background on vitamin B-2

    Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) was originally recognized as a growth factor in 1879 and named vitamin B-2 according to the British nomenclature system.

    Here’s what we know today.

    • Riboflavin has two active coenzyme forms.
      • Riboflavin 5′-phosphate (R5P)
      • Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD).
    • Dietary sources include milk, eggs, meats, yogurt, broccoli, almonds, cheese, soy, fortified grains, and dark green vegetables, in descending order of concentration.
    • Bacteria in the colon also synthesize riboflavin.
    • Riboflavin or its coenzymes contributes to cellular growth, enzyme function, energy production, and carbohydrate, fat, and amino acid synthesis.

    The bottom line?

    • Research supports the use of riboflavin in…
      • Anemia
      • Cataracts
      • Hyperhomocysteinemia (a condition that damages the blood vessel lining)
      • Migraine prophylaxis
      • Alcoholism
    • A riboflavin deficiency can result in…
      • Angular stomatitis (inflammation at the corner of the mouth)
      • Seborrhea (scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin)
      • Glossitis (swelling and color change of the tongue)
      • Nervous disorders
      • Anemia

    1/21/09 20:26 JR

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