Question

____deficiency in man results in reddened, denuded areas on the lips, with cracks at the corners of the mouth, swollen and reddened tongue.

• A. Biotin
• B. Pantothenic acid
• C. Riboflavin
• D. Cobalamin

Hint:

If the symptoms are focused purely on the mouth (cracked corners, red tongue) without major neurological or blood issues, Riboflavin ($B_2$) is the most likely answer in nutrition exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the Vitamin deficiency associated with specific clinical symptoms of the mouth and tongue, known technically as cheilosis, angular stomatitis, and glossitis.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Riboflavin (Vitamin $B_2$): Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin essential for energy metabolism as part of FAD and FMN coenzymes.

• Ariboflavinosis: Deficiency of Riboflavin leads to a condition called ariboflavinosis.

• Symptoms: The hallmark signs include:
- Cheilosis: Cracking and reddening of the lips.
- Angular Stomatitis: Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth.
- Glossitis: The tongue becomes swollen, smooth, and turns a "magenta" or deep red color.
- It can also cause seborrheic dermatitis around the nose.

• Other Options: Biotin (A) deficiency often causes hair loss. Pantothenic acid (B) deficiency is rare ("burning feet syndrome"). Cobalamin ($B_{12}$) (D) deficiency causes Pernicious anemia and neurological issues.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The described symptoms are characteristic of Riboflavin deficiency.