Which vitamin deficiency is linked to cheilosis (dry, cracked lips)?

Which vitamin deficiency is linked to cheilosis (dry, cracked lips)?

• A. Vitamin B2
• B. Vitamin B6
• C. Vitamin B3
• D. Vitamin B9

Answer: (A)

Cheilosis, the dry, cracked lips at the corners of the mouth, is a classic sign of riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency. Riboflavin is part of the body’s flavoproteins (FAD and FMN) that drive many oxidation–reduction reactions essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin. When riboflavin is lacking, the mucosal tissues become fragile, leading to angular fissures and the characteristic cracking seen with cheilosis. Improving riboflavin intake supports tissue repair and helps restore the integrity of the lips and mouth. Other B vitamins can affect the mouth, but cheilosis is most strongly associated with B2 deficiency. For example, niacin deficiency (pellagra) causes dermatitis among other symptoms but not the classic lip fissures; B6 deficiency can cause stomatitis but is not as specifically linked to cheilosis; B9 deficiency affects red blood cell formation and can cause generalized mucosal changes rather than the localized lip cracks.

Cheilosis, the dry, cracked lips at the corners of the mouth, is a classic sign of riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency. Riboflavin is part of the body’s flavoproteins (FAD and FMN) that drive many oxidation–reduction reactions essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin. When riboflavin is lacking, the mucosal tissues become fragile, leading to angular fissures and the characteristic cracking seen with cheilosis. Improving riboflavin intake supports tissue repair and helps restore the integrity of the lips and mouth.

Other B vitamins can affect the mouth, but cheilosis is most strongly associated with B2 deficiency. For example, niacin deficiency (pellagra) causes dermatitis among other symptoms but not the classic lip fissures; B6 deficiency can cause stomatitis but is not as specifically linked to cheilosis; B9 deficiency affects red blood cell formation and can cause generalized mucosal changes rather than the localized lip cracks.