riboflavin
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun A water-soluble vitamin of the B complex, essential for human health. It is crucial for energy production, cellular function, and growth. It helps in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and is important for maintaining healthy skin and eyes.
Usage
"Riboflavin" is used as a countable or uncountable noun, typically in scientific, nutritional, and medical contexts to refer to the specific nutrient. * A diet deficient in riboflavin can cause health problems. * Milk and eggs are excellent sources of riboflavin. * The nutritional label shows the amount of riboflavin per serving.
Advanced Usage
- Biochemical Role: Often discussed in biochemistry for its role as a precursor to the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are involved in redox reactions.
- The enzyme's activity depends on the presence of the cofactor derived from riboflavin.
- Food Fortification: Refers to the process of adding this vitamin to food products.
- Many breakfast cereals are fortified with riboflavin and other vitamins.
Variants and Related Words
- Vitamin B₂: The other common name for riboflavin.
- Lactoflavin: An older name for riboflavin, derived from its discovery in milk.
Synonyms
- Vitamin B₂
- (In specific contexts) Lactoflavin
Notes on Different Meanings
"Riboflavin" has a single, specific meaning as a chemical compound and essential nutrient. It does not have other common metaphorical or idiomatic meanings.
Noun
- a B vitamin that prevents skin lesions and weight loss