From the Guidelines
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency is the primary cause of fissured lips, a condition also known as cheilosis or angular stomatitis. This condition is characterized by oral-buccal lesions, including cheilosis, glossitis, and angular stomatitis, as noted in the espen micronutrient guideline 1. When someone lacks sufficient riboflavin, the corners of their mouth may become cracked, red, and painful. Some key points to consider in the management of riboflavin deficiency include:
- Consuming 1.1-1.3 mg of riboflavin daily through diet or supplements, as recommended for adults
- Good dietary sources include dairy products, eggs, lean meats, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals
- For severe deficiency, a healthcare provider might recommend a higher supplemental dose of 5-10 mg daily until symptoms resolve, typically within a few weeks, as seen in a RCT where 10 mg/day of riboflavin was effective 1 Riboflavin is essential for cellular function, energy production, and maintaining the integrity of mucous membranes, including those of the lips. Without adequate riboflavin, the body cannot properly maintain these tissues, leading to inflammation and cracking. Other B vitamins, particularly B6 (pyridoxine) and B3 (niacin), may also contribute to lip health, but riboflavin deficiency is most directly associated with fissured lips, as it is frequently associated with pyridoxine, folate and niacin deficiencies with their associated symptoms 1.
From the Research
Vitamin Deficiency and Fissured Lip
- A fissured lip is a symptom of cheilosis, which is caused by a deficiency of riboflavin (vitamin B2) 2.
- Cheilosis is characterized by inflammation of the corners of the mouth, and it can lead to fissured lips, among other symptoms.
- Riboflavin deficiency can also cause other symptoms such as angular stomatitis, glossitis, and seborrheic dermatitis 2, 3.
- The deficiency of riboflavin can be due to inadequate dietary intake, impaired absorption, or increased requirement for the vitamin 4, 5.
- Riboflavin plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, antioxidant potential, and metabolic interactions with other micronutrients, making its deficiency a significant public health concern 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.