Vitamin B2
Benefits of Vitamin B2
- Energy-yielding metabolism
- Vision
- Iron metabolism
- Protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Form: Riboflavin
- Food source: Asparagus, artichokes, avocados, currants, fortified cereals, lima beans, navy beans, peas, molasses, mushrooms, almonds, parsley, pumpkins, sage, sweet potatoes, spinach, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, watercress) and wholegrain breads.
What is Vitamin B2?
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a B vitamin with antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress is the state of having too many unstable molecules, known as 'free radicals', in the body. These molecules occur naturally, and the body works to keep them at a healthy level.
What does Vitamin B2 do?
Riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and to the maintenance of normal vision. Researchers have looked at the many roles of riboflavin in the body, including oxidative stress. Riboflavin is even used in eye research, where light-activated riboflavin is being studied as a way to strengthen collagen in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
Vitamin B2 is also important for the conversion of the food we eat into energy that we can use. Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Riboflavin also contributes to the normal metabolism of iron, an essential mineral in making red blood cells, and to the maintenance of normal red blood cells. Researchers have also looked at the role of vitamins, including riboflavin, in the gut microbiome, the living ecosystem of bacteria within our gut.
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Why it's in Daily Multivitamin and Women's ProMulti
Riboflavin is a precursor for flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which act as electron carriers in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Riboflavin facilitates oxidative phosphorylation, which is vital for energy production, and helps metabolise fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Riboflavin is involved in the metabolism of macronutrients, ensuring efficient energy production.
Why it's in Screen Eyes™
Vitamins are essential for maintaining eye health and for vision preservation.
Riboflavin supports energy metabolism in ocular tissues and has been linked to a reduced risk of cataract formation by protecting against oxidative stress.1
Why it's in UltraEnergy
Riboflavin is required for the production of FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme involved in redox reactions within the electron transport chain. It supports mitochondrial efficiency and helps reduce oxidative stress, which can drain energy reserves. Riboflavin is a precursor for two important coenzymes:
- FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide)
- FMN (flavin mononucleotide)
These coenzymes are essential for numerous oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, meaning they help enzymes transfer electrons during metabolic processes. FAD, in particular, is crucial in the electron transport chain (ETC) — the final stage of cellular respiration where most of the body’s ATP (energy) is produced.2
Why it's in Kid's ProMulti
Riboflavin (B2): Maintains epithelial barriers; deficiency impairs mucosal defence.3
Why it's in Men's ProMulti
Riboflavin is essential for ATP production, serving as a precursor to the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are integral to mitochondrial redox reactions. These coenzymes participate in the electron transport chain, facilitating the generation of ATP.4