Proteins, carbohydrates, the essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins are all needed to stay healthy. A nutritional deficiency can, therefore, result in a variety of diseases and disorders. To determine which nutrient you may be deficient in, a physician will need to perform a careful exam which includes lab tests, a physical exam and nutritional history.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is also referred to as vitamin B2. The main sources of this vitamin are milk and dairy products, but manufacturers also use it as a food additive because it has such a deep yellow color. The cells use riboflavin to help break down carbohydrates to glucose, and provide the energy needed to carry out various processes, as described in "Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry" by David Bender, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry at the University College London. Riboflavin metabolizes fats and functions as an antioxidant, destroying the oxygen-free radicals which can damage the cells and their DNA.
Angular Cheilitis and Riboflavin Deficiency
If you have a riboflavin deficiency, then you probably have a deficiency in the other B vitamins as well, according to Larry Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., Attending Physician at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." One of the main signs of a riboflavin deficiency, however, is angular stomatitis, also called angular cheilitis. In this condition, the corners of the mouth become soft and pale, the skin becomes irritated and fissures develop. It is common for the fissures to get infected with the Candida albicans fungus.
Angular Cheilitis and Iron Deficiency
The red blood cells use iron so they can make hemoglobin. There are an estimated 300 hemoglobin molecules on every red blood cell, and each molecule can hold four oxygen molecules. Thus, the red blood cells use hemoglobin to deliver oxygen to all the cells and tissues of the body, but they also use hemoglobin to take the carbon dioxide waste product back to the lungs so it can be exhaled. Besides angular cheilitis being a sign of riboflavin nutritional deficiency, it can also be a sign of advanced iron deficiency, as explained in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" by John Adamson, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California.
Livestrong.com
B vitamins are the most common deficiency that we see in the office along with magnesium and zinc. Your tongue is a quick and easy way to evaluate someone's health. For example a coated or fuzzy white tongue may indicate low stomach acid problems (hypochlorhydria) or a yeast (candida) overgrowth.
B1: Scarred tongue
B2: Purplish or magenta
B3: Brilliant red tongue or sore gums
B6: Burning sensation in mouth
B5: Enlarged-beefy tongue
B12: Smooth, shiny tongue, as well as ulcerated lips
Severe B deficiency: Fissures and cracks in tongue
B Vitamins are water soluble and are easily lost with pop, tea, coffee, alcohol, too many sugars/carbs, and diuretics. If your energy dips in the afternoon or you get sleepy after meals there's a good chance you are in need of some B's.
Dr. J