14 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Vitamin B complex is a group of 8 vitamins that performs several functions in the human body. The deficiency of any one of these vitamins causes life-threatening diseases.

Therefore, it is crucial to include this vitamin in your diet to combat deficiency diseases. For your convenience, we have collected information from several sources and put together this piece on vitamin B2 deficiency diseases, their symptoms and causes.

Without further ado, let’s delve deeper!

Team Digit

What is Vitamin B2 Deficiency?
Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis
Best Food Sources of Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 Daily Intake
Side Effects of Vitamin B2 Deficiency
Diseases Caused
Treatment for Vitamin B2 Deficiency
Overcome Vitamin B2 Deficiency
Who is at Risk?
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vitamin B2 Deficiency?

If you do not include vitamin B2 rich foods in your diet, there is a fat chance of you contracting a deficiency disease. Anyone who has a poor diet is at significant risk of vitamin B2 deficiency. More often than not, a person with B2 deficiency may also lack other vitamins in his body.

Generally speaking, there are two types of B2 deficiency:

Primary: When a person’s diet lacks vitamin B2 rich foods in their diet, they suffer from this kind of deficiency.
Secondary: Deficiency occurring for any other reason other than poor diet is secondary riboflavin deficiency. This happens when the intestines cannot absorb this nutrient, or the body cannot use it or excretes out the vitamin too rapidly.

Therefore, it is vital to include foods that contain vitamin B2 in your diet on a daily basis to avoid riboflavin deficiency or ariboflavinosis.

However, if you are unsure of your daily intake of B2 rich foods, you might develop some vitamin B2 deficiency symptoms.

How Common is Vitamin B2 Deficiency?

While riboflavin deficiency is relatively rare in the developed world, up to 50% of people in developing nations may suffer from a moderate deficit. Thyroid issues may raise the chance of a deficit. A riboflavin deficit often coexists with other nutritional deficiencies, such as malnutrition.

Most cases of riboflavin insufficiency occur in underdeveloped nations in Asia and Africa. Since the body cannot absorb much riboflavin when taking birth control pills, older persons, alcoholics, and women are more prone to suffer from riboflavin shortage.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin B2 Deficiency?

There are several symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency in adults as well as children. Some of them are as follows:

Sr.No	Symptoms	Description
1	Visible cracks at the corners of the mouth, also known as angular cheilitis.	Angular cheilitis occurs due to inflammation and cracking of the corners of the mouth. Riboflavin deficiency can lead to changes in the mucous membranes and skin, causing them to become dry, cracked, and vulnerable to infections like angular cheilitis.
2	Cracked lips, dry lips and other skin deformities.	A deficiency can result in dry, cracked lips and skin deformities due to impaired collagen production and overall skin integrity.
3	Inflammation of tongue and lining of the mouth.	Riboflavin deficiency can cause mucous membranes, including those in the mouth and tongue, to become inflamed and sore. This condition is known as stomatitis and can lead to discomfort and difficulty in eating and swallowing.
4	Mouth ulcers	Ulcers in the mouth can develop due to riboflavin deficiency, as the vitamin is involved in maintaining the health of the oral mucosa. Inadequate levels of riboflavin may weaken the mucosal lining, making it more susceptible to ulcer formation.
5	Red lips	Vitamin B2 deficiency can cause changes in the appearance of the lips, making them redder than usual. This symptom often accompanies other signs of riboflavin deficiency, such as dryness and cracking.
6	Sore throat	Inflammation and irritation of the throat can result from riboflavin deficiency, contributing to a sore throat. The vitamin's role in maintaining mucosal integrity affects the health of the throat lining.
7	Scrotal dermatitis	Scrotal dermatitis refers to inflammation and irritation of the skin on the scrotum. Riboflavin deficiency can lead to skin conditions like dermatitis due to its role in maintaining skin health and integrity
8	Anaemic conditions	Riboflavin deficiency can indirectly contribute to anaemia by impairing iron metabolism. Iron deficiency anaemia may occur when riboflavin is insufficient, as riboflavin is involved in the body's activation and utilization of iron.
9	Fluid accumulation in mucous membranes.	Riboflavin deficiency can disrupt normal fluid balance in mucous membranes, leading to oedema or swelling due to impaired cellular function and integrity of the mucosal tissues.
10	Itchy, watery and bloodshot eyes.	The eyes can be affected by riboflavin deficiency, causing symptoms like itching, watering, and redness due to impaired maintenance of the corneal and conjunctival tissues.
11	Depression	While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, riboflavin deficiency has been associated with mood disturbances and symptoms of depression, possibly due to its role in neurotransmitter synthesis and cellular energy production.
12	Reproductive issues	Inadequate riboflavin levels may impact reproductive health, potentially contributing to fertility issues in both men and women. The exact mechanisms involve riboflavin's role in cellular metabolism and hormone production.
13	Fatigue	Riboflavin deficiency can lead to overall fatigue and weakness due to its essential role in energy metabolism. Without sufficient riboflavin, cells cannot efficiently produce energy from nutrients, leading to fatigue.
14	Blurred vision	Vision disturbances, including blurred vision, can occur with riboflavin deficiency due to its involvement in maintaining eye health and visual function. Insufficient riboflavin levels may affect the health of the cornea and other eye structures.

