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What Is Vitamin B2?
Most nutritionists in the 1920s believed that there were only two unidentified essential nutrients -- a fat-soluble A and a water-soluble B. Soon, however, they found there was a second water-soluble B compound waiting to be identified.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Milk is a good source of vitamin B2, or riboflavin. |
While nutritionists zeroed in on the yellow substance in food, biochemists studied a yellow enzyme found to be essential for the body's energy needs. Biochemists were eventually able to separate the enzyme into two parts: a colorless protein and a yellow organic compound that turned out to be the riboflavin itself. This was the first clue scientists had that there is more than one B vitamin.
Functions of Vitamin B2
Riboflavin acts as a coenzyme -- the nonprotein, active portion of an enzyme -- helping to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in order to provide the body with energy. Riboflavin doesn't act alone, however; it works in concert with its B-complex relatives, particularly B6 (pyridoxine). Riboflavin also has a role in the metabolism of other vitamins.
Riboflavin has a connection to glutathione, one of the enzymes that rids the body of free radicals. It helps in the regeneration of this beneficial compound.
Riboflavin has many health benefits -- it is thought to decrease migraines, help prevent cataracts, and even alleviate sickle-cell disease. Keep reading to learn more about riboflavin's therapeutic value.
Riboflavin is just one of many vital nutrients your body needs for overall health. Visit the links below to learn more about these essential vitamins.
- In How Biotin Works, learn how biotin acts as a coenzyme in several metabolic reactions, such as the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.
- Read How Folate Works to learn about folacin, folic acid, and folate and how a folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia.
- Vitamin B12, also called cyanocobalamin or cobalamin, is essential because it assists folate in making DNA and RNA. Read more in How Vitamin B12 Works.
- Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is good for more than just easing the common cold. Learn more in How Vitamin C Works.
- Vitamin D is necessary to hold of rickets, but if you get enough sunshine, your body can make its own vitamin D supply. Learn more in How Vitamin D Works.
- To learn about the many vitamins in our diet, how much you should be eating, and where to find them, go to our general Vitamins page.
- To find the best prices on vitamin B2 supplements, click here.
