Search
riboflavin deficiency (vitamin B2 deficiency, ariboflavinosis)
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:
1) sore throat
2) cheilosis
3) angular stomatitis
4) glossitis
5) seborrheic dermatitis, particularly affecting the scrotum or labia majora & the nasolabial folds
6) normochromic normocytic anemia
Laboratory:
- erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity may be increased
Management:
- adequate diet
- riboflavin & other vitamin supplement, i.e. multivitamin
Related
nicotinic acid (niacin, vitamin B3, Niaspan)
General
vitamin B deficiency
References
- Wikipedia: Ariboflavinosis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariboflavinosis
- Baker MZ and Griffing GT
Medscape: Riboflavin Deficiency
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/125193-overview