Who Discovered Riboflavin?

Ever heard about Riboflavin? Here is a clear note that tells you all about Riboflavin! Riboflavin is an important element in the human physiology. It is better known to many as vitamin B2. It is an orange-yellow crystalline compound that is found naturally in a number of foods including milk, meat, leafy vegetables and others. Riboflavin has been found to be an important part of a number of bodily functions. In addition to its role in metabolism, it is also vital in growth and development. Who discovered riboflavin has little to do with the importance that riboflavin and the synthesis of it have held in modern society.

The name riboflavin comes from the combination of ribose and flavus. Ribose referring to the crystalline structure and flavus denotes the yellowish coloring. Who discovered riboflavin is sort of multifaceted. It was synthesized in 1935 by Kuhn and Karrer. Other scientists working at around the same time using different methods were able to isolate riboflavin, which is identical to lactoflavin. In addition there is some literature that exists that the substance was known of much earlier, though not understood. A Nobel Prize was awarded to Karrer in 1937 “for his investigations on carotenoids, flavins and vitamins A and B2” according to the prize's literature.

The substantial documentation of who discovered riboflavin may begin some time after the initial investigations into it and its identical counterpart lactoflavin. Understanding it more fully has allowed for a more complete understanding of what is needed in a complete and balanced diet. The specialized functions of riboflavin are important to good health as well. Understanding the multiple functions of the B2 and the other vitamins was an important step in the science of nutrition. It is a filed of science that has helped humans to improve their lives in considerable ways.

The bulk of the foundational research into the many elements necessary for nutrition was done in the 1930's and 40's. Many individuals received credit for discovering, or more accurately isolating and synthesizing a number of these elements. Those scientists include some who discovered riboflavin in many practical senses. Their efforts have continued to benefit many people and will continue to benefit people into the future. You can learn more about the history of riboflavin and the unified scientific thrust into the field of nutrition that occurred in the thirties and forties online. Search online at the Nobel Prize page or using your favorite search engine for “discovery of riboflavin”.