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What is Riboflavin?

Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, which is involved in vital metabolic processes in the body and is necessary for normal cell function, growth, and energy production. Small amounts of riboflavin are present in most animal and plant tissues. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is an orange-yellow crystal that is more stable than thiamine when it comes to heat, acid, and oxidation. It is, however, sensitive to light, especially ultraviolet light, as in sunlight. For this reason foods containing even moderate amounts of riboflavin, like milk for example, need to be protected from sunlight. Only a little of the B2 in foods is lost in the cooking process. This water-soluble member of the B-complex family of vitamins plays a crucial role in converting protein, fats, and carbohydrates into the energy that the body demands to grow and develop properly. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is a nutrient involved in a multitiude of metabolic pathways yielding energy production and the synthesis of fatty acids and sterols. Riboflavin is part of two larger activated coenzymes known as flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN).

Riboflavin functions as the precursor or building block for two coenzymes that are important in energy production. Flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) are the two coenzymes that act as hydrogen carriers to help make energy as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Riboflavin is also instrumental in cell respiration, helping each cell utilize oxygen most efficiently; is helpful in maintaining good vision and healthy hair, skin, and nails; and is necessary for normal cell growth. Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need riboflavin supplements. Especially good dietary sources of riboflavin are milk (and other dairy products), eggs, enriched cereals/grains, meats, liver, and green vegetables (such as asparagus or broccoli).

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 50 mg. or 100 mg. 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 vitamins B1 and B3 (niacin). Riboflavin-5-phosphate, a form of riboflavin, may be more readily assimilated by some people.

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 also 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. With respect to the above mentioned dietary sources of riboflavin, intake may be lower in vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians.

What is Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) used for and who uses it?

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, 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. You also need riboflavin to produce flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide, two enzymes that help the body convert fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy. Without enough riboflavin, these two enzymes are unable to work together to ensure your cells can both reproduce correctly and supply the body with the fuel it needs stay alive.

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. In fact, people with high levels of riboflavin have been shown to perform better on memory tests. The best source of riboflavin is milk and there’s enough riboflavin in a quart of milk to supply the daily needs of most people. Of course, most of us don’t consume a quart of milk each day. Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, and although small amounts of it are stored in your kidneys and liver, Vitamin B2 must, nevertheless, be replaced daily, as the bulk of it is eliminated from the body through urination, exercise, sweating, etc. This, of course, is a further rationalization for taking supplemental doses of Vitamin B2, aka riboflavin.

Though riboflavin deficiencies are rare, those that take oral contraceptives or regularly consume alcohol may want to supplement this vitamin, as these substances decrease the amount of riboflavin your 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.

How pure is your Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)?

This pharmaceutical grade Riboflavin (also called Riboflavin 5 Phosphate and/or Vitamin B2) is a pure bulk nutrition powder manufactured in compliance with USP 29 and/or BP2005 production standards and assayed by the manufacturer to be 76.5% product (BP2005) or 74.4% product (USP29), depending upon the standardized testing and analytical methods employed. You will receive a labeled heavy-duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this manufactured pure bulk ultrafine powder product. 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. Without riboflavin, the other B vitamins, especially niacin (vitamin B3) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6), cannot do their job, and a host of chemical processes necessary to keep the body alive would come to a grinding halt. Due to the fact that our product is pharmaceutical grade, these are best utilized by the body, since they do not require digestion and are easily absorbed. Our product does not contain any fillers, additives or anti-caking agents. If all you want are the health benefits made possible with Riboflavin, buying this product in bulk is the best way to get there. Buying in bulk is also your best bet for saving money because for sure you’ll pay more at a local nutrition store. Bulk costs are cheaper in the long run and you will receive a great deal at or below wholesale prices for a high purity bulk quantity of this product.

What are some of the common effects of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)?

Supplemental riboflavin is commonly used to treat and help prevent visual problems, eye fatigue, and cataracts. It seems to help with burning eyes, excess tearing, and decreased vision resulting from eye strain. Riboflavin is also used for many kinds of stress conditions, fatigue, and vitality or growth problems. For people with allergies and chemical sensitivities, riboflavin-5-phosphate may be more readily assimilated than riboflavin. Riboflavin is given for skin difficulties such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, and skin ulcers. B2 is also used in the treatment of alcohol problems, ulcers, digestive difficulties, and leg cramps, and supplementing it may be advantageous for prevention or during treatment of cancer. Although many studies are currently underway, there is, however, not much published research yet to support and back up these common uses.

What is the daily suggested dose of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)?

