Riboflavin丨CAS 83-88-5

1. Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Uses

Vitamin B Complex Supplements
Riboflavin is a key component of multivitamin and B-complex supplements, used to prevent and treat deficiencies caused by poor diet, malabsorption, chronic illness, or alcoholism.

Treatment of Riboflavin Deficiency (Ariboflavinosis)
Used to treat symptoms such as sore throat, cracked lips, inflammation of the tongue and mouth, and skin disorders.

Migraine Prevention
High-dose riboflavin (typically 400 mg/day) has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches, possibly due to its role in mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Anemia Support
Riboflavin supplementation is beneficial in certain types of anemia where red blood cell production or function is impaired, especially in conjunction with iron and folate.

2. Food Industry

Food Additive (E101)
Riboflavin is used as a coloring agent (yellow to orange-yellow) in a variety of processed foods, beverages, dairy products, and baby foods. It is especially used in products where a natural yellow pigment is desired.

Nutritional Fortification
Commonly added to fortified grains, cereals, and flours to ensure populations meet daily intake requirements, especially in countries with micronutrient deficiency concerns.

Animal Feed Additive
Riboflavin is supplemented in livestock and poultry feed to support growth, reproduction, and disease resistance.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care

Skin and Hair Health Products
Although not as common, riboflavin is sometimes used in cosmetic products aimed at improving skin texture and scalp/hair health, owing to its role in cell regeneration and energy metabolism.

4. Industrial and Research Uses

Microbial Growth Media
Riboflavin is a vital nutrient in biological media and cell culture, often used in labs to support the growth of microorganisms and cell lines.

Biochemical Studies
Serves as a coenzyme precursor in studies of oxidoreductases, flavoproteins, and various metabolic pathways.

Biotechnological Production
Certain strains of bacteria (e.g., Bacillus subtilis, Ashbya gossypii) are genetically engineered to biosynthesize riboflavin, offering an efficient, fermentation-based industrial production route.

✅ Energy Production and Metabolism

As FMN and FAD, riboflavin functions as a coenzyme in reactions critical to ATP production from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Essential for the activity of enzymes involved in the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain.

✅ Antioxidant Defense

Riboflavin supports the function of glutathione reductase, a key enzyme in cellular antioxidant protection, helping combat oxidative stress.

✅ Skin, Eye, and Nerve Health

Plays a protective role in maintaining healthy skin, vision, and nerve function.

Deficiency can lead to photophobia (light sensitivity), blurred vision, and skin eruptions.

✅ Supports Growth and Development

Riboflavin is especially important during periods of rapid growth (e.g., pregnancy, infancy, adolescence) for tissue repair and cellular function.

✅ Safe and Well-Tolerated

Riboflavin has low toxicity, and excess is excreted in urine, often causing a bright yellow color-a harmless and common effect of supplementation.