Which micronutrient plays a key role in energy production?

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is essential for energy production in the body. It plays a critical role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins by assisting in the conversion of food into energy. Riboflavin serves as a precursor to coenzymes—flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)—which are integral to various biochemical reactions, including those involved in the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain. These processes are pivotal for cellular energy generation.

In contrast, while carbohydrates and fats are macronutrients that provide energy, they do not represent micronutrients, which are essential vitamins and minerals required in smaller amounts. Vitamin K is primarily involved in blood clotting and does not play a direct role in energy production. Thus, the focus on Vitamin B2 as a key micronutrient in energy metabolism underscores its crucial role in facilitating processes that enable the body to produce and utilize energy effectively.