Cheilosis is a sign of deficiency of which vitamin?

Cheilosis is a sign of deficiency of which vitamin?

• A. Vitamin B2
• B. Vitamin B1
• C. Vitamin B3
• D. Vitamin B6

Answer: (A)

Cheilosis, the cracking at the corners of the mouth, is most closely linked to a deficiency of riboflavin (vitamin B2). Riboflavin is part of the coenzymes FAD and FMN that drive essential redox reactions in energy metabolism. When riboflavin is lacking, mucous membranes become fragile, leading to angular cheilitis along with other signs like a swollen, inflamed tongue (glossitis). Other B vitamins have different deficiency patterns (for example, thiamine affects energy and nervous tissues; niacin causes pellagra with dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia; pyridoxine affects nerve function and blood cells), so the specific fissuring at the mouth corners points most strongly to B2 deficiency. To prevent or treat this, include riboflavin-rich foods such as dairy, eggs, meat, and fortified grains in the diet, with supplementation if needed.

Cheilosis, the cracking at the corners of the mouth, is most closely linked to a deficiency of riboflavin (vitamin B2). Riboflavin is part of the coenzymes FAD and FMN that drive essential redox reactions in energy metabolism. When riboflavin is lacking, mucous membranes become fragile, leading to angular cheilitis along with other signs like a swollen, inflamed tongue (glossitis). Other B vitamins have different deficiency patterns (for example, thiamine affects energy and nervous tissues; niacin causes pellagra with dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia; pyridoxine affects nerve function and blood cells), so the specific fissuring at the mouth corners points most strongly to B2 deficiency. To prevent or treat this, include riboflavin-rich foods such as dairy, eggs, meat, and fortified grains in the diet, with supplementation if needed.