Japanese pharma firm Eisai has added a new vitamin B2 supplement to its established Chocola BB range.
Chocola BB Plus, which also contains B1 and B6 in larger quantities than its other supplements, is targeted at skin health, said to alleviate skin roughness, acne, stomatitis, and also soothe physical fatigue.
The vitamin B2, in the form of activated phosphate riboflavin sodium, is easily absorbed, and comes in a reduced size tablet, says Eisai, Japan's fourth largest drug maker.
The new supplement is designed to respond to consumer needs, reflected in a recent survey - 60 per cent of women who take vitamin tablets reported suffering from skin roughness, acne, stomatitis and fatigue, claimed the company.
The tablets are coated with a natural orange colouring and dispensed in a convenient one-touch cap.
The Chocola range, first launched 50 years ago, is forecast to be worth around Y10 billion (€74m) this fiscal year. Eisai also makes the Juvelux series of natural vitamin E preparations, cosmetics, toiletries and natural food additives.
Earlier this year, Japanese researchers discovered a new B vitamin, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), that may have an important role in immune response and fertility.