Which vitamin is known for its role in energy production and metabolism?

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, plays a crucial role in energy production and metabolism. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-vitamin complex and is essential for converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. Riboflavin serves as a coenzyme in numerous biochemical reactions, including those involved in the metabolism of macronutrients and the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell.

In addition to its role in energy metabolism, riboflavin is important for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and nerve functions. It is also involved in the antioxidant defense system of the body by supporting the regeneration of other antioxidants.

While Vitamin B12 is also important for energy metabolism, particularly in the synthesis of red blood cells and maintaining nerve health, riboflavin specifically is directly involved in the energy-producing pathways of metabolism. Vitamin D is primarily known for its role in calcium metabolism and bone health, and folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, making it vital during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy. These roles, while significant, do not focus on energy production in the same way that riboflavin does.