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Alternative Names: Riboflavin, Vitamin B-2.
Vitamin B2 is an antioxidant nutrient that helps the body inhibit the formation of damaging free radicals. It enhances adrenal/heart functions, prevents deterioration of blood vessels, and helps to prevent arterial sclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Vitamin B2 is an orange-yellow crystal that is stable to heat, acid and oxidation. Intestinal bacteria produce varying amounts of Riboflavin, so it is unclear what different people's needs for B2 are. This may minimize the degree of Riboflavin deficiency, even with diets low in riboflavin intake. Though there are many deficiency symptoms possible with low levels of B2 in the body, no specific serious deficiency disease is noted for riboflavin, as there is for vitamins B1 and B3 (niacin). Riboflavin-5-phosphate, a form of riboflavin, may be more readily assimilated by some people.
Source
Vitamin B2 is easily absorbed from the small intestine into the blood which transports it to the tissues. Excess intake is eliminated in the urine, which can give it a yellow-green fluorescent glow, commonly seen after taking B-complex 50mg or 100mg supplements. Riboflavin is not stored in the body, except for a small quantity in the liver and kidneys, so it is needed regularly in the diet.
Riboflavin is found in many of the foods that contain other B-vitamins, but it is not found in high amounts in very many foods. For this reason, dietary deficiency is fairly common, and supplementation may help prevent problems. Brewer's yeast is the richest natural source of vitamin B2. Liver, tongue, and other organ meats are also excellent sources. Oily fish, such as mackerel, trout, eel, herring, and shad, have substantial levels of riboflavin, too. Nori seaweed is a fine source. Milk products have some riboflavin, as do eggs, shellfish, millet and wild rice, dried peas, beans, and some seeds such as sunflower.
Other foods with moderate amounts of riboflavin are dark leafy green vegetables, such as asparagus, collards, broccoli, and spinach, whole or enriched grain products, mushrooms, and avocados. Lower levels of vitamin B2 are found in cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, apples, figs, berries, grapes, and tropical fruits.
Vitamin B2 is sensitive to light, especially ultraviolet light (as in sunlight). Therefore, foods containing even moderate amounts of riboflavin - for example, milk - need to be protected from sunlight. Only a little of the B2 in foods is lost in the cooking water.
Riboflavin is easily excreted out through the urine. Riboflavin is listed in the U.S.P.
Function
The role of Vitamin B2 is largely due to its being the precursor to riboflavin-5'-phosphate and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). These other molecules are extremely important in a host of enzymatic reactions, where they act to carry electrons in energy transferring events. The conversion of riboflavin to these other compounds, critical for the proper function of many biological functions; can be effected by other nutritional factors, hormones, drugs and other disease conditions. The addition of riboflavin-5'-phosphate can help to supplement cases where the conversion of riboflavin is slow.
Directions
The US RDA for riboflavin is 1.7mg, although higher levels may support many functions. Supplements with more than 25mg per serving are of little value, as one cannot absorb more than 25mg at any given time.
Side-Effects
There are no known toxic reactions to riboflavin, though high doses may cause losses - mainly from the urine - of other B-vitamins. Although quite harmless, Vitamin B2 does make the urine turn bright yellow.
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Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |  | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by molecules called free radicals. These chemicals can damage important parts of cells, such as proteins, membranes, and DNA. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Free Radical (Free Radicals)
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Niacin (B3, B-3, Niacinamide, Vitamin B3)
A coenzyme B-complex vitamin that assists in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Essential for the health of the skin, nerves, tongue and digestive system. It is found in every cell of the body and is necessary for energy production. Niacin is also needed for DNA formation.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
RDA (RDAs, US RDA, USRDA)
Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins or other nutrients as determined by the FDA. U.S. RDAs are more widely used than RDAs, and focus on 3 age groups: Infants of 0-12 months; Children of 1-4 years; Adults and children of more than 4 years.
Riboflavin (B2, B-2, Vitamin B2)
A B-complex vitamin that acts as a coenzyme that activates the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is essential for cellular oxidation and necessary for healthy skin and eyes.
Small Intestine (Small Bowel)
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 6 meters (20 feet) long and its primary function is to digest (break down) food and absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats). The small intestine makes up more than 70% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Thiamine (B1, B-1, Thiamin, Vitamin B1)
A B-complex vitamin that acts as a coenzyme necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which is burned in the body for energy. It is essential for the functioning of the nervous system.
Tropics (Tropical)
The region of the earth's surface lying between 23°27 North of the equator and 23°27 South of the equator.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Last updated: Jun 28, 2009
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