Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) deficiency commonly presents with which symptoms?

• A. Angular stomatitis, dermatitis, photophobia, and neurologic changes
• B. Night blindness
• C. Bleeding gums only
• D. Glossitis only

Answer: (A)

Riboflavin deficiency disrupts essential redox reactions in flavoproteins, so the body shows mucocutaneous and ocular symptoms as the first clues. Angular stomatitis and dermatitis reflect impaired maintenance of skin and mucous membranes in moist areas, while photophobia and corneal/ocular involvement come from the eye’s vulnerability to riboflavin’s role in protecting ocular tissues. Neurologic changes can appear with prolonged deficiency as energy metabolism in nervous tissue is affected. This combination—angular stomatitis, dermatitis, photophobia, and neurologic changes—fits the riboflavin-deficiency pattern best.

Night blindness points to vitamin A deficiency, not riboflavin. Bleeding gums are more typical of vitamin C deficiency. Glossitis can occur with several deficiencies, but the described broader mucocutaneous and ocular picture is more characteristic of riboflavin deficiency.