Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

What is it?

Riboflavin is a water soluble B vitamin. Once absorbed it is converted into its active form and only small amounts are stored.


Food sources

Main food sources are organ meats, yeast products (including vegemite), almonds, whetagerm, wild rice and mushrooms. Up to 75% can be lost through cooking.

Main actions

Riboflavin is involved in many different biological processes and is essential for maintaining good health. It is improtant in ATP production (for energy), essential for immune function and tissue repair and growth. It is an anti oxidant and activates vitamin B6 and folic acid.

Clinical use

Wound healing
Prophylaxis of migraine headache
Prevention of age related cataract formation through its anti oxidant action.

Important drug reactions

Oral contraceptives and tricylic antidepressants may increase the demand for vitamin B2