Healthy foods are rich in riboflavin, and ripe with the ability to metabolize fat for energy. You’ll know when the vitamin makes its way through your system by the bright yellow color of your urine.
Why do we need riboflavin?
Riboflavin is another name for vitamin B2. It is integral to energy production, antioxidant protection and iron metabolism.
· All B vitamins are important to energy production; vitamin B2 is no exception. In this case, the vitamin plays dual roles. Vitamin B2 assists the electron transport chain and supports the metabolism of fat molecules. It is also significant to other energy-producing nutrients, like folate or vitamin B6.
· When it comes to antioxidant protection, vitamin B2 is necessary for the recycling of the body’s key antioxidant, glutathione. The body is best defended from free radicals when foods high in antioxidants are incorporated. Spinach and broccoli are healthy options with a high vitamin B content.
· It is believed that anemia can result from vitamin B2 deficiency. Some researchers feel that a reduced amount of the vitamin keeps iron from being transported from where it is stored to the cells. Others believe that iron absorption is impaired by vitamin B2 deficiency.
How do you get more Vitamin B2 in your diet?
Most Westerners obtain about a fourth of what they need from dairy products. There are other beneficial foods as well. Almost all the food groups contain good vitamin B2 options. Try crimini mushrooms, turkey, bell peppers, and eggs for a B2 boost.
Deficiency is uncommon in the US unless you are being medicated for cancer or AIDS, or are an adolescent young woman, a group that tends to reduce intake amounts of milk and vegetables.
There is also almost no risk of toxicity. Researchers have supplemented 20 times the recommended amount of vitamin B2 and recorded no ill effects.
Read the full article here: Vitamin B2 – riboflavin
