Riboflavin

Riboflavin is a water-soluble B complex vitamin. It is found in whole grains, green vegetables, dairy products, and most multivitamins. Like other water soluble vitamins, your body does not store adequate amounts of riboflavin. It must be consumed daily to meet the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 1.3 mg of riboflavin per day (ages 4+).^†

FAD & FMN

More than 90% of the riboflavin in your body is in the form of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN). Riboflavin is a critical component of these coenzymes. Without it, they could not function. FAD and FMN are called flavoproteins or flavoenzymes (‘flavo’ means they require riboflavin). The flavin ring of riboflavin has a bright yellow color. Interestingly, it is the flavin ring in riboflavin that lends to the bright yellow or yellow/orange urine that can accompany riboflavin supplementation.^†

FAD/FADH plays a huge role in energy production via the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. By transporting electrons from the Krebs cycle to the electron transport chain (ETC), FAD is central to energy production. Both FAD and FMN participate in liver detoxification reactions as a cofactor for cytochrome P-450 enzymes.^†

FMN is another name for riboflavin-5’-phosphate. It plays a key role in multiple enzymes including the transformation of NADH to NAD+ which is needed in many places where an electron must be passed on for important functions in the cell. Without NADH dehydrogenase, and FADH (which are both reliant on riboflavin to function), the electron transport chain could not produce ATP and the cell would die.^†

MTHFR gene mutations

Riboflavin is required for optimal MTHFR function. Likewise, when riboflavin levels are reduced, so is MTHFR enzyme function. Research indicates that improving riboflavin status may improve the activity of MTHFR.^†

The MTHFR gene (and the enzymes it produces) are slow functioning in about 50% of the population. Those affected may struggle to convert folate into its active form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Methylfolate goes on to donate its methyl groups for methylation processes. Without adequate riboflavin, methylfolate cannot be produced. This can worsen MTHFR gene mutation expression.^†

Homocysteine breakdown

Dysfunctional MTHFR enzymes can also lead to elevated homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular issues. MTHFR is a flavoenzyme. It requires riboflavin to convert 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate into 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. The latter serves as a methyl group donor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.^†

Slow MAOA

Riboflavin is also a cofactor for the MAOA enzyme. This enzyme helps to metabolize serotonin, dopamine, and other catecholamines. MAOA function can be slowed due to genetic mutations. This can lead to issues in breaking down certain neurotransmitters. The end result may be irritability and restless feelings. Those with slow MAOA function may benefit from riboflavin support.^†

Antioxidant functions

Glutathione acts as your body’s master antioxidant. The enzyme glutathione reductase (GR) requires riboflavin as a cofactor. This FAD-dependent enzyme recycles glutathione after its been used. Recycling glutathione back into its reduced, active form allows it to be reused in redox and detox reactions.^†

Tryptophan metabolism

The niacin-containing coenzymes, NAD and NADP, can be synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. Their synthesis requires a FAD-dependent enzyme called kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO). Riboflavin deficiency can lead to niacin deficiency by decreasing the conversion of tryptophan to these important niacin-dependent coenzymes. Riboflavin deficiency has been shown to lead to the decreased conversion of tryptophan to niacin.^†

Seeking Health’s Riboflavin delivers a potent dose of riboflavin in a vegan-friendly capsule. It provides both a pre-phosphorylated form and a phosphorylated riboflavin called riboflavin 5’-phosphate (R-5-P).

The R-5-P form is known as the active and superior form of riboflavin. In order for your body to convert riboflavin into the active form of R-5-P, it requires the phosphorylation of riboflavin which necessitates ample ATP and functional enzymes. This formula features a potent amount of R-5-P to provide extra support those who struggle to convert riboflavin into its active form.^†

If you’re looking to support healthy vitamin B2 levels, look no further than Riboflavin capsules by Seeking Health.^†