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What is Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) used for?

Kemiex is an all-in-one market information, purchasing and sales platform for animal and human nutrition raw materials. In the following series of articles, we will explain the functions and uses of products that can be found in the Kemiex marketplace. On this occasion, we are going to explain the benefits of Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin:

What is Vitamin B2 used for?

Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is essential for human and animal health. It is involved in several important physiological processes, including energy metabolism, cell growth, and the maintenance of healthy skin and eyes.

What are the main benefits of Vitamin B2?

Some of the key uses and benefits of Vitamin B2 include:

1. Improves Energy production:

Riboflavin plays a crucial role in energy metabolism by participating in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce energy.

2. Supports Skin, Eyes, and Nervous system health:

Vitamin B2 is necessary for the maintenance of healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system, and it is involved in the production of red blood cells.

3. Helps Inmune system health:

Riboflavin acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage by free radicals and other harmful substances. It also helps to prevent deficiency diseases, such as anemia and nerve damage, that can occur as a result of inadequate dietary intake.

4. Supports correct Brain function:

Vitamin B2 is important for brain function and helps to improve memory and concentration.

5. Helps Growth and development:

Riboflavin is necessary for growth and development, especially in young animals and during pregnancy.

It is important to note that adequate Vitamin B2 intake is necessary for good health, and a deficiency of Vitamin B2 can cause several health problems.

Which foods are the main sources of Vitamin B2?

Vitamin B2, or Riboflavin, can be found in a variety of foods, making it easy to get enough of this important nutrient through diet. Some of the best food sources of Vitamin B2 include:

1. Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich sources of Riboflavin.

2. Eggs: Eggs, particularly egg yolks, are good sources of the vitamin.

3. Meat: Beef, pork, and poultry are good sources of Riboflavin.

4. Seafood: Fish, such as salmon and trout, and shellfish, such as clams and oysters, are good sources of the vitamin.

5. Nuts: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts are good sources of Riboflavin.

6. Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are good sources of the vitamin.

7. Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, Swiss chard, and kale are good sources of Riboflavin.

8. Fortified breakfast cereals: Some breakfast cereals are fortified with Riboflavin.

9. Fortified bread and pasta: Some bread and pasta products are fortified with Riboflavin.

10. Mushrooms: Certain types of mushrooms, such as shiitake and crimini, are good sources of the vitamin.

It is important to note that Riboflavin can be lost when food is processed or cooked, so it is best to consume a variety of Riboflavin-rich foods to ensure adequate intake, and to choose minimally processed or uncooked foods whenever possible.

Recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin B2

The recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, varies based on age and gender. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the following are the RDIs for Riboflavin:

  • Infants: 0.3-0.4 milligrams (mg)

  • Children 1-3 years: 0.5 mg

  • Children 4-8 years: 0.6 mg

  • Children 9-13 years: 0.9 mg

  • Adolescents 14-18 years: 1.0-1.3 mg

  • Adults: 1.1-1.3 mg

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women: 1.4 mg

These values can vary depending on age, gender, and overall health status. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right amount of Vitamin B2 for your specific needs.

What are the main benefits of Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin for animals?

Vitamin B2 is essential for animals, just as it is for humans. It plays a vital role in various physiological processes in animals, including:

1. Growth and development: Vitamin B2 plays a role in the growth and development of tissues, especially the skin, eyes, and nervous system.

2. Energy metabolism: Riboflavin is involved in the conversion of food into energy, which is essential for overall health and growth in animals.

3. Antioxidant function: Riboflavin acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and prevent cellular damage.

4. Healthy skin and eyes: Vitamin B2 is essential for maintaining healthy skin and eyes and is often used in the treatment of skin conditions, such as seborrhea, and eye conditions, such as cataracts.

5. Reproduction: Riboflavin is important for normal reproductive function in animals and is essential for the production of hormones and other important substances.

6. Stress management: Riboflavin helps to regulate stress hormones and reduce the effects of stress on the body.

It is important to ensure that animals receive adequate amounts of Vitamin B2 through their diet or supplementation to support their overall health and well-being.

Where to buy bulk Vitamin B2 and get market information?

In Kemiex, we offer a safe and private online environment to buy and sell raw materials for the Feed, Food, Vet, and Pharma industries. We also offer market information such as Price Trends, Trade Flows and Market News for all the micro-ingredients of the mentioned industries.