Vitamin B2 —Riboflavin, the Fat Burner

Vitamin B2 —Riboflavin, the Fat Burner

 

Riboflavin was discovered as a growth factor in the early nineteenth century. Riboflavin has a greenish-yellow color, which led to one of its early names, vitamin G.In 1935, riboflavin was first synthesized in the lab, and by 1938, its structure was determined. When it is taken in excess of needs, riboflavin is responsible for the bright yellow color of urine.

Riboflavin does its primary work as part of a coenzyme named Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD). Coenzymes derived from riboflavin are called flavins. Flavins are needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. One of the ways that the thyroid gland controls metabolism is by regulating riboflavin’s coenzyme activity. FAD is needed to prepare fatty acids for energy production in
the mitochondria of all cells.

Flavins derived from riboflavin play a vital role in the metabolism and elimination of toxins, drugs, carcinogens, and steroid hormones. One flavin, the coenzyme FAD is also needed in the reduction and oxidation cycle of glutathione. This glutathione reduction and oxidation cycle has a major role in protecting us from free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide. When glutathione protects us from free radical oxidation, it becomes oxidized. FAD is needed to reduce (recharge) the glutathione and return the glutathione to its protective state.

Riboflavin deficiency is associated with the increased oxidative stress that can be caused by free radicals. Adeficiency of riboflavin will reduce the efficiency of glutathione, an important antioxidant. In fact, measurement of glutathione reductase activity in red blood cells is used to assess the nutritional deficiency of riboflavin.

Another coenzyme made from riboflavin is Flavin MonoNucleotide (FMN). FMN is needed for the activation of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). This is one of the reasons that it is best to take all of the B vitamins together. Adeficiency of riboflavin prevents the activation of pyridoxine, so taking pyridoxine by itself is not a good idea. Riboflavin in the forms of FMN and FAD coenzymes is also required by the mitochondrial electron transport chain for energy metabolism. Riboflavin is also needed by the  tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle during energy production. This cycle has also been known as the Krebs cycle.