Riboflavin 5'-phosphate, also known as flavin mononucleotide (FMN), is a phosphorylated form of riboflavin (vitamin B₂) and serves as a coenzyme in various metabolic reactions in the body. It is essential for energy metabolism and cellular health. Here are some of the main uses and benefits of Riboflavin 5'-phosphate.

Energy Metabolism. Riboflavin 5'-phosphate is involved in the energy production process at the cellular level, facilitating the conversion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Eye Health Support. This form of vitamin B₂ is important for maintaining eye health (1) and may help prevent conditions such as cataracts.

Antioxidant. It acts as an antioxidant (2), protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and supporting overall body health.

Improved Absorption. The phosphorylated form of riboflavin is more readily absorbed (3) by the body compared to unmodified riboflavin, making it particularly effective as a supplement.

Skin Health. It contributes to maintaining healthy skin (4), helping to prevent issues like eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.

Conversion into Coenzymes. In the body, Riboflavin 5'-phosphate is easily converted into FMN and FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide), coenzymes crucial for numerous biochemical reactions.

Supplements and Fortified Foods. It is often used in dietary supplements and fortified foods to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin B2, especially in diets with nutritional deficiencies.

Riboflavin 5'-phosphate plays a key role in supporting energy metabolism and promoting health at the cellular level, being an essential component of a balanced diet and nutritional supplementation regimens.

Chemical Industrial Synthesis Process

• Biochemical Synthesis. The production of Riboflavin 5'-phosphate begins with the synthesis of riboflavin (vitamin B₂) through fermentation processes using specific microbial strains. The obtained riboflavin is then converted into Riboflavin 5'-phosphate through a phosphorylation reaction.
• Purification. After synthesis, the crude Riboflavin 5'-phosphate is purified to remove impurities and by-products of the reaction. This may include filtration, crystallization, and chromatography processes to achieve a high-purity product.
• Quality Control. The purified Riboflavin 5'-phosphate undergoes rigorous quality control checks to ensure it meets the purity and safety standards required for use in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and as a food additive. These tests can include spectroscopic, chromatographic, and microbiological analyses.
• Formulation. Depending on the end use, Riboflavin 5'-phosphate can be formulated into different preparations, such as powders, solutions, or tablets, or incorporated into food and pharmaceutical formulations.

It appears in the form of a white powder

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Belin MW, Lim L, Rajpal RK, Hafezi F, Gomes JAP, Cochener B. Corneal Cross-Linking: Current USA Status: Report From the Cornea Society. Cornea. 2018 Oct;37(10):1218-1225. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000001707. 

Abstract. The initial published clinical report on riboflavin/ultraviolet A corneal cross-linking (CXL) for treatment of progressive keratoconus dates back to 2003. CXL has since then been widely used outside the United States for treatment of progressive keratoconus and post-laser in situ keratomileusis ectasia. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Avedro Inc.'s corneal cross-linking system (KXL) for treatment of patients with progressive keratoconus and post-laser in situ keratomileusis ectasia in April 2016. The procedure is not currently approved for stable keratoconus. There are 2 FDA-approved topical ophthalmic solutions for use in CXL. Riboflavin 5'-phosphate in 20% dextran ophthalmic solution 0.146% (Photrexa Viscous) and Riboflavin 5'-phosphate ophthalmic solution 0.146% (Photrexa) are intended for use with the KXL system. Photrexa Viscous is used in all CXL procedures, whereas Photrexa is indicated for use when the corneal stroma is thinner than 400 µm after completion of the Photrexa Viscous induction period. The FDA-approved procedure using the Dresden protocol (UV-A, 3 mW/cm for 30 min) induces cytologic and morphologic changes in the anterior 250 to 300 µm of the corneal stroma. It has been believed that a minimum thickness of 400 μm was necessary to protect the corneal endothelium from potential damage. The CXL procedure using the standard Dresden protocol is established as the gold standard for treatment of progressive keratoconus. CXL treatment is indicated for a list of conditions ranging from corneal ectasia to infectious keratitis. Newer protocols, treatment regimens, and expanded indications will require further refinements, investigations, and long-term studies.

Ostacolo C, Caruso C, Tronino D, Troisi S, Laneri S, Pacente L, Del Prete A, Sacchi A. Enhancement of corneal permeation of riboflavin-5'-phosphate through vitamin E TPGS: a promising approach in corneal trans-epithelial cross linking treatment. Int J Pharm. 2013 Jan 20;440(2):148-53. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2012.09.051. Epub 2012 Oct 6. PMID: 23046664.

(2) McNulty H, Pentieva K, Ward M. Causes and Clinical Sequelae of Riboflavin Deficiency. Annu Rev Nutr. 2023 Aug 21;43:101-122. doi: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-061121-084407. 

Abstract. Riboflavin, in its cofactor forms flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), plays fundamental roles in energy metabolism, cellular antioxidant potential, and metabolic interactions with other micronutrients, including iron, vitamin B6, and folate. Severe riboflavin deficiency, largely confined to low-income countries, clinically manifests as cheilosis, angular stomatitis, glossitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and severe anemia with erythroid hypoplasia. Subclinical deficiency may be much more widespread, including in high-income countries, but typically goes undetected because riboflavin biomarkers are rarely measured in human studies. There are adverse health consequences of low and deficient riboflavin status throughout the life cycle, including anemia and hypertension, that could contribute substantially to the global burden of disease. This review considers the available evidence on causes, detection, and consequences of riboflavin deficiency, ranging from clinical deficiency signs to manifestations associated with less severe deficiency, and the related research, public health, and policy priorities.

(3) Jusko WJ, Levy G. Absorption, metabolism, and excretion of riboflavin-5'-phosphate in man. J Pharm Sci. 1967 Jan;56(1):58-62. doi: 10.1002/jps.2600560112.

(4) UTSUMI K. A study on riboflavin metabolism in skin diseases. II. Clinical application of FR, FMN and FAD and its therapeutic significance on the skin diseases. Nihon Hifuka Gakkai Zasshi. 1962 Feb;72:116-22. Japanese. PMID: 13924029.