The word "riboflavin," which refers to a type of vitamin B2, is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˌraɪ.boʊˈfleɪ.vɪn/. The first syllable is pronounced with an elongated "i" sound and stress on the second syllable. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound, followed by an elongated "a" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with emphasis on the "v" sound, followed by a short "i" sound and a soft "n" sound.
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the class of B vitamins. It is naturally found in various foods and is necessary for overall human health. Riboflavin is involved in several vital metabolic processes within the body.
As a coenzyme, riboflavin plays a crucial role in the production of energy by participating in numerous enzymatic reactions, particularly in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Without riboflavin, these metabolic processes would not proceed efficiently.
Additionally, riboflavin functions as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Its antioxidant properties contribute to maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and red blood cells.
Since the body does not store significant amounts of riboflavin, it must be obtained regularly from dietary sources. Good sources of riboflavin include dairy products, eggs, lean meats, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency, although rare, can include fatigue, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and inflammation of the skin and eyes. Severe deficiencies may lead to conditions such as ariboflavinosis, characterized by a range of symptoms affecting the skin, eyes, and mouth.
Supplementation of riboflavin may be necessary for individuals with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions that prevent sufficient intake through food alone.
The word "riboflavin" is derived from the combination of "ribose" and "flavin".
The term "ribose" refers to a sugar molecule that plays a crucial role in the structure of RNA (ribonucleic acid). Ribose was named after the Latin word "rib(us)", which means "strength".
The term "flavin" is derived from the Latin word "flavus", which means "yellow", referring to the yellow color of the compound. Flavin compounds are a class of molecules that are yellow in color, and they include flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD).
When ribose and flavin compounds were combined to form the name of this vitamin, the resulting term became "riboflavin", indicating that it is a yellow-colored compound derived from ribose.