Riboflavin deficiency
Symptoms, at-risk groups, and clinical context for riboflavin deficiency. Sourced from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and StatPearls.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency, also called ariboflavinosis, is extremely rare in the US but can occur in people with very limited diets, alcohol use disorder, or specific genetic disorders. Riboflavin deficiency rarely occurs alone — it usually appears alongside deficiencies of other B vitamins.
Common symptoms
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis)
- Swollen, cracked lips (cheilosis)
- Sore throat
- Magenta-colored, swollen tongue (glossitis)
- Skin disorders, including seborrheic dermatitis around the nose and mouth
- Itchy, red, or bloodshot eyes; sensitivity to light
- Hair loss
- Fatigue from associated normocytic anemia
At-risk groups
- People with alcohol use disorder (poor intake plus impaired absorption)
- People with very limited diets or anorexia
- Strict vegans avoiding all dairy and fortified foods (dairy is a major source)
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women with poor intake
- Adolescents during growth spurts who skip breakfast
- Athletes with extremely high energy expenditure and poor diet
- People with malabsorption conditions
- People with rare inherited disorders affecting riboflavin transport
When to see a doctor: Persistent cracks at the corners of the mouth, recurrent sore throat with swollen tongue, or seborrheic dermatitis that doesn't respond to standard treatment may warrant evaluation for B-vitamin deficiencies. A dietitian or doctor can assess intake and order targeted testing.
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Related deficiencies
Nutrients with overlapping symptoms — useful when investigating an unclear clinical picture.