This vitamin is a important coenzyme for the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is also needed for the maintenance of skin and mucous membranes, and has a role in many oxidation-reduction reactions in the body. An oxidation reaction occurs when the oxidation number of a compound is increased and a reduction reaction occurs when the oxidation number decreases, thus a oxidation-reduction reaction is a reaction in which both oxidation and reduction both occur and is often abbreviated to redox.
Deficiency of this vitamin leads to skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis and inflammation of the soft tissue around the mouth and nose. Riboflavin is found in whole grain products, milk, meat, eggs and cheese.