What is Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)?

B2, also known as Riboflavin, is a bright yellow natural chemical that is vital for healthy skin, eyes and hair and the function of our nervous systems. It can be found in eggs, most dairy products, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, almonds, legumes (beans, peas, and others), kidney and liver and is essential for our health.

What does it do?

B2 is a coenzyme, a type of molecule that helps many enzymes  – the catalysts that make chemical reactions in the body work – to function. These enzymes are mostly involved in the process of respiration, the breaking down of the foods we eat to harvest energy from them. A deficiency of B2 can cause chapped lips, oily skin rashes on some body parts, itchy eyes, and even anemia.

Is it safe?

Excess B2 can be toxic, but only when injected. Studies have shown that even extended use of B2, two hundred times higher than the recommended daily dose, caused no side effects. This is because our bodies are very good at not absorbing excess amounts, so it can be safely excreted.

Is it called anything else?

B2 is mostly called riboflavin or RBF, but it can also be called by its older name, vitamin G.