Vitamin B2 and Weight Loss

Also known as Riboflavin, vitamin B-2 assists in cell function, growth and energy production and is found naturally in a balanced diet 5. As such, dairy products, eggs, grains, and green vegetables are sources of vitamin B-2, though meat is required to ensure adequate consumption 5. Though most healthy people are not deficient in vitamin B-2, those on a diet may need to add additional supplement to gain a sufficient amount of the vitamin 5.

How it Works

According to Stanford University researchers, vitamin B-2 works with coenzymes FAD and FMN, both of which assist in the function of the electron transport chain -- a process that creates energy for the body 45. This process includes FAD and FMN carrying, transforming and transferring electrons throughout the body. When consumed, vitamin B-2 alters these two enzymes, enabling them to perform their energy-producing role in our body 5. Without vitamin B-2, the body can lose energy if the deficiency is severe enough 5.

Vitamin B-2 and Thyroid Regulation

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Vitamin B-2 can positively affect weight control in a number of ways, including regulating the thyroid 5. The thyroid is a gland that regulates your metabolism, energy use and weight. As such, a healthy thyroid will help ensure that your weight remains stable and that you are able to engage in the exercise necessary to lose or maintain your current weight. The Environmental Illness Resource notes that vitamin B-2 helps in this way by assisting in the production of T4, the primary hormone produced by the thyroid 25. A vitamin B-2 deficiency can contribute to problems of underactive thyroid, ultimately leading to weight gain and other health problems 5.

Vitamin B-2 and Metabolism

Vitamin B-2 aids in the production of energy by helping to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins, a process that leads to storing energy in muscles 5. According to researchers at Stanford University´s Huntington Outreach Project for Education, B-2 assists in this process through its role in the electron transport chain, which ultimately leads to energy production. Your metabolism impacts the rate, at which you lose weight by regulating how your body creates and burns energy. Consequently, people with lower metabolism can burn calories at a slower pace than those with a higher metabolism.

RDI and Food Sources

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The recommended daily intake of vitamin B-2 is 1.3 milligrams for adult men and 1.1 milligrams for adult women 5. If you are pregnant you need 1.4 milligrams and 1.6 if breastfeeding. If you take a riboflavin or B-2 supplement, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it is best absorbed when taken between meals 4. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that some of the best food sources of vitamin B-2 are non-fat milk, almonds, boiled eggs, fortified wheat, boiled spinach and chicken 56. A 1-cup serving of non-fat milk contains 0.29 milligrams of vitamin B-2, or nearly 30 percent of the RDI, while a 3-ounce serving of cooked ground beef contains 0.15 milligrams, or just over 10 percent of the RDI 5.

Considerations

Vitamin B-2 can interact with medications prescribed for respiratory, bladder, or stomach disorders and cause an increase in vitamin B-2 absorption into the body 5. However, the effects of increased B-2 intake are not known to be detrimental. In contrast, anti-depressants can decrease the amount of B-2 in the body, so supplements may be necessary.