Riboflavin

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B₂, is a vitamin found in food and consumed as a dietary supplement. It is essential to the formation of two major coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide. These coenzymes are involved in energy metabolism, cellular respiration, antibody production, growth and development, and have essential roles in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. The coenzymes are also involved in the metabolism of other vitamins – niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. Food sources include eggs, green vegetables, milk and other dairy products, meat, mushrooms, and almonds. Some countries require its addition to grains. As a supplement, it is used to prevent and treat riboflavin deficiency, may be given by mouth or injection, and is well-tolerated. Riboflavin deficiency is rare, although it does occur in time of chronic or acute under-nutrition, usually accompanied by deficiencies of other vitamins and nutrients.

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