Riboflavin Deficiency — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: B — Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency causes the classic triad of angular cheilitis (painful cracks at the mouth corners), glossitis (smooth, magenta/purplish-red tongue due to filiform papillae atrophy), and cheilosis (inflammation of the lips). Other B-vitamin deficiencies can produce similar oral manifestations: B3 (niacin) causes pellagra with bright red tongue; B12 and folate cause glossitis and aphthous-like ulcers; B6 causes angular cheilitis and glossitis. Nutritional assessment is important in patients with persistent oral mucosal changes.
Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016