The RDA of vitamin B2 is based on weight, state of metabolism and growth, and protein and calorie intake, owing to the fact that riboflavin is related closely to energy metabolism. There are only small tissue reserves, and these may be lost when the calculated daily intake is lower than 1.2 mg. Women who take estrogen or birth control pills, people on antibiotics such as sulfa, and those under stress need additional amounts of riboflavin. Specific amounts must be determined for each individual. Riboflavin may be taken in amounts between 25 and 50 mg. Many B vitamin supplements offer 100 mg. per day of riboflavin, which may be excessive; 10 mg. daily is considered a good insurance level. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Riboflavin here.

Potential side effects of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

There are no known toxic reactions to riboflavin, though high doses may cause losses, mainly from the urine, of other B vitamins. Like most of the B vitamins, deficiency is a much greater concern. Some authorities claim that riboflavin, or vitamin B2, deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in America. But because of its production by intestinal bacteria, it may not cause symptoms as severe as other vitamin deficiencies. Insufficient levels of riboflavin are provided by diets that do not include riboflavin-rich foods such as liver, yeast, and vegetables; special diets for weight loss, ulcers, or treatment of diabetes; or the diets of people who have bad eating habits and consume mostly refined foods and fast foods. Riboflavin deficiency is more commonly seen in persons with alcohol problems, in the elderly and the poor, and in depressed patients.

Symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency include sensitivity or inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth; cracks or sores at the corners of the mouth, called cheilosis; a red, sore tongue; eye redness or sensitivity to light, burning eyes, eye fatigue, or a dry, sandy feeling of the eyes; fatigue and/or dizziness; dermatitis with a dry yet greasy or oily scaling; nervous tissue damage; and retarded growth in infants and children. Cataracts may occur more frequently with B2 deficiency. Hair loss, weight loss, general lack of vitality, and digestive problems are also possible with depletion or deficiency states of vitamin B2; these problems may begin when daily intake is 0.6 mg. or less.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin 5 Phosphate has almost no taste and will not readily dissolve in water, but it will thoroughly mix and suspend with water when stirred. You can add your usual dose to water, stir and drink, or you can add your Riboflavin 5 Phosphate dose to juice or smoothies.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Felovite II Vitamin Supplement, Schiff Products Vitamin B Complex, Nature's Way Vitamin B2, Ortho Vitamin B Complex, American Natural Vitamin B2, Avian Plus Vitamin & Mineral Supplement. Synonyms include 7,8-dimethyl-10 (1'-D-ribityl) isoalloxazine, B-complex vitamin, Dolo-Neurotrat, flavin, flavine, lactoflavin, riboflavine, vitamin B2, vitamin G. The most common forms of riboflavin available in supplements are riboflavin and riboflavin 5'-monophosphate. Riboflavin is most commonly found in multivitamin and vitamin B-complex preparations.

References & Further Research

Effects of multivitamin supplementation for improvement of thiamin, riboflavin, and retinol nutrition in pediatric patients
The effect of multivitamin supplementation on thiamin, riboflavin and retinol nutrition was studied in ten male chronic pediatric patients at Ramathibodi Hospital. Hospital diets improved vitamin nutrition of some patients but most of them still showed subclinical vitamin deficiencies. Improvement of vitamin nutrition was clearly shown in most patients after MTV supplementation. Multiple vitamin supplements should be prescribed in high-risk patients since there was no definite pattern of vitamin deficiencies in various diseases and early detection of vitamin deficiency was difficult to perform. The dosage between 1-2 times of RDA was considered adequate in most of our patients.

High-dose riboflavin for prophylaxis of migraine
Migraine is a serious problem in terms of morbidity and health care costs. In this study, the effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin (400 mg daily) was compared with placebo for migraine prophylaxis.The theoretical basis for using riboflavin is its ameliorating effect on the mitochondrial dysfunction that might be involved in the pathophysiology of migraine. A previous study of 49 patients treated with 400 mg daily of riboflavin showed a mean global improvement of 68.2%. Overall data suggests High-dose riboflavin (400 mg) is effective for migraine prophylaxis and appears to be safe and to have relatively few adverse effects.

Riboflavin and cancer: a review
The relationship of riboflavin to cancer is intriguing but many gaps remain in our knowledge. Several studies indicate thatriboflavin deficiency inhibits tumor growth in experimental animals and possibly in man, but the precise mechanisms involvedhave not been elucidated. Azo dye carcinogenesis in liver appears to be a special case in that riboflavin deficiency increasesthe potency of these drugs in tumor causation, probably in large measure because flavin cofactors are involved in their metabolic degradation. Riboflavin influences uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs in at least one instance (methotrexate) into neoplastic cells. The fact that folic acid metabolism depends upon flavin cofactors may have implications for the use of folate antagonists in cancer chemotherapy.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) for International Customers

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