What is it about?
In this commentary, we present two views related to the study of riboflavin (vitamin B2): (i) future research into the photo toxicity of riboflavin and its photo-degradation product, lumichrome, should consider effects under visible light and ultraviolet (UV) light in skin because the photochemistry of these reactions differ; and (ii) future research should consider the possibility that excess lumichrome, which is metabolized from riboflavin by intestinal bacteria and is much less water-soluble than riboflavin, could be more readily absorbed and lead to symptoms that resemble those of fat-soluble vitamins.
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Why is it important?
We have presented here two views regarding riboflavin metabolism. Firstly, the difference between visible light and UVA in skin tissue should be considered because the oxidation capacities of riboflavin and lumichrome differ under different wavelengths. Next, the effects of excess lumichrome uptake should be pursued, since it is generated from riboflavin by intestinal bacteria. In addition, since lumichrome is more fat-soluble than riboflavin, its transfer by simple diffusion needs to be considered.
Perspectives
Lumichrome has been detected in cow and human milk. This fact suggests that lumichrome is derived from photo-degradation in skin tissue and/or the intestinal absorption. Biologically, lumichrome acts as a metabolic antagonist of riboflavin, and the inhibitory effect of lumichrome is greater than that of lumiflavin. Therefore, these possibilities should be considered in future studies.
Katsuhito Kino
Tokushima Bunri Univ.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Commentary on the Phototoxicity and Absorption of Vitamin B2 and Its Degradation Product, Lumichrome, Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta, January 2015, OMICS Publishing Group,
DOI: 10.4172/2153-2435.1000403.
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