From the Guidelines
Vitamin B2 plays a crucial role in B6 metabolism by facilitating its conversion to its active form through the enzyme pyridoxine phosphate oxidase, which requires flavin mononucleotide (FMN) as a cofactor, as stated in the espen micronutrient guideline 1. The relationship between vitamin B2 and B6 metabolism is complex, with B2 being essential for the conversion of B6 to its active coenzyme form, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP). This is because riboflavin is involved in the metabolism of other B vitamins, including B6, and is required for the normal functioning of pyridoxine phosphate oxidase, an enzyme that converts pyridoxine to PLP 1. Some key points to consider include:
- Riboflavin is involved in redox reactions and antioxidant functions, as well as energy production and the metabolism of other B vitamins, including B6 1.
- The enzyme pyridoxine phosphate oxidase, which requires FMN as a cofactor, is essential for the conversion of pyridoxine to PLP, highlighting the importance of B2 in B6 metabolism 1.
- A deficiency in B2 can lead to functional B6 deficiency, even when B6 intake is adequate, due to the impaired conversion of pyridoxine to PLP 1.
- Adequate intake of both vitamins, either through diet or supplementation, is necessary for optimal B vitamin metabolism, with B2 supplementation potentially improving B6 status in some individuals 1.
From the Research
Effect of B2 on B6 Metabolism
- The provided studies do not directly address the effect of B2 on B6 metabolism [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
- However, it is known that B vitamins, including B2 and B6, are closely inter-related and play essential roles in cellular functioning [ 5 ].
- B6 is involved in over 150 biochemical reactions, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids [ 2 ].
- B2, on the other hand, is part of the B-complex vitamins that must be taken from the diet, with the exception of vitamin B3, which can also be synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan [ 4 ].
- While the studies do not provide direct evidence of the effect of B2 on B6 metabolism, they suggest that adequate levels of all B vitamins, including B2 and B6, are essential for optimal physiological and neurological functioning [ 5 ].