Vitamin B2 Guide

Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, helps your body use nutrients from food and supports healthy red blood cells and iron metabolism. Learn what it does and what to consider when choosing a supplement.

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

Is vitamin B2 the same as riboflavin?

Yes. Riboflavin is another name for vitamin B2.

What does vitamin B2 do?

Vitamin B2 helps with energy and nutrient metabolism and supports healthy tissues, red blood cells, and iron metabolism.¹

Does vitamin B2 support energy?

Yes. Riboflavin helps your body metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as part of normal energy production.¹

How much vitamin B2 do adults need?

Health Canada recommends 1.3 mg per day for adult men and 1.1 mg per day for adult women.²

What is vitamin B2?

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is an essential B vitamin your body needs every day. 

It helps your body use carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food and also supports healthy tissues, red blood cells, and normal iron metabolism.¹ 

How does vitamin B2 support the body?

Vitamin B2 helps your body turn nutrients from food into energy. It also helps maintain healthy tissues and mucous membranes.¹ 

Riboflavin also supports normal red blood cells and helps your body use iron properly.¹ 

Which health goals can vitamin B2 support?

Energy Support

Vitamin B2 helps your body metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as part of normal energy production.¹

Everyday Wellness

Riboflavin helps support healthy tissues, mucous membranes, and normal nutrient metabolism.¹

Red Blood Cell Health

Vitamin B2 helps maintain normal red blood cells and supports normal iron metabolism.¹

How can vitamin B2 fit into your routine?

Vitamin B2 supports everyday processes that help your body use food and maintain healthy cells and tissues. 

  • Eat a varied diet: Dairy, eggs, meats, and fortified grain products can contribute riboflavin. 
  • For everyday energy: B2 helps your body use carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food.¹ 
  • For healthy blood cells: Riboflavin supports normal red blood cells and iron metabolism.¹ 
  • Check your other supplements: B-complex formulas and multivitamins may already contain vitamin B2. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a vitamin B2 supplement?

Start with whether you need B2 on its own or as part of a broader B-vitamin formula.

  • Look for riboflavin: This is the standard name for vitamin B2.¹ 
  • Compare the amount: Standalone products may provide much more B2 than a multivitamin. 
  • Choose standalone or complex: Single-ingredient B2 provides targeted supplementation, while B-complex formulas combine several B vitamins. 
  • Check for overlap: Multivitamins and B-complex supplements may already provide riboflavin. 
  • Choose a format that fits: Jamieson’s standalone Vitamin B2 comes in tablets. 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

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FAQs
Is vitamin B2 the same as riboflavin?

Yes. Riboflavin is another name for vitamin B2. Health Canada recognizes riboflavin as the medicinal ingredient name for vitamin B2.¹

What does vitamin B2 do?

Vitamin B2 supports energy and nutrient metabolism, tissue formation, healthy mucous membranes, normal red blood cells, and normal iron metabolism.¹

How much vitamin B2 do adults need?

Health Canada recommends 1.3 mg per day for adult men and 1.1 mg per day for adult women. Needs increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding.²

Sources

1. Health Canada. Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated June 26, 2026.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=multi_vitmin_suppl 

2. Health Canada. Dietary Reference Intakes Tables: Reference Values for Vitamins.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables/reference-values-vitamins.html