Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

The two biologically active forms of B2 are flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), formed by the transfer of an adenosine monophosphate moiety from ATP to FMN (Fig. 1). FMN and FAD are each capable of reversibly accepting two hydrogen atoms, forming FMNH2 or FADH2, respectively. FMN and FAD are bound tightly, sometimes covalently, to flavoenzymes (for example, NADH dehydrogenase [FMN] and succinate dehydrogenase [FAD]) that catalyze the oxidation or reduction of a substrate.

Riboflavin deficiency is not associated with a major human disease, although it frequently accompanies other vitamin deficiencies. Deficiency symptoms include dermatitis, cheilosis (fissuring at the corners of the mouth), and glossitis (the tongue appearing smooth and dark). [Note: Because riboflavin is light sensitive, phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia  may require supplementation with the vitamin.]

Figure 1: : Structure and biosynthesis of the oxidized forms of flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide. ADP = adenosine diphosphate; PPi = pyrophosphate.