Post Views: 724 Riboflavin (vitamin B2), a water-soluble vitamin, was discovered in milk. The name ‘riboflavin’ was given to this vitamin in view of the similarity of a part of its structure to that of the sugar ribose. Most riboflavin is used immediately and not stored in the body, so excess amounts are excreted in the urine. Why is vitamin B2 essential for the human body? Riboflavin is a key component of coenzymes involved with the growth of cells, energy production, and the breakdown of fats, steroids, and medications. It is essential for several oxidation processes inside the cell. It is also concerned with energy and protein metabolism. What is…