riboflavin deficiency (vitamin B2 deficiency, ariboflavinosis)

Introduction

The clinical syndrome resulting from deficiency of riboflavin.

Etiology

• generally found together with other nutrient deficiencies, particularly of the other water-soluble vitamins
• phototherapy to treat jaundice in infants can cause increased degradation of riboflavin, leading to deficiency
  • riboflavin is degraded by light
• chronic alcoholism can have impaired absorption of riboflavin & other vitamins, especially thiamine

Epidemiology

• isolated riboflavin deficiency is rare

Clinical manifestations

• sore throat
• cheilosis
• angular stomatitis
• glossitis
• seborrheic dermatitis, particularly affecting the scrotum or labia majora & the nasolabial folds
• normochromic normocytic anemia

Laboratory

• erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity may be increased

Management

• adequate diet
• riboflavin & other vitamin supplement, i.e. multivitamin

More general terms

• vitamin B deficiency

Additional terms

• nicotinic acid (niacin, vitamin B3, Niaspan)