Vitamin B2
Introduction
Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin or Lactochrome, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in energy metabolism, nutrient utilization, growth, and maintenance of healthy tissues. It is a precursor of the coenzymes FMN and FAD, which are involved in numerous oxidation-reduction reactions and cellular energy production.
In animal nutrition, Vitamin B2 is an important component of vitamin premixes and complete feed formulations. Adequate supplementation helps maintain normal growth, feed utilization, tissue health, reproductive function, and overall animal performance.
CAS
83-88-5 — Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Molecular Formula
C17H20N4O6
Structural Formula
Riboflavin contains an isoalloxazine ring system linked to a ribityl side chain.
Physicochemical Properties
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is an orange-yellow to yellow crystalline powder with a characteristic odor and slightly bitter taste. It is stable in the dry state but is sensitive to light, particularly when present in solution. Riboflavin is only slightly soluble in water, more soluble under alkaline conditions, and practically insoluble in ethanol and ether.
Because of its light sensitivity, appropriate handling, storage, and formulation are important to help maintain product stability and vitamin activity.
Application
Vitamin B2 is widely used as a nutritional feed additive in poultry, swine, livestock, ruminants, and other animal nutrition applications. It plays an important role in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism and helps convert nutrients into usable energy.
Adequate Vitamin B2 supplementation helps:
- Support energy metabolism and efficient nutrient utilization
- Maintain normal growth and development
- Support healthy skin, mucous membranes, and tissues
- Maintain normal physiological and metabolic functions
- Support reproductive performance
- Help prevent Vitamin B2 deficiency
- Maintain overall animal health and production performance
Vitamin B2 is therefore an important component of animal feed, vitamin premixes, compound feed, and nutritional supplements.
