2023-12-05 01:00:26
Riboflavin is also called vitamin B2. It is vital for the body and is also needed to metabolize other vitamins. You can read more about the effect and function here.
Vitamin B2 belongs to the group of B vitamins and cannot be produced by the body itself. It is therefore supplied through food. Vitamin B2 is involved in a number of processes in the body. Here you can read interesting facts about the effects and functions of riboflavin.
What is riboflavin (vitamin B2)?
Vitamin B2 is also chemically called riboflavin and is a building block for enzymes. That is why the vitamin is necessary for many metabolic processes in the body. It belongs to the group of B vitamins and is therefore water-soluble. According to the German Nutrition Society (DGE), vitamin B2 is also sensitive to light.
Effects of riboflavin: Why does the body need vitamin B2?
According to the DGE, riboflavin is involved as a coenzyme in energy and protein metabolism, among other things. Vitamin B2 is also needed to metabolize other B vitamins, such as niacin, pyridoxine and folate. As the Society for Applied Vitamin Research (GVF) reports, riboflavin also acts as an antioxidant – similar to vitamin C.
Functions of riboflavin (vitamin B2) at a glance
As the DGE reports, the supply of riboflavin in Germany is good. It refers to data from the National Consumption Study II, which was published in 2006. According to the information portal Fisa, the National Consumption Study III has been running since 2015. It is scheduled to be completed in February 2025. Then there is also more current data. Although, according to the DGE, the vitamin supply in Germany is sufficiently covered by a varied diet, the dietary supplement market in Germany is booming. As the German Food Association reports, around 241 million packs of dietary supplements were sold in 2022. To ensure that manufacturers cannot advertise with empty promises, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) keeps a list of statements that have been scientifically confirmed. For riboflavin these are the following:
Riboflavin contributes to normal energy metabolism Riboflavin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal red blood cells Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal vision Riboflavin contributes to normal Iron metabolism in Riboflavin helps protect cells from oxidative stress Riboflavin helps reduce tiredness and fatigue
Vitamin B2: What is the daily requirement for riboflavin?
According to the DGE, the recommended daily intake depends on age and gender. Women have a slightly lower daily requirement than men. From the age of 19, men should consume 1.4 milligrams and women 1.1 milligrams. From the age of 51, the daily requirement drops by 0.1 milligrams. For young people between the ages of 15 and 19, the daily requirement increases to 1.6 milligrams for men and 1.2 milligrams for women. As the DGE reports, the intake is too low, especially in this phase of life.
When does riboflavin deficiency occur??
According to the DGE, a riboflavin deficiency is rare. Anyone who does not reach their reference values every day does not automatically suffer from a deficiency, according to the DGE. As the GVF reports, riboflavin deficiency “rarely occurs alone.” Anyone who suffers from a vitamin B2 deficiency would usually also suffer from other nutrient deficiencies. Signs include inflammation of the oral mucosa and scaly eczema. Foods high in riboflavin include dairy products, fish, eggs and whole grain products, but vegetables such as broccoli also cover a good portion of your daily requirements.
Can you overdose on riboflavin (vitamin B2)?
According to the DGE, excess riboflavin can be excreted in the urine. “In addition, if the intake amounts are high, the intestine cannot absorb everything, so it is excreted unused,” writes the DGE. There is therefore currently no evidence of harmful health effects in the event of an overdose. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has also not set maximum levels for riboflavin – neither from food nor from dietary supplements.
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