Riboflavin, more commonly known as vitamin B-2, may be found in tissues in the form of flavin, but little is present in the form of free riboflavin. Flavins are a class of enzymes which are characterized by having a isoalloxazine ring as a part of their structure. Two of the most common flavin coenzymes are that of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN). It is there isoalloxazine ring systems which allow them to accept electrons. These two riboflavin derivatives are often involved in electron transfer reactions.
What is the Function of Riboflavin?
Riboflavin is the primary, catalytical force operating within flavocoenzymes . It is riboflavin which participates in various oxidation-reduction reactions via numerous metabolic pathways. Flavin proteins, which are simply enzymes which contain a flavin coenzyme, may participate in either a one or two electron transfer. Riboflavin is a essential enzyme for energy metabolism and is responsible for processing various nutrients such as protein, carbohydrate, fat, and alcohol that all contain calories which assists in the formation of energy that can be used by the body in the form of ATP. Riboflavin is also important for normal eyesight and healthy skin. Riboflavin along with vitamin B1 and vitamin B3 serve numerous other biological functions.
There are various conditions which are associated with riboflavin deficiencies. One important function of riboflavin is in the normal growth, reproduction, repair, and development of body tissues including that of the skin, hair, nails, connective tissue, and immune system. One can easily see how such a deficiency could lead to a condition such as Ariboflavinoisis which is characterized by the weakness, sore throat, hyperemia, and edema of the pharyngeal and oral mucous membranes and various other physiological conditions.
Therapeutic Uses of Riboflavin.
The administration of Riboflavin is often used to alleviate the effects of Ariboflavinoisis. It is also used during treatments of neonatal jaundice with phototherapy. Various flavoenzymes have also been used in the development of chemotherapeautic therapies for malaria .
