Hair loss is an extremely common condition and often comes down to the negative aspect of ageing. It’s been said that we lose up to 100 hairs on our bodies every day, often not noticing it at all. But for some, hair loss can be far more rapid and worrying and when it becomes a worrying concern, taking a powerful vitamin could help with hair loss.

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Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B2 and is a water soluble, heat stable powerful vitamin found naturally in plants, grains and dairy products.

Vitamin B2’s main job is to help metabolise food into the energy needed by all of one’s cells.

The vitamin also helps the body absorb and properly utilise other nutrients, including iron and additional members of the B vitamin family.

For adequate collagen production, vitamin B2 is needed which is why the vitamin is recommended for those looking to help grow their tresses back.

How riboflavin could help with hair loss

Vitamin B2 plays a key role in the formation of an antioxidant known as glutathione.

The connection between deficiencies in riboflavin and hair loss are due to disruptions in these processes, as suggested by research literature.

Riboflavin is known as an antioxidant and searches the body for damaged particles known as free radicals, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center.

These free radicals naturally occur in the body; however, they damage DNA and cells.

DNA signals the body to make various proteins, if the DNA becomes damaged protein would not be able to function properly which means a halt in hair growth and hair loss.

According to MedlinePlus, a service of the US National Library of Medicine, riboflavin and its benefit in hair loss was investigated.

The study noted: “Riboflavin is known to increase energy levels, boost functions of the immune system and help maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.

“Riboflavin plays a crucial role in hair growth by activating vitamin B6 and niacin; these two vitamins are also key to hair development.

“Vitamin B6 also gives hair melanin and is known to prevent hair loss.”

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JinMa added: “Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, has a special function that is closely related to hair growth, that is, it can help fat burning.

“If a person has too much fat, fat will be discharged from the sebaceous glands to the surface of the skin or stored in the hair follicles.

“Over time, these fats in the hair follicles become snacks of bacteria and mites, causing folliculitis and even infection.

“Folliculitis can cause hair follicles to lose the ability to raise hair and cause hair loss.

“Vitamin B2 can gradually burn the fat in the hair follicles and help with hair loss.”

Riboflavin can either be taken as a daily supplement or by consuming the right kinds of food.

Food sources include rice, mushrooms, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, spinach, eggs, whole grains, and almonds.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, light destroys riboflavin content so it’s best to avoid boiling or overly soaking these foods.

The best way is to consume food containing riboflavin as raw as possible or by roasting and steaming them. 

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