Riboflavin (also called vitamin B2) is important for the function of red blood cells in our body and it helps us convert our food into energy (1). We can get it from a variety of food sources in our diet, including milk, cereal grains, and organ meats, like liver and kidneys. Even though it’s widely available in foods, our body doesn’t do a great job of storing it so it’s important to keep up our riboflavin levels. We include riboflavin in Future Proof for its energy benefit and overall support for normal function in the body’s cells.

Riboflavin plays an important role in breaking down macronutrients from our food and converting them into energy. People who are deficient in riboflavin may not be able to process the nutrients from their food properly.

Keeps blood rich with oxygen

Red blood cells transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. Riboflavin is essential for the process your body uses to make red blood cells. Increasing the amount of riboflavin can improve the circulation of oxygen-rich blood cells in the body. All of the body’s cells and tissues require oxygen to function properly (2). People who are deficient in riboflavin have trouble absorbing iron, which can lead to lower oxygen levels in the body.

Supports a healthy liver

Riboflavin has benefits for your skin and hair, but more importantly, it supports a healthy immune system (3). Riboflavin is an antioxidant, which helps your body deal with waste products called “free radicals.” Free radicals play a role in aging and can damage cells leading to problems like heart disease, diabetes, and other medical issues. Riboflavin works with glutathione, a powerful antioxidant produced in our cells, to destroy free radicals and can help detox the liver (4).

100% of the daily dose

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of riboflavin (vitamin B2) for adults is different between men and women. For men, 1.1 to 1.3 milligrams (mg) is recommended. For women, it’s 0.9 to 1.1 mg. In Future Proof, we include 1.3 mg, which is 100 percent of your daily dose.

Riboflavin is likely safe for most people. If your body has high levels, it might affect the color of your urine. In excessively high levels, it can cause liver damage.

Disclaimer: It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you take any type of supplement. And if you experience any negative side effects when you are taking one, contact a healthcare expert immediately.

References

1. Riboflavin: The Health Benefits of a Forgotten Natural Vitamin - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
2. Riboflavin Deficiency - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. Riboflavin Deficiency - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
4. Riboflavin Deficiency - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
5. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information