Riboflavin Deficiency

Key Features

• Almost always occurs in combination with deficiencies of other vitamins

• Caused by dietary inadequacy, interactions with a variety of medications, alcoholism, and other causes of protein-calorie undernutrition

Clinical Findings

• Cheilosis, angular stomatitis, glossitis

• Seborrheic dermatitis

• Weakness

• Corneal vascularization

• Anemia

Diagnosis

• Measure serum levels of the riboflavin-dependent enzyme erythrocyte glutathione reductase. Activity coefficients > 1.2–1.4 suggest riboflavin deficiency

• Urinary riboflavin excretion and serum levels of plasma and red blood cell flavins can also be measured

Treatment

• Riboflavin, 5–15 mg orally once daily, until clinical findings are resolved