Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an important nutrient that helps you grow, keeps you healthy and gives you energy. If you have a deficiency, you can develop uncomfortable symptoms that affect your lips, mouth, tongue and throat. You can usually prevent this condition by eating enough foods that contain vitamin B2. Riboflavin supplements can treat it.
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Riboflavin deficiency means your body doesn’t have enough riboflavin (vitamin B2). Other names for this condition include ariboflavinosis and vitamin B2 deficiency.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Riboflavin has several key functions. Your body uses it to process and digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats. That turns it into the glucose (sugar) that your body needs for energy. Vitamin B2 is also important because it:
In the U.S., riboflavin deficiency is rare. You usually get all the vitamin B2 you need through the foods you eat. When the condition does occur, it typically happens with other B vitamin deficiencies.
Vitamin B2 deficiency symptoms vary but often include swelling in your mouth, lips, tongue or throat. Common signs include:
Other symptoms may include:
The most common cause of riboflavin deficiency is not getting enough vitamin B2 in the foods you eat. But the condition can also occur due to certain disorders. These include:
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Vitamin B2 deficiency can also occur due to:
Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing riboflavin deficiency. These include:
Vitamin B2 deficiency can also affect people with riboflavin transporter deficiency. This is a genetic disorder that prevents your body from properly absorbing vitamin B2.
Severe long-term vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to complications, including:
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. If you have symptoms of other deficiencies or malnutrition, they may suspect vitamin B2 deficiency.
Your provider may get a urine sample to look for riboflavin in your pee. They may also prescribe a riboflavin dietary supplement. If the supplement relieves your symptoms, then a vitamin B2 deficiency was likely the cause.
If you have a deficiency of riboflavin, your healthcare provider may recommend riboflavin supplements. You can find riboflavin in:
Listen to your healthcare provider. Don’t start taking any dietary supplements without speaking to them first. They may suggest a certain dose or form. Stand-alone riboflavin supplements may contain more than the recommended amount you need.
You should see your provider if you:
Check in with your provider regularly to reduce your risk of developing a vitamin B2 deficiency.
With early treatment, your outlook is excellent. The uncomfortable symptoms will quickly go away. If you delay treatment, complications can arise. Conditions like cataracts and peripheral neuropathy can’t be reversed.
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You can prevent riboflavin deficiency by eating foods that contain vitamin B2.
If you have a disorder or risk factor that could lead to the condition, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you prevent vitamin B2 deficiency. They may recommend a riboflavin supplement.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you may need to increase the amount of vitamin B2 you take in. Talk to your provider about the correct amount.
Foods that naturally contain riboflavin include:
Some foods are fortified with vitamin B2. That means the vitamin is added to the food during production. Examples include:
Riboflavin deficiency (vitamin B2 deficiency) is uncommon, but it happens occasionally. Most people get enough vitamin B2 through the foods they eat. But certain disorders and other risk factors can lead to the condition.
The symptoms of riboflavin deficiency can be uncomfortable. Thankfully, they’re treatable. But you can prevent them by eating a variety of foods that contain vitamin B2. See your healthcare provider to learn about how you can prevent a deficiency and get all the vitamin B2 you need.
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