Riboflavin (E101), also known as vitamin B2, is an easily absorbed, water-soluble micronutrient with a
key role in maintaining human health. Like the other B vitamins, it supports energy production by aiding
in the metabolising of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B2 is also required for red blood cell
formation and respiration, antibody production, and for regulating human growth and reproduction. It is
essential for healthy skin, nails, hair growth and general good health, including regulating thyroid
activity.
Riboflavin also helps in the prevention or treatment of many types of eye disorders, including some cases
of cataracts. It may assist bloodshot, itching or burning eyes and abnormal sensitivity to light.
Milk, cheese, leafy green vegetables, liver, yeast, almonds and mature soybeans are good sources of
Vitamin B2, but exposure to light will destroy the Riboflavin in these natural sources. Any excess is
excreted in the urine and as the human body does not store riboflavin it is thought deficiency is
common.
In processed foods it is very likely to have been produced synthetically using genetically modified
Bacillus subtilis, altered to both increase the bacteria's production of riboflavin and to introduce an
antibiotic (ampicillin) resistance marker.
Riboflavin is yellow or orange-yellow in colour and in addition to being used as a food colouring it is
also used to fortify some foods. It can be found in such foods as baby foods, breakfast cereals, sauces,
processed cheese, fruit drinks and vitamin-enriched milk products as well as being widely used in vitamin
supplements.
It is difficult to incorporate Riboflavin into many liquid products as it has poor solubility. Hence the
requirement for E101a Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate, a more expensive but more soluble form of Riboflavin
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