Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, is a vital nutrient that plays an essential role in maintaining overall health, particularly in energy metabolism and cellular function. As a key component of the B-vitamin family, Riboflavin is crucial for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, facilitating the conversion of nutrients into usable energy for the body. Its impact on energy production makes it especially important for maintaining a healthy metabolic rate. Additionally, Vitamin B2 is instrumental in maintaining the health of the skin, eyes, blood cells, and mucous membranes, promoting good vision and skin health. It also aids in the absorption of other nutrients, particularly iron, and is essential for growth and development. Found in a variety of foods including milk, eggs, lean meats, green vegetables, and enriched grains and cereals, Riboflavin is readily available through a balanced diet.

Vitamin supplementation within 24 hours prior to blood draw may affect the accuracy of results.

Vitamin B2 is involved in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. The clinical manifestations of deficiency are non-specific.

Clinical manifestations include mucocutaneous lesions of the mouth and skin, corneal vascularization, anemia, and personality changes.

Common food resources:

Beef, fortified tofu, dairy, salmon, mushrooms, pork, spinach

Physiological Function:

Two very important coenzymes involved in energy metabolism are derived from riboflavin to participate in oxidation/reduction reactions.

Riboflavin is also essential for NOS enzyme (nitric oxide synthase) and glutathione reductase which regenerates glutathione, and which is very important for antioxidation/detoxification.

Two very important coenzymes involved in energy metabolism are derived from riboflavin to participate in oxidation/reduction reactions.

Riboflavin is also essential for NOS enzyme (nitric oxide synthase) and glutathione reductase which regenerates glutathione, and which is very important for antioxidation/detoxification.

Vitamin B2, measured in whole blood, is a vital biomarker for assessing nutritional status and guiding health interventions. Its importance in energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and cellular repair underscores the need for adequate riboflavin levels in the body. Whole blood testing offers a reliable and comprehensive reflection of long-term riboflavin status, making it a valuable tool in both clinical and preventive healthcare.

The Vitamin B3 marker on a blood panel, representing Niacin or Nicotinic Acid levels, is a critical indicator of nutritional health and metabolic function. Vitamin B3 plays a pivotal role in numerous cellular processes, primarily in energy production and the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. Its significance in the blood panel lies in its ability to regulate metabolism, particularly in converting nutrients into energy, making it essential for the maintenance of healthy skin, nerves, and digestive systems. Adequate levels of Vitamin B3 in the blood are crucial for preventing deficiency disorders like pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

Niacinamide is needed to metabolize foodstuffs into energy. Niacinamide is converted into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NADP, which function in oxidationreduction reactions essential for release of energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Niacin can also be synthesized by the body from tryptophan, although with low efficiency

Other names: Niacin / Nicotinamide / Nicotinic Acid

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is also referred to as vitamin B3.

Nicotinamide (nicotinic acid amide) is the derivative of niacin that is incorporated into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).

Food Sources:

The most concentrated sources of niacin are in animal products (pork), peanuts/peanut butter, tofu, and eggs.

Also consider food sources high in tryptophan *Enriched grains provide supplemental niacin.

Physiological Function:

Niacin is extensively involved in metabolic reduction reactions through NAD-NADPH pathways. Over 200 enzymes in the human body require niacin.

Other important major functions of niacin B include: fatty acid synthesis, ATP synthesis, DNA repair, lower cholesterol/LDL, aids in
circulation.

Vitamin B5, scientifically known as Pantothenic Acid, is a crucial nutrient whose levels are often measured in blood panels to assess overall health and nutritional status. As an essential component of coenzyme A, Vitamin B5 is fundamental in various metabolic processes, including the synthesis and breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This makes it vital for energy production and the proper functioning of several bodily systems. The presence of adequate Vitamin B5 levels in a blood panel is indicative of good health, as it supports adrenal function, aids in the production of red blood cells, and is essential for synthesizing cholesterol and certain hormones.

Vitamin B5 is part of the structural component of coenzyme A. It is also important for synthesis of red blood cells, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and vitamin D. Another significant function of B5 is to work with carnitine and CoQ10 for fatty acid oxidation/metabolism.

Vitamin B5 is part of the structural component of coenzyme A. It is also important for synthesis of red blood cells, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and vitamin D. Another significant function of B5 is to work with carnitine and CoQ10 for fatty acid oxidation/metabolism.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin involved in energy production, synthesis of hemoglobin, serotonin, dopamine, and amino acids, and other enzymatic reactions in the body. 

Vitamin B6 is needed to metabolize proteins and is important for a healthy immune system, nerves, bones and arteries. Vitamin B6 is a complex of three similar molecules: Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal and Pyridoxamine. All are present in foods and converted into to pyridoxal-5- phosphate, the most active coenzyme form. The primary functions of vitamin B6 are in protein metabolism, transferring amino acid and sulfur groups. Roles in synthesis of heme (for hemoglobin), niacin, neurotransmitters, connective tissues, eicosanoids, and sphingolipids in nerve sheaths are also essential. Vitamin B6 also participates in the utilization of glycogen and immune function.

The Vitamin B6 (Plasma) marker on a blood panel is an essential indicator of nutritional and metabolic health, reflecting the levels of Pyridoxine in the body. Vitamin B6 is crucial in numerous biochemical reactions, particularly in amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hemoglobin formation. It plays a significant role in cognitive development, immune function, and the regulation of mood, owing to its involvement in creating important neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Adequate levels of Vitamin B6 in the blood are indicative of good dietary intake and proper absorption, as the vitamin is found in a variety of foods, including poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, and bananas.

Vitamin B7, or biotin, is an essential nutrient with diverse roles in energy metabolism, gene regulation, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Though deficiency is rare, testing for biotin levels can be useful in certain clinical contexts, particularly when symptoms suggest a metabolic or nutritional imbalance. Awareness of biotin supplementation is crucial, especially for patients undergoing lab testing, to prevent test interference.

Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in various metabolic processes, particularly in supporting skin, hair, and nail health. In the context of an adult gut health test, Vitamin B7 serves as a marker that can offer insights into digestive health, nutrient absorption, and microbial balance in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.