Other severe symptoms like degeneration of the liver and nervous system and improper metabolism of other B vitamins indicate vitamin B2 deficiency diseases.

Reasons that Cause Vitamin B2 Deficiency

In addition to inadequate intake, vitamin B2 deficiency causes include abnormalities concerning endocrine like hyposecretion of thyroid hormone and some other diseases.

Here is a list of factors that contribute to B2 deficiency:

Improper consumption of meat, fortified foods and dairy products.
Chronic disorders like diarrhoea, liver problems and alcoholism.
Malabsorption of food.
Blood filtration procedures, such as haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Using barbiturates for a prolonged period.
Apart from this, certain groups of individuals are more prone to riboflavin deficiency than others.

Diagnosis of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Diagnosing vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency involves clinical assessment, dietary history, and laboratory testing. Here are the methods used for diagnosis:

1. Clinical Assessment

The initial step involves evaluating symptoms that could indicate riboflavin deficiency. Common symptoms include cracks or sores at the corners of the mouth (cheilosis), inflammation and redness of the lining of the mouth (stomatitis), a swollen, red tongue (magenta tongue), and dermatitis. Eye symptoms such as sensitivity to light (photophobia) and itching, burning, or watering of the eyes may also be present.

2. Dietary History

A detailed history of the patient's diet is important because riboflavin deficiency is often linked to inadequate dietary intake. Questions about the consumption of dairy products, meat, fish, green vegetables, and fortified cereals can provide clues about riboflavin intake.

3. Blood Tests

Measurement of riboflavin levels in the blood can help diagnose deficiency. However, direct measurement of riboflavin itself is not commonly done due to technical challenges. Instead, indirect markers such as erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGRAC) are used. EGRAC increases in the presence of riboflavin deficiency.

4. Urine Tests

Urinary excretion of riboflavin and its metabolites can be measured. Low urinary excretion indicates riboflavin deficiency, as the body conserves riboflavin when intake is insufficient.

5. Genetic Testing

In some cases, genetic testing may be used to identify specific genetic disorders that affect riboflavin metabolism, leading to deficiency.

6. Response to Riboflavin Supplementation

One of the confirmatory tests for riboflavin deficiency is observing clinical improvement in symptoms after starting riboflavin supplementation. Improvement in symptoms such as cheilosis, stomatitis, or skin lesions supports the diagnosis.

7. Biopsy (rarely)

In severe cases where other methods are inconclusive, a biopsy of the tongue or other affected tissues may reveal characteristic changes associated with riboflavin deficiency.

Best Food Sources to Overcome Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Include adequate vitamin B2 rich foods in your diet to prevent deficiency. Below are the top foods rich in vitamin B2 to include in your diet:

Fruits to Overcome Vitamin B2 Deficiency

The following table shows a list of fruits which are best for vitamin B2 increase:

Sr.No	Fruits	Nutritional Value (Vitamin B2 per 100g)
1	Avocado	0.1 mg
2	Dried apple	0.2 mg
3	Banana	0.1 mg
4	Dates	0.1 mg
5	Passion fruit	0.1 mg
6	Muscadine grapes	1.5 mg
7	Durian	0.2 mg
8	Tamarind	0.2 mg
9	Mamey sapote	0.1 mg
10	Dried longans	0.5 mg

Vegetables to Overcome Vitamin B2 Deficiency

vegetables to eat for gaining vitamin b2

These vegetables will help you overcome vitamin B2 deficiency. Include them in your diet to have adequate intake.

