Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is precursor for coenzymes involved in a wide range of reduction-oxidation reactions of cell metabolism: energy production, drug metabolism, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Description:

Vitamin B2 is also known as riboflavin.

Function:

Vitamin B2 is precursor for coenzymes involved in a wide range of reduction-oxidation reactions of cell metabolism: energy production, drug metabolism, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Sources:

Legumes (alfalfa (lucerne), clover) & grass hays & grains. Biosynthesis by the gut flora.

Daily Requirements (NRC, 2007):

Less than 2 mg/kg dry matter ingested i.e. 2 to 2.5% of body weight.

Deficiency:

Rare in animals. Never documented in the horses.

Excess:

Has not been observed in horses.

When problems may occur?

Unsupplemented soya-based milk replacers may be deficient in riboflavin.