Vitamin B2 / riboflavin

Also known as riboflavine, vitamin b-2, riboflavin-5-phosphate.

Last reviewed October 9, 2026 · Jump to references

What is Vitamin B2 / riboflavin?

In plain words

Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, is a vitamin found in foods such as milk, eggs, and fortified grains. Your body turns it into helper molecules that help release energy from food and protect cells from damage. Researchers study it for preventing migraines as well as correcting vitamin B2 deficiency. Its role as an essential nutrient is well established, but evidence for migraine prevention is more limited.

Technical definition

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential water-soluble vitamin composed of an isoalloxazine ring linked to a ribityl side chain; riboflavin-5′-phosphate is its phosphorylated form, also called flavin mononucleotide (FMN). The body converts riboflavin into FMN and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), cofactors that enable numerous enzymes to transfer electrons during energy metabolism and antioxidant defense rather than acting through a single receptor. In the United States, riboflavin is available as a dietary supplement and is used in food fortification; supplement availability does not imply approval to treat disease.

Educational information only. This page does not provide medical advice or determine whether a supplement is appropriate for you. Review supplements with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you take medication, are pregnant, have surgery scheduled, or have a chronic medical condition.

Evidence by use

Each use is rated on its own. There is no single overall effectiveness score.