Monday, April 27, 2009

The Importance of B Vitamins, Starting With Riboflavin!

What is riboflavin? How much riboflavin do you need? Where to get it?
Riboflavin, know as vitamin B-2, is a type of B vitamin with a key role in maintaining human health. It is a water-soluble (meaning it is flushed out of the body with water) vitamin that is stored in the body and must be replenished daily. Vitamin B-2 exists as a functional constituent of distinct coenzymes which are required by enzyme proteins for body cell functions. Vitamin B-2 participates in numerous pathways of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and in energy production in body cells through the processes of respiration (breathing). Substances such as pyruvic acid, alpha-ketoglutarate and branch-chain amino acids require B-2 to metabolize them to derivatives that play critical roles in generating energy from the diet.

Vitamin B-2 also participates in the metabolism and disposition of chemicals foreign to the body. Vitamin B-2 works with other B vitamins and is important for body growth and red blood cell production. Vitamin B-2 plays an important role in protecting against oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress is associated with riboflavin deficiency. Vitamin B-2 is essential in maintaining the levels of the cellular protective agent glutathione (GSH).

Dietary sources of vitamin B-2 include milk, eggs, almonds, spinach, asparagus, broccoli and enriched breads and cereals. The Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin B-2 for adults is 1.7 mg.

More on B vitamins tomorrow.

Blessings for a Glorious Day!

4 comments:

  1. Hi Susie,

    Snacked on some almonds today, had an egg with breakfast and added spinach in my dinner tonight, but don't know if I had my recommended amount. Is there a resource you can provide to know exactly how much 1.7mg is?

    Keep up the great work! I'm learning so much from you!

    Many Blessings....
    Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve

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  2. Hi Roxanne,

    Sounds like you eat a pretty healthy diet, keep up the good habits. To answer your question, there is a site you can go to for detailed nutritional facts on many foods, it is http://www.mypyramid.gov/, it is a very helpful resource.

    Hope this is helpful. Thank you for the encouragement.

    Have a great day

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  3. Hi Susie!

    I just spent nearly an hour on that site! It's filled with so much great info!

    Thanks for referring it. :-)

    Many Blessings....
    Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve

    ReplyDelete
  4. I glad you found it helpful, it's a great resource.

    Have a healthy day filled with great Blessings!

    ReplyDelete