The metabolizing function of riboflavin makes it another energy giving nutrient. It’s involved in the metabolism of, and therefore, energy release from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It’s also involved in the breakdown of drugs and toxins in our body; anything from medications, to poisons and illicit drugs. Whether they enter our body intentionally or accidentally, vitamin B2 helps to clear them out.

As well as ridding our body of toxins, B2 also helps to scavenge free radicals. This is what antioxidants are famous for. While B2 is not an antioxidant in itself, it does help the antioxidants in our body to do their job. In particular, it helps to reduce the damage to our blood vessels and organs, and works to lessen any potential oxidative damage in our body.

As well as having its own job to do, riboflavin also helps with the function and supply of other B vitamins. Vitamin B6 and B3 (niacin), both need to be converted to their active state inside our body in order to do their job. Riboflavin is involved in both of these conversions. So too little riboflavin can also impact on our supply of vitamins B6 and B3.

Riboflavin is a water soluble vitamin; this means our body cannot store it in large, sustaining amounts. If we cannot store this vitamin, then any excess provided by our diet is excreted in our urine. This applies to vitamin supplements that provide more B2 than we can absorb at once. The best way to stay on top of our riboflavin intake, is to get a good daily dose from natural food sources and space our intake over the day.

A B2 deficiency is seen for one of two reasons; either we don’t get enough in our diet, or our body’s absorption of this vitamin is impaired. Impaired absorption is often the result of another underlying health problem.

Vitamin B2 is present in a wide variety of foods, so a deficiency is often the result of a poor or lacking diet in general. It’s seen more in malnourished populations, those with eating disorders, or in those with increased needs, like intense athletes or pregnant woman.

A B2 deficiency reduces our conversion of food to energy and this effects our overall energy levels. It also effects its interaction with vitamins B3 and B6. This impacts on the function of these B vitamins and further reduces our energy levels.

A more severe B2 deficiency can effect our eyes, causing them to become sore, itchy and have an increased sensitivity to light. It can also cause a sore and swollen, mouth, lips and tongue, mouth ulcers, a sore throat, plus dry skin around the face.