Ariboflavinosis is characterized by which finding?

• A. Glossitis with tongue inflammation due to iron deficiency
• B. Stomatitis with inflammation of the corners of the mouth and tongue due to riboflavin deficiency
• C. Cheilitis unrelated to riboflavin
• D. Sore throat due to viral infection

Answer: (B)

Riboflavin deficiency damages mucous membranes, so ariboflavinosis shows up as inflammation of the oral mucosa. The classic signs are stomatitis with inflammation at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis) and glossitis. This specific pattern directly reflects riboflavin’s role in maintaining mucosal integrity, making the description of mouth inflammation plus corner-cheek fissures and tongue inflammation the best match for ariboflavinosis. Other possibilities describe conditions not tied to riboflavin deficiency, such as glossitis from iron deficiency, cheilitis not related to riboflavin, or a viral sore throat, which isn’t a nutritional deficiency syndrome.