Riboflavin – The Overlooked Vitamin for Women
Missing an Essential Vitamin?
Did you know that the birth control pill doesn’t just affect hormone levels but also increases your need for riboflavin (Vitamin B2)? This nutrient is vital for your health and well-being, and a deficiency could even worsen side effects like migraines.
Why is Riboflavin So Special?
Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin involved in numerous critical processes. It supports energy metabolism and the immune system, protects cells from oxidative stress, and helps activate other important vitamins like vitamin D and folate. It’s also essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. For women, riboflavin plays an even bigger role, influencing hormonal processes.
Birth Control and Riboflavin Deficiency – What Happens in Your Body?
Taking the pill increases your need for riboflavin. Why? Hormones in the pill, such as estrogen, stimulate specific riboflavin-binding proteins that distribute the vitamin throughout your body, lowering blood levels. This “hormonally induced riboflavin scavenging” effect of the pill raises the risk of deficiency. Studies suggest that women with a riboflavin deficiency are more likely to experience migraines and may also feel other side effects of the pill more intensely.
Natural Riboflavin Sources for Your Diet
Riboflavin is found in many foods—but is it enough? The best sources include:
- Dairy products like cheese and yogurt
- Mushrooms like champignons and oyster mushrooms
- Legumes such as lentils and beans
- Fish like mackerel and pollock
- Whole grains and nuts
Women following a vegan diet or avoiding dairy are especially at risk of not getting enough riboflavin. Also, keep in mind that riboflavin is destroyed by light, so store these foods in the dark. Since it’s water-soluble, riboflavin can easily leach out during cooking, so be mindful of preparation methods.
Take Care of Your Health While Using Birth Control!
Birth control is a personal choice, but it shouldn’t compromise your nutrient levels. Maintain a balanced diet and consider supplementing your riboflavin intake—e.g. with Resilovit® pill, specially designed for women using hormonal contraception, providing 4.2 mg of riboflavin daily.
Your body will thank you!
