These flavin co-enzymes are of great importance for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins – furthermore for the pyridoxine, niacin, folic acid and vitamin K metabolism.Riboflavin is also significant for the regeneration of the “glutathione system”, which occupies a central position in the “antioxidant network” of the body: Glutathione reductase is an FAD-dependent enzyme that carries out the reduction and thus the regeneration of glutathione.Glutathione peroxidase – a selenium-containing enzyme – requires two molecules of glutathione to break down or neutralize an aggressive oxygen molecule, such as hydroperoxide. Attention!The gutathione redox cycle is one of the most important cycles in protecting the human body from aggressive oxygen molecules such as hydroperoxide.Riboflavin deficiency is thus associated with oxidative stress!Involvement in the important cytochrome P450 monooxigenase system (xenobiotic detoxification). Xanthine oxidase, another FAD-dependent enzyme, assists in the oxidation of hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid.Caution!Uric acid is one of the most important and potent water-soluble antioxidants in the blood. Riboflavin deficiency is associated with decreased activity of the enzyme xanthine oxidase, resulting in lowered uric acid levels in the blood.
