riboflavin

noun

ri·​bo·​fla·​vin ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən 

ˈrī-bə-ˌflā-

: a yellow crystalline compound C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆ of the vitamin B complex that occurs both free (as in milk) and combined (as in liver) as a component of coenzymes (such as FMN) which are essential to normal metabolism

called also vitamin B₂

Examples of riboflavin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Greek yogurt is also typically rich in nutrients like vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium.20 Eating dairy foods and dairy protein, which primarily consists of casein and whey, has shown to be particularly beneficial for building muscle and reducing fat mass. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 1 July 2024

This can help meet your child’s vitamin and mineral needs including iron, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. —Toby Amidor, Ms, Rd, Parents, 1 July 2024

Milk is not a good source of vitamin C or other heat-sensitive vitamins, and pasteurization does little to reduce vitamin B2 or riboflavin, which is not as sensitive to heat. —Joel Komakech, The Conversation, 19 June 2024

For example, deficiencies in vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin D, riboflavin, and iron may be associated with hair loss, while calcium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins C, D, E, and zinc are important for joint health. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 17 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary ribo- + Latin flavus yellow — more at blue

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

riboflavin

noun

ri·​bo·​fla·​vin ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən 

: a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that helps growth and is found both free (as in milk) and combined with other substances (as in liver)

called also vitamin B₂

Medical Definition

riboflavin

noun

ri·​bo·​fla·​vin ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən, ˈrī-bə-ˌ 

variants also riboflavine

-ˌvēn 

: a yellow crystalline compound C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆ that is a growth-promoting member of the vitamin B complex and occurs both free (as in milk) and combined (as in liver)

called also lactoflavin, ovoflavin, vitamin B₂