Vitamin B2
Benefits of Vitamin B2
- Energy-yielding metabolism
- Vision
- Iron metabolism
- Protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Form: Riboflavin
- Food source: Asparagus, artichokes, avocados, currants, fortified cereals, lima beans, navy beans, peas, molasses, mushrooms, almonds, parsley, pumpkins, sage, sweet potatoes, spinach, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, watercress) and wholegrain breads.
What is Vitamin B2?
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a B vitamin with antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress is the state of having too many unstable molecules, known as 'free radicals', in the body. These molecules occur naturally, and the body works to keep them at a healthy level.
What does Vitamin B2 do?
Riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and to the maintenance of normal vision. Researchers have looked at the many roles of riboflavin in the body, including oxidative stress. Riboflavin is even used in eye research, where light-activated riboflavin is being studied as a way to strengthen collagen in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
Vitamin B2 is also important for the conversion of the food we eat into energy that we can use. Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Riboflavin also contributes to the normal metabolism of iron, an essential mineral in making red blood cells, and to the maintenance of normal red blood cells. Researchers have also looked at the role of vitamins, including riboflavin, in the gut microbiome, the living ecosystem of bacteria within our gut.
Learn more about the '7 key nutrients to support your eye health' and 'Tips for better eye health'. You may also enjoy reading 'What are prebiotics and probiotics?', 'How to beat chronic fatigue' and 'Foods to help support energy and reduce stress'. Discover the 'Best alternatives to caffeine'.
Carrot
We all know carrots are good for us and this is because they're packed with nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, that all work to benefit the health of your body.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 supports our brain function by helping transport messages through it, and in breaking down the foods we eat into energy which it supplies to the brain.
Vitamin B5
We need B Vitamins to convert the glucose we gain from food into energy. Missing out on B Vitamins means we can feel fatigued, suffer from low moods and irritability.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 contributes to energy production. It helps convert the food that we eat into energy that we use throughout our day.
Vitamin E
One of Vitamin E’s main benefits is that it acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants combat harmful ‘free radicals’ (unstable molecules), helping prevent damage to cell membranes.
Algae
Algae is one of the main starting points for omega 3 in the food chain and is the source of our Vegan Omega 3, vital for our heart, brain and eye health, and much more.
Amla Berry
Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, can help protect and soothe the oesophageal lining irritated by gastric acid.
Apple
Apples contain pectin which is a unique type of dietary fibre. Pectin is a soluble fibre that supports healthy and normal blood cholesterol levels, and studies also show it can help manage blood glucose.
