What is the function of vitamin B2/riboflavin?
Ingested riboflavin is converted (phosphorylated) to FMN (flavin mononucleotide) and FAD (flavin adenine nucleotide) in the body. These processes are dependent on zinc, and are responsive to thyroid status. These two molecules function as part of the enzymes known as flavoproteins that function in reactions that involve oxidation-reduction. They also play important roles in many metabolic processes such as the citric acid cycle, the respiratory chain in the mitochondria and the many reactions that lead up to these processes. Deficiency of riboflavin is characterized by angular stomatitis, glossitis, and seborrhea. Hormones, drugs and nutritional factors can all affect the conversion of riboflavin to its active form. There is almost no riboflavin reserve, so a daily intake of riboflavin is essential.
