What causes ariboflavinosis?

Ariboflavinosis is caused by insufficient vitamin B2 (riboflavin) intake or poor absorption of this essential nutrient. Common causes include poor dietary habits with limited consumption of milk, eggs, meat, and green vegetables, which are primary riboflavin sources. Conditions that impair nutrient absorption like celiac disease, Crohn disease, or chronic alcoholism can also lead to vitamin B2 deficiency even with adequate dietary intake.

What is the best test for ariboflavinosis?

The Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) blood test is the most important test for ariboflavinosis because it directly measures riboflavin levels in your blood to confirm the deficiency. This test identifies low vitamin B2 levels that cause characteristic symptoms like mouth sores, cracked lips, inflamed tongue, and skin problems. By measuring actual riboflavin concentrations, this test provides definitive diagnosis and helps your healthcare provider determine the appropriate supplementation dosage needed to correct the deficiency.

When should I get tested for ariboflavinosis?

You should get tested if you experience persistent sore throat, painful cracks at the corners of your mouth, or unexplained inflammation of your lips and tongue. Testing is also important if you notice a magenta-colored tongue, scaly skin rashes (especially around the nose and ears), or if you follow a restricted diet low in dairy, meat, and vegetables. People with digestive disorders, chronic alcoholism, or those experiencing fatigue along with mouth and skin symptoms should consider testing promptly.

What are the symptoms of ariboflavinosis?

Ariboflavinosis causes distinctive symptoms affecting the mouth, throat, and skin. You might notice painful cracks or sores at the corners of your mouth (angular stomatitis), cracked and reddened lips (cheilosis), and an inflamed, magenta-colored tongue. Other symptoms include persistent sore throat, redness and swelling inside the mouth and throat, scaly skin inflammation resembling seborrheic dermatitis (especially around the nose, ears, and mouth), and general fatigue or weakness.

Who is at risk for ariboflavinosis?

People who follow restrictive diets with limited dairy, meat, eggs, and green vegetables are at increased risk for ariboflavinosis. Those with malabsorption disorders like celiac disease, Crohn disease, or chronic diarrhea cannot absorb riboflavin properly. Chronic alcoholics, elderly individuals with poor