Riboflavin deficiency is associated with which condition?

• A. Pellagra
• B. Ariboflavinosis and seborrheic dermatitis
• C. Night blindness
• D. Scurvy

Answer: (B)

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is needed for redox reactions in energy metabolism, using cofactors FAD and FMN. When riboflavin is deficient, mucosal and skin tissues—especially around the mouth and on the face—develop characteristic changes. This produces ariboflavinosis, with symptoms like angular cheilitis (cracks at the corners of the mouth), stomatitis, glossitis, and a seborrheic dermatitis–like rash. That combination of mucous membrane and skin findings is the hallmark of riboflavin deficiency, hence its association with ariboflavinosis and seborrheic dermatitis. By contrast, pellagra is niacin deficiency and presents with dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia; night blindness is due to vitamin A deficiency; scurvy results from vitamin C deficiency with gum disease and poor wound healing.