What is Vitamin B2 (Vitamin B2)?
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a water-soluble B-group vitamin and plays a fundamental role in energy metabolism and many redox reactions as a precursor to the coenzymes FMN and FAD. It is also involved in the metabolism of other B vitamins (e.g., B6, folate) and is known for its characteristic yellow color.
- CAS number (main form): 83-88-5
- Molecular formula: C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆
- Forms in the catalog: Riboflavin, Xinfa Pharma, Riboflavin 5 Phosphate, Danashmand, Riboflavin 5 Phosphate, Jiangxi Lianlu
What is Vitamin B2 used for? Why is it used?
Riboflavin is at the center of energy production and cellular redox balance through the FMN and FAD coenzymes, and is one of the B vitamins with the highest number of EFSA-approved health functions in Europe. Since the body stores it in small amounts, regular intake is required. Its water-soluble nature and low toxicity support safe use.
Forms and Differences
Vitamin B2 is available in different chemical forms; the choice of form is made based on bioavailability, stability, and intended use:
- Riboflavin (free form): This is the standard, pure form of Vitamin B2. It is a yellow-orange powder with limited water solubility and is light-sensitive. It is also used as a coloring agent with the food additive code E101.
- Riboflavin-5'-phosphate (R5P / sodium riboflavin-5'-phosphate): This is the phosphorylated, biologically active form of riboflavin (close to the coenzyme FMN). It is more water-soluble than free riboflavin; therefore, it is preferred in liquid formulations and for those seeking a more easily usable form. It is coded as additive E101(ii).
- Riboflavin (fermentation-derived, food grade): This is food/supplement-grade riboflavin produced via microbial fermentation; it is the standard commercial form widely used in fortification and supplement production.
Use in Food Supplements
- Preference for active form (R5P): Riboflavin-5'-phosphate is closer to the active coenzyme form used by the body and is more water-soluble; it is preferred by those who wish to skip the conversion step or for liquid product formulations.
- Dosage: The daily requirement is low (NRV 1.4 mg). Supplements generally contain doses above this value; being water-soluble, excess is excreted in urine.
- Yellowing of urine (harmless): It is normal and harmless for urine to turn bright yellow with high doses of riboflavin; this is an indicator that excess vitamin is being excreted.
- Use within B-complex: Riboflavin is often included in B-complex formulations together with other B vitamins to support energy metabolism.
Use in the Food Industry
- Food colorant (E101): Riboflavin (E101) and riboflavin-5'-phosphate (E101(ii)) are natural colorants used to give a yellow-orange color to foods; they provide both color and nutritional value.
- Food fortification: Added as a source of B2 to increase nutritional value in flour, cereal products, dairy products, and fortified beverages.
Effects on Health
Vitamin B2 plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Normal energy-yielding metabolism: EFSA approved: Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Normal function of the nervous system: EFSA approved: Riboflavin contributes to the normal function of the nervous system.
- Red blood cells and iron metabolism: EFSA approved: Riboflavin contributes to the protection of normal red blood cells and normal iron metabolism.
- Vision and skin/mucosa health: EFSA approved: Riboflavin contributes to normal vision and the protection of normal skin and mucous membranes.
- Protection from oxidative stress: EFSA approved: Riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
- Reduction of tiredness: EFSA approved: Riboflavin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Usage Limits in Food Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): NRV: 1.4 mg (EU Reg. 1169/2011, Annex XIII).
- Upper Tolerable Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA/SCF and the US IOM have NOT SET a numerical Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for riboflavin; existing data are insufficient to derive a UL and there are no reports of adverse effects. It is water-soluble and excess is excreted in urine (aside from yellowing of urine).
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): In Turkey, riboflavin is an authorized nutrient under the Regulation on Food Supplements; the maximum daily amount is applied according to label declaration. Since no verified single numerical upper limit was found, it has not been fabricated.
R5P (riboflavin-5'-phosphate) is closer to the active coenzyme form and is more water-soluble than free riboflavin; it offers solubility/form advantages rather than a difference in efficacy.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | 98.0%-102.0% |
| Appearance | Yellow Orange Crystalline Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Water Soluble |
| E Code | E101 |
Scientific Studies
The following independent studies relate to the bioavailability, use, and effects of this vitamin (study types are indicated):
- PubMed 37603429 — Causes and clinical consequences of riboflavin deficiency (review)
- PubMed 30680745 — Riboflavin metabolism disorders (review)
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Vitamin B2.
References
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- ods.od.nih.gov
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and does not aim to diagnose or treat diseases.