How Vitamin B2 Aids Metabolism

The B complex vitamin, B2, is an essential nutrient that is also known by the name of riboflavin. It is a vital part of many of the chemical reactions that occur within the body, particularly those that occur in the metabolism of bioactive molecules and micronutrients.

To keep your metabolism running high, try to include some Vitamin B2 foods in your diet, such as soybeans and yogurt.

It is very easy to have a vitamin B2 deficiency, as it is regularly excreted through the urine, so it must be consistently maintained. Common symptoms of a deficiency of vitamin B2 include a lower blood count, seborrheic dermatitis, and sore throat. All of these symptoms are also associated with a higher risk of esophageal cancer. The medical condition that is caused by being vitamin B2 deficient, called chronic ariboflavinosis, is known to be linked to carcinogenesis, which is the development of cancer cells.

Though this all sounds quite frightening – as it should – the good thing about all of this is that it is easily correctable with the increased consumption of vitamin B2 from foods or supplements, and there are many other benefits from maintaining optimal levels of riboflavin, as well. Some foods that you can include in your diet that are naturally high in Vitamin B2 include liver, yogurt, soybeans, milk and spinach.

Aside from the more measurable symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency, it has also been associated with the deficiency of other vitamins and minerals as well, which can lead to an impairment of the intestinal absorption or liver functions. Without proper levels of riboflavin, your metabolism of many other vitamins – such as A, B3, B6, and B9, as well as other micronutrients that are water soluble – will drop significantly. Without proper metabolism of vitamins, your body will not operate as well, you will not digest as well, and you will not lose weight as efficiently or maintain weight as easily.

Moreover, the bioactive compounds that vitamin B2 helps to metabolize – which include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats – are also vital to health, which is why childhood development is highly affected by a lack of riboflavin.

Of course, this vitamin is also beneficial for boosting cellular energy. This means that it helps to increase the metabolism, as a whole, which can be very helpful to proper digestion, easier and faster weight loss, and proper weight balance once a goal weight has been achieved.

Another way that B2 helps with weight management is that it helps to decrease oxidation, which is the process caused by free radicals and which is typically reversed by antioxidants. By helping to minimize oxidation, cells are kept more healthy and function at their best performance.

Other Related Posts and Articles you May Find Interesting: “Ribose Natural Energy Enhancement”, “Weight Loss Vitamins in Your Diet”, “How Vitamin B12 Improves Weight Loss” and “Health Benefits of Niacin”.