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What is Riboflavin 5 Phosphate (Vitamin B2)?

Riboflavin 5 phosphate is a biomolecule produced from riboflavin (vitamin B2). It is the principal form in which vitamin B2 is found in cells and tissues. Although it requires more energy for production, it is more soluble than riboflavin.

Riboflavin is one of the B complex vitamins (Wikipedia). It plays a role in converting protein, fats and carbohydrates into energy the body demands to grow and develop properly. It is more stable than thiamine (vitamin B1) when interacting with heat, acid and oxidation.

Riboflavin 5 phosphate is also known as flavin mononucleotide and riboflavin 5 sodium phosphate.

Riboflavin is involved in vital metabolic processes in the body including cell function, growth, and energy production.

It is the precursor for coenzymes acting as hydrogen carriers to help make energy as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (Wikipedia) through the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. This nutrient also functions in the synthesis of fatty acids and sterols.

Riboflavin is instrumental in cell respiration, helping each cell utilize oxygen most efficiently. It aids good vision and healthy hair, skin, and nails and it is necessary for normal cell growth.

Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need riboflavin supplements. Brewer’s yeast is the richest natural source of vitamin B2. Liver, beef tongue and other organ meats are also excellent sources. Oily fish, such as mackerel, trout, eel, herring, and shad, have substantial levels of riboflavin. Nori seaweed is also a good source.

Vitamin B2 is easily absorbed from the small intestine into the blood and transported 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 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. However, since intestinal bacteria produce varying amounts of riboflavin, this poses some questions regarding different people’s needs for B2 and 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 vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B3 (niacin).

Health Benefits of Riboflavin 5 Phosphate

Riboflavin 5 phosphate is important as a source of riboflavin, or vitamin B2, which regulates red blood cell growth and helps maintain a strong immune system by protecting the body from free radical damage. Riboflavin also promotes healthy hair, skin, nails and vision.

Vitamin B2 is important to other chemical processes in the body as well. Folate (a naturally occurring form of folic acid) and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) are transformed by riboflavin into the neurotransmitters crucial for thinking and memory.

Those taking oral contraceptives or regularly consuming alcohol should consider B2 supplementation, as these substances decrease the amount of riboflavin the body is able to absorb. Also, the elderly, those who perform regular strenuous exercise, diabetics and the lactose intolerant may not be able to absorb enough riboflavin from their diet to meet their needs, and may want to consider taking extra riboflavin.

Purity and Concentration of Riboflavin 5 Phosphate

Purebulk's riboflavin contains no fillers, additives or anti-caking agents. Its color is yellow to orange.

Suggested Use of Riboflavin 5 Phosphate

The suggested serving size for riboflavin ranges is 75 milligrams taken once or twice daily, depending on individual needs. When measuring small quantities, use a digital milligram scale, which PureBulk also sells. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Riboflavin here, which shows that 1/64 of a teaspoon is about 75 milligrams of riboflavin 5 phosphate.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a Daily Value (DV) of 1.7 milligrams (mg) for adults and children four or more years of age. Riboflavin 5 Phosphate yields 76.5% of Vitamin B2. A serving of 75 mg will provide 3353% of the Daily Value.

Potential Side Effects

Riboflavin 5 Phosphate is considered safe if used as suggested. Urine may have a yellow-green fluorescent glow.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Riboflavin 5 Phosphate

Riboflavin 5 Phosphate has almost no taste and will not readily dissolve in water. Suspend in water, juice or a smoothie, stir vigorously and drink immediately.

How should I store it?

You will receive this powder in a resealable bag. Store it in a cool, dry, dark location. Reseal tightly between uses.

References & Further Research

University of Maryland Medical Center: Riboflavin

Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center: Riboflavin

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.