Which of the following is a symptom of riboflavin deficiency?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, riboflavin deficiency, also known as ariboflavinosis, is rare in the United States but can occur in individuals with poor dietary intake or certain health conditions. Angular stomatitis, or painful cracks at the corners of the mouth, is a classic answer to which of the following is a symptom of riboflavin deficiency.

Quick Summary

A deficiency in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) can manifest through various symptoms, including painful cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis), inflammation of the tongue (glossitis), and greasy, scaly skin rashes (seborrheic dermatitis). Fatigue, a sore throat, and eye disorders are also commonly associated signs.

Key Points

Oral Lesions: A classic symptom is angular stomatitis, which causes painful cracks at the corners of the mouth.
Tongue Inflammation: Glossitis, or inflammation of the tongue, is another hallmark sign, sometimes presenting with a magenta coloration.
Skin Rashes: Patients may develop a greasy, scaly rash similar to seborrheic dermatitis on the face and genital areas.
Eye Sensitivity: Red, itchy eyes and increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, are common ocular symptoms.
Systemic Fatigue: Generalized fatigue and weakness are frequent non-specific symptoms due to impaired energy metabolism.
Anemia: Severe deficiency can interfere with iron absorption, potentially leading to anemia over time.
Cataracts: Long-term, uncorrected riboflavin deficiency can lead to irreversible anatomical changes like cataracts.

Common Oral and Skin Symptoms of Riboflavin Deficiency

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is a crucial water-soluble vitamin involved in energy production and cellular growth. When intake is insufficient, a range of symptoms can appear, most notably affecting the skin and mucous membranes. One of the most telling signs of riboflavin deficiency is angular stomatitis, characterized by painful, cracked lesions at the corners of the mouth. This can progress to cheilosis, which is the broader swelling and cracking of the lips.

Another significant oral symptom is glossitis, an inflammation of the tongue. In severe cases of riboflavin deficiency, the tongue may become a vibrant magenta color, which is a key diagnostic indicator. Beyond the mouth, the skin is also frequently affected. A condition similar to seborrheic dermatitis, presenting as red, greasy, scaly patches, can develop on the face, specifically around the nose, on the eyelids, and in the genital area.

Ocular and Systemic Manifestations

Beyond the more common skin and mouth issues, a riboflavin deficiency can also affect the eyes and cause broader systemic problems. Ocular symptoms include itchy, red eyes, conjunctivitis, and increased sensitivity to light (photophobia). If left untreated, severe and prolonged deficiency can even lead to cataracts.

On a systemic level, a person with a riboflavin deficiency may experience general fatigue and weakness due to the vitamin's critical role in energy metabolism. The deficiency can also interfere with the body's iron absorption, sometimes leading to anemia. Reproductive issues, hair loss, and a sore throat have also been reported in cases of ariboflavinosis. It is important to note that riboflavin deficiency often occurs alongside other B vitamin deficiencies, meaning a wide array of symptoms may present concurrently.

High-Risk Groups and Treatment

Certain populations are at a higher risk of developing riboflavin deficiency. These include pregnant and lactating women, especially those with inadequate diets. Vegans and vegetarians who do not consume dairy products are also susceptible, as are individuals with alcoholism or malabsorption disorders like celiac disease. Older adults may also have decreased riboflavin absorption.

Treatment for riboflavin deficiency typically involves increasing the intake of riboflavin-rich foods such as milk, eggs, lean meats, and green vegetables. In cases of severe deficiency, a doctor may recommend oral riboflavin supplements. The earlier the deficiency is addressed, the more easily the symptoms can be reversed. For specific groups like those with rare genetic disorders affecting riboflavin transport, high-dose supplementation is a critical part of lifelong treatment.

Comparison of Common Symptoms


Symptom	Description	Affects	Reversibility	Prevalence in Deficiency
Angular Stomatitis	Cracking and inflammation at the corners of the mouth.	Mouth	High (with treatment).	Common.
Glossitis	Inflammation and redness of the tongue, can be magenta colored.	Mouth	High (with treatment).	Common.
Seborrheic Dermatitis	Greasy, red, scaly rash on face, ears, and genitals.	Skin	High (with treatment).	Common.
Photophobia	Increased sensitivity of the eyes to light.	Eyes	High (with treatment).	Occasional.
Anemia	Normochromic-normocytic anemia.	Blood	High (with treatment).	Possible.
Cataracts	Opacity in the eye's lens.	Eyes	Low (late stage).	Rare (severe, prolonged cases).

Conclusion

In summary, symptoms of riboflavin deficiency are varied but frequently manifest in the mouth as angular stomatitis and glossitis, and on the skin as seborrheic dermatitis-like rashes. Other signs can include fatigue, anemia, and eye problems like photophobia. Thankfully, most of these symptoms are easily reversed with dietary improvements and oral supplementation. Early recognition of these signs is key to preventing the progression to more severe, long-term complications. Consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if you suspect a deficiency.

For more detailed information on riboflavin and its functions in the body, refer to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health.

What is a symptom of riboflavin deficiency?

Angular Stomatitis: Cracking and inflammation at the corners of the mouth is a common and characteristic sign of riboflavin deficiency.
Glossitis: The tongue may become inflamed, sore, and sometimes appear a magenta color in individuals with this deficiency.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Red, greasy, scaly patches can develop on the face, ears, and other areas of the body.
Eye Problems: Ocular symptoms include itchy, red eyes, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Fatigue: Due to riboflavin's role in energy production, generalized fatigue and weakness can occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most prominent sign is angular stomatitis, characterized by painful cracks and inflammation at the corners of the mouth.

Yes, riboflavin deficiency can cause a rash that is often described as resembling seborrheic dermatitis. This rash features red, greasy, and scaly patches, particularly around the nose, ears, and eyelids.

Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B2. It is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in energy production and cell growth.

Yes, most symptoms of riboflavin deficiency are reversible with proper treatment, which includes increased intake of riboflavin-rich foods and, in some cases, supplements. However, long-term complications like cataracts are often not reversed.

Excellent food sources of riboflavin include dairy products like milk and cheese, eggs, lean meats, organ meats such as liver, and fortified breads and cereals.

Individuals at a higher risk include pregnant and lactating women, vegans, vegetarians who avoid dairy, people with alcoholism, and those with malabsorption disorders like Crohn's or celiac disease.

Riboflavin deficiency is also known by the medical term 'ariboflavinosis'.