Vitamin B2 & You
You’ve heard of it. You know your body needs it. You may have already consumed some today. But what is Vitamin B2 and why is it so important for our health?
B2, also known by the name riboflavin, is one of eight B vitamins that are critical for the human body to function properly; it’s also a fortifying ingredient in our Kinetik Nanobite gummies. Riboflavin is what helps us do all the things we want to do, as it’s responsible for the energy that we send to various places in our body to accomplish tasks, automated or otherwise. While our bodies naturally make small amounts of B2 in our gut biome, we need to consume the vitamin through our food in order to properly convert food into energy. Because it is a water soluble vitamin, it is not reserved in the body but used instantly. [1] Similarly, a lot of its benefits can be lost from cooking/steaming or exposure to light, making the continued consumption of riboflavin crucial to ensure all systems are working properly. Pregnant or lactating women need to consume more B2 during gestation than normal, as the vitamin is essential for healthy fetal and child development. [2]
Fun fact: Riboflavin was originally isolated in 1879 as the yellow pigment in cow’s milk. Because of documented nutrient loss when exposed to sunlight, milk is no longer stored in glass bottles and is now contained most frequently in opaque containers. [2]
Building B2 into Your Diet
It’s difficult to overstate the necessity of B2 for maintaining health and wellness, since it’s a pivotal player in cellular function, growth, and development; and metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. [2] That being said, it’s not super difficult to get your daily recommended dose of B2, seeing as many main staples of our modern diet contain foods rich in riboflavin. Meat (especially organs,) some dairy products, leafy greens, and some grains and seeds contain big boosts of B2 for your body and brain. While riboflavin deficiency is rare in the United States, it does occur, and it can look like other nutrient deficits that cause anemia, skin rashes, and in certain cases, even cataracts. [2] Scientists have also linked adequate riboflavin consumption to health benefits like decreased risk of cataracts/vision problems, boosting immune response, mitigating migraines, and as a therapeutic supplement for cancer patients. [3]
All that, from one scrappy little vitamin. Pretty amazing, huh? In researching what vitamins do the most good for our overall wellness, B2 is a top contender. Since we know it’s important to not only treat the mind well, but to ensure our bodies are getting the vitamins, minerals, and plant-based supplements they need to function, we’ve taken the step to infuse nature’s powerful antioxidants like B2 in our own Nanobites–so your gummy gets you the good stuff your body needs, just like in the good old days when your vitamin was shaped like Barney Rubble.
Every tissue in our bodies needs B2 to survive. So, instead of groaning over that leafy green you still push around your plate as a full-grown adult, opt for your favorite foods rich in the miracle vitamin and enhance your daily balance with Kinetik’s vitamin-forward recipe. It will help to keep you healthy and keep you sharp.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is provided for general information and educational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.
References:
[1] Brazier, Yvette. “Benefits and sources of vitamin B2.” Medical News Today, March 2017.
[2] “Riboflavin–Vitamin B2.” Harvard School of Public Health.
[3] Suwannasom, et al. “Riboflavin: The Health Benefits of a Forgotten Natural Vitamin” International Journal of Molecular Science, January 2020.
