Evidence supporting the use of: Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
For the body system: Eyes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) has scientific support for its role in ocular (eye) health. Riboflavin is an essential nutrient involved in cellular energy production and protection against oxidative stress, both of which are important for maintaining healthy eye tissues. Deficiency in riboflavin is known to cause ariboflavinosis, which can manifest with ocular symptoms such as photophobia, excessive tearing, itchy or burning eyes, and even more severe changes like vascularization of the cornea and cataract formation. Epidemiological studies have shown that populations with lower riboflavin intake have higher rates of cataracts, and some clinical trials suggest that riboflavin supplementation may help reduce the risk or progression of cataracts, particularly in at-risk populations.

Additionally, riboflavin is used in ophthalmology as a photosensitizer in corneal collagen cross-linking procedures to treat keratoconus, further highlighting its importance in eye health, though this is a pharmacological intervention rather than a nutritional use. While riboflavin supplementation is unlikely to improve vision in well-nourished individuals, maintaining adequate intake is considered important for overall ocular health and for preventing deficiency-related eye problems.

Overall, the evidence justifies riboflavin’s contribution to eye health, mainly in the context of deficiency prevention and potentially lowering cataract risk, though the evidence for supplementation beyond recommended dietary intake in the general population is moderate.

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