Sr.No	Vegetables	Nutritional Value (Vitamin B2 per 100g)
1	Spinach	0.2 mg
2	Kidney beans	0.3 mg
3	Tomato	O.5 mg
4	Asparagus	0.1 mg
5	Dried spirulina seaweed	3.7 mg
6	Artichoke	0.1 mg
7	Sweet potatoes	0.1 mg
8	Kelp	0.2 mg
9	Chinese broccoli	0.2 mg
10	Peas	0.1 mg

Other Eatables to Overcome Vitamin B2 Deficiency

other eatbles to take for gaining vitamin b2

Here are other options besides fruits or vegetables to include in your diet. Increase your vitamin B2 intake through these:

Sr. No	Food Items	Nutritional Value (Vitamin B2 per 100g)
1	Liver	3.63 mg
2	Egg	0.5 mg
3	Salmon	0.5 mg
4	Squid	0.412 mg
5	Button mushroom	0.5 mg

How Much Vitamin B2 Do You Need Daily?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for both men and women over the age of 19 is 1.1 mg and 1.3 mg daily, respectively. The dosage rises to 1.4 mg and 1.6 mg per day during pregnancy and lactation, respectively.

Estimated average daily intake level that satisfies 50% of healthy individuals' needs; typically used to evaluate nutrient intakes of groups and develop diets that are appropriate for them, but it can also be used to evaluate nutrient intakes of individuals.

What are the Side Effects of Vitamin B2 Deficiency in the Long Run?

Studies show that long-term deficiency of vitamin B2 can lead to heart and brain disorders and even some cancers. Therefore, if you are wondering about which diseases are caused by deficiency of vitamin B2, you must know that patients have chances of developing migraines and cardiovascular diseases in the long run.

However, overconsumption of riboflavin beyond recommended intakes can result in toxicity. This happens because the gastrointestinal tract can absorb the nutrient up to a specific limit. Therefore, it is necessary to consume vitamin B2 foods or supplements as per the recommended dietary allowance.

Diseases Caused Due to Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Riboflavin deficiency symptoms include swollen throat, blurred vision, and fatigue. It can harm the skin around the mouth, leading to dermatitis, inflammation, and fissures. In addition to problems with reproduction, there may be oedema and hyperemia around the throat, liver damage, and hair loss.

Skin disorders, hyperemia (excess blood), oedema of the mouth and throat, angular stomatitis (lesions at the corners of the mouth), cheilosis (swelled, cracked lips), hair loss, reproductive problems, and sore throats are all symptoms of riboflavin deficiency, also known as ariboflavinosis.

Treatment for Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Treatment for vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency typically involves supplementation and dietary changes. Here are the key approaches:

Treatment Method	Description
Oral Supplementation	Riboflavin supplements are commonly used to treat deficiencies. These are available over-the-counter in various strengths. The typical dose for adults is 5-30 mg daily, although higher doses may be recommended in severe cases.
Dietary Changes	Increase riboflavin-rich foods such as dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), lean meats (especially liver and kidney), eggs, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals.
Monitoring and Follow-Up	Regularly monitor symptoms and follow up with healthcare providers to assess response to treatment and adjust as necessary.
Lifestyle Changes	Reduce alcohol consumption, as excessive alcohol intake can impair riboflavin absorption and increase its excretion.

How to Prevent and Overcome Vitamin B2 Deficiency?

The ideal way to prevent diseases that occur due to deficiency of vitamin B2 is to increase the intake of vitamin B2 rich foods. Patients must consider taking riboflavin supplements or daily multivitamins in more serious cases like malabsorption, haemodialysis, etc.

To combat vitamin B2 deficiency diseases, doctors or physicians prescribe oral intake of riboflavin along with other water-soluble vitamins. The RDA for human beings of age 19-50 years is 1.3 mg(for males) and 1.1 mg(for females). In the event of deficiency, higher intake of riboflavin is unlikely to be harmful as the excess amount is flushed through the urinary system.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Vitamin B2 Deficiency?

After diagnosing B2 deficiency by therapeutic trials and laboratory testing, doctors prescribe a treatment protocol for patients, including oral tablets and riboflavin injections. However, the recovery time depends on the severity of your condition.

In simpler cases, a proper diet rich in vitamin B2 can compensate for the loss of riboflavin in your body. However, there might be some serious effects on the nervous system and other anatomical changes in some cases. In that case, such conditions may take a longer time to rectify.

Regardless, knowing about the severity of vitamin B2 deficiency diseases along with their causes and symptoms will help you take preventive measures starting now.

Who is at Risk of Vitamin B2 Deficiency?

Given below are some groups of people at the risk of contracting vitamin B2 deficiency diseases:

1. Vegetarian Athletes

Athletes undergo rigorous exercises that produce stress in the metabolic pathways and result in using up riboflavin. Therefore, they need additional riboflavin in their bodies to avoid deficiency diseases. However, vegetarians exclude consuming meat products rich in vitamin B2, increasing the potential risk of deficiency.

2. Pregnant and Nursing Mothers and their Infants

Lactating mothers or pregnant women who rarely consume meat are at a higher risk of riboflavin deficiency. This, in fact, leads to birth defects in infants as the mother’s deficiency has adverse effects on their babies.

3. Vegan or Ones Consuming Minimal Dairy Products

Meat and dairy products contain a substantial amount of riboflavin. Therefore, vegans who avoid intake of these vitamin B2 rich food items are prone to B2 deficiency. Furthermore, individuals belonging to developing countries lacking proper access to meat and milk are also at a greater risk.

4. Individuals with Riboflavin Transporter Deficiency

This rare neurological disorder can occur anytime between infancy and young adulthood. It results in loss of hearing, respiratory difficulties and other symptoms. As this disease results from genetic mutations that encode riboflavin transporters, patients are unable to absorb and transport riboflavin resulting in a deficiency.

All these individuals must follow a proper diet and increase consumption of vitamin B2 to maintain a healthy body. However, serious symptoms are difficult to reverse and lead to long-term effects.

FAQs about Vitamin B2 Deficiency

All

Can cataracts be a sign of vitamin B2 deficiency?

Yes, in severe B2 vitamin deficiency cases, cataracts might form in some individuals.

What are the signs of excessive riboflavin in my body?

Excessive riboflavin in the system can cause your urine to become bright yellow. This usually happens due to the intake of dietary supplements.

What are the recommended dietary allowances of vitamin B2 for adult men and women?

The RDA for riboflavin in adult men and women is 1.3 mg and 1.1 mg, respectively.

What causes a vitamin B2 deficiency?

Inadequate dietary consumption, certain medical illnesses, digestive issues, alcoholism, and some drugs can bring about a deficit in vitamin B2. It may also result from illnesses that hinder the intestines' ability to absorb nutrition.

What typical signs and symptoms indicate a vitamin B2 deficiency?

Sore throat, redness and swelling of the mouth and throat lining, mouth cracks or sores at the corners (cheilosis), inflammation and redness of the tongue lining (magenta tongue), and moist, scaly skin inflammation (seborrhoeic dermatitis) are common signs of vitamin B2 deficiency.

Who is susceptible to a lack of vitamin B2?

People who have poor dietary habits, alcoholism, certain medical illnesses (such Crohn's disease or celiac disease), and those using drugs that interfere with riboflavin absorption are more likely to develop a vitamin B2 shortage.

What kinds of foods are high in B2?

Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), eggs, lean meats, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fortified cereals and grains are foods high in vitamin B2.

What is the treatment for a vitamin B2 deficiency?

Increasing the amount of riboflavin-rich foods in the diet or taking riboflavin supplements as directed by a doctor are two ways to receive treatment. Healthcare providers might advise intravenous riboflavin supplementation in extreme situations.

What is vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) deficiency?

Vitamin B2 deficiency, also known as riboflavin deficiency, occurs when there is an inadequate intake or absorption of riboflavin, a water-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions.

What causes vitamin B2 deficiency?

Deficiency can result from insufficient dietary intake of riboflavin, certain medical conditions that impair absorption (such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease), alcoholism, or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.

Who is at risk of Vitamin B2 deficiency?

Individuals at higher risk include those with poor dietary habits, alcoholics, elderly individuals with limited food intake, people with certain medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption, and pregnant or lactating women with increased riboflavin needs.

How is vitamin B2 deficiency diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves assessing symptoms, dietary history, and sometimes blood tests to measure riboflavin levels. Doctors may also consider symptoms like tongue changes and skin disorders.

What foods are rich in vitamin B2?

Riboflavin is found in dairy products (milk, yoghurt), eggs, lean meats, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and enriched cereals and grains. Incorporating these foods into the diet can help prevent deficiency.

Can vitamin B2 deficiency be treated?

Yes, vitamin B2 deficiency is typically treated with riboflavin supplements or by increasing intake of riboflavin-rich foods. Improvement in symptoms is often seen within days to weeks of treatment.

What happens if vitamin B2 deficiency is left untreated?

Untreated deficiency can lead to persistent symptoms such as chronic mouth sores, tongue inflammation, and dermatitis. Severe cases may result in neurological symptoms or anaemia, depending on the extent and duration of deficiency.

Are there any complications associated with vitamin B2 deficiency?

Yes, long-term deficiency may contribute to other health problems due to its role in energy metabolism and antioxidant functions. Complications can include impaired growth and development in children and increased susceptibility to infections.

How can vitamin B2 deficiency be prevented?

Preventive measures include consuming a balanced diet rich in riboflavin-containing foods, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, managing underlying health conditions that affect nutrient absorption, and considering supplementation if needed under medical supervision.