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Vitamin B2 deficiency
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B2 is important to a variety of chemical reactions in the body, such as protecting the skin and eyes, stomach development, maintaining mucous membranes, and extracting energy from food. Deficiency of this vitamin is usually seen in alcoholics and strict vegetarians. Vitamin B2 is found in organ meats, fish, grains, cereals, dark leafy vegetables, and dairy products.
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- Riboflavin Deficiency can cause inflamed tongue, inflammation and ulcers in the mouth, Dandruff, weakness, abnormal blood vessel growth on the sclerae (whites of the eyes), and low blood counts.
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- Lack of riboflavin (vitamin B2) is most often due to poor diet.
- In the United States, alcoholics suffer from this disease more often because of poor diet.
- Strict vegetarians may also suffer from this condition because they do not eat enough foods that contain B2 vitamin.
- Various medications may also lead to deficiency.
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- If the disease is suspected, it is usually easiest just to treat the patient. There is no need to actually prove Riboflavin Deficiency.
- However, if needed, urine riboflavin excretion and blood riboflavin levels can be measured.
- Also, the activity of the enzyme erythrocyte glutathione reductase can be checked. This test indirectly tells you if there is any Riboflavin Deficiency.
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- Treatment is usually with oral riboflavin, started as soon as the diagnosis is suspected, and continued until the patient's symptoms improve.
- Patients are advised to eat more meat, fish, and dairy products, all high in riboflavin.
- People eating a healthy diet usually do not have to worry about this disease.
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