Overdosing on Vitamin B2 - How to Detect Symptoms and Stay Safe

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is an essential nutrient that plays a role in various bodily functions. While a deficiency in vitamin B2 can lead to certain health problems, excessive intake can also cause adverse effects. 

Here are the symptoms and effects of excess vitamin B2:

Skin Sensitivity: Excessive intake of vitamin B2 can cause skin sensitivity, which can manifest as a rash, itching, or burning sensation.

Digestive Problems: Excess vitamin B2 can also cause digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Yellow Urine: High doses of vitamin B2 can cause the urine to turn yellow or fluorescent yellow. This is harmless and does not indicate any serious health problem.

Increased Risk of Cancer: Some studies have suggested that high levels of vitamin B2 intake may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer, especially in smokers. However, more research is needed to confirm this association.

Interference with Lab Tests: High doses of vitamin B2 can interfere with certain lab tests, such as those used to measure bilirubin and uric acid levels.

It is important to note that the symptoms and effects of excess vitamin B2 are rare, as vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin and excess amounts are excreted in the urine. However, it is still important to avoid excessively high doses of vitamin B2, as it may lead to the above-mentioned adverse effects. The recommended daily intake of vitamin B2 is 1.3 milligrams for males and 1.1 milligrams for females, and it can be easily obtained through a balanced diet that includes foods such as milk, yogurt, eggs, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.