Definition:
Riboflavin deficiency pertains to a lack of Riboflavin, which is another name for vitamin B2. This disorder occurs when the patient does not have sufficient amount of vitamin B2 in the body. This deficiency is also known as ariboflavinosis.
Diagnosis:
The level of riboflavin can be diagnosed using a blood test. The test will measure the levels of the vitamin B2 in the blood.
Treatment:
Riboflavin deficiency is treatable with the use of supplemental riboflavin. But the best for of treatment is prevention through ingesting food containing vitamin B2.
Symptoms and Signs:
Signs of riboflavin deficiency include the following: cheilosis (swelling and cracking of the lips), angular stomatitisis (cracks or ulcers at the corners of the mouth), sore throat, dry and scaly skin particularly on the area between the nose and the eyes, the scrotum and vulva, and bloodshot, watery and itchy eyes. Other symptoms include: numbness of the hands and a decreased sensitivity to touch, temperature, and vibration.
Causes:
The primary cause of this deficiency is the poor vitamin intake of the patient. This vitamin is usually found in a person's diet like dairy products (cheese, milk and yogurt), and some vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, and spinach). The secondary cause of this deficiency is the body's inability to absorb the vitamin into the body.
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