Vitamin B2 helps increase energy for the body.
Definition
Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, is one of the essential vitamins for many vital activities in the body.
Vitamin B2 is water-soluble and acts as an effective antioxidant, preventing harmful free radicals. Vitamin B2 works based on the mechanism: It splits into 2 coenzymes, FMN and FAD, which are present in the body’s cells, participating in metabolism and energy transformation.
Uses
Vitamin B2 participates in the process of metabolizing nutrients from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy for cells in the form of ATP. Therefore, vitamin B2 maintains the function of all organ systems in the body.
Some prominent benefits of vitamin B2 include:
- Antioxidant
- Enhancing energy metabolism, helping the body feel energized
- Helping the body absorb other nutrients and vitamins
- Reducing headaches/migraines
- Reducing anemia
Needs
Vitamin B2 needs in boys and adult males
- Boys aged 9 – 13 years: Need to supplement 900 mcg of vitamin B2 daily.
- Men aged 14 and older: Supplement 1.2 mg daily.
Vitamin B2 needs in girls and adult females
- Girls aged 9 – 13 years: Supplement 900 mcg of vitamin B2 daily.
- Girls aged 14 – 18 years: Supplement 1.0 mg of vitamin B2 daily.
- Women aged 19 and older: Supplement 1.1 mg of vitamin B2 daily.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is also safe to use during pregnancy if taken as directed at the recommended dosage. It is also safe for breastfeeding mothers and infants.
Supplement
Dietary Sources of Vitamin B2
You can consume vitamin B2-rich foods such as seaweed, liver, squid, beef or lamb, organic cheese, soy milk, eggs, etc.
Oral Vitamin B2 Supplementation (supplement tablets)
Vitamin B2 is water-soluble, so it will be better absorbed on an empty stomach. The best time to take vitamin B2 is in the morning with plenty of water, about 30 minutes before breakfast or 2 hours after eating.
Intravenous Vitamin B2 Supplementation (vitamin B2 IV therapy)
Another option is to administer vitamin B2 intravenously. In this way, vitamin B2 goes directly into the bloodstream and acts more quickly and powerfully.
This is one of the most effective ways to increase the amount of vitamin B2 in your body. Vitamin B2 enters the bloodstream directly from the syringe, so intravenous therapy (IV therapy) allows the body to absorb vitamin B2 immediately.
Side Effects
Urine may turn bright yellow when using vitamin B2; however, this will subside if vitamin B2 is discontinued. Generally, vitamin B2 is safe and rarely causes serious side effects.
Interactions
Vitamin B2 may affect and distort some test results. Make sure that the laboratory staff and all your doctors know that you are taking this vitamin if tests need to be performed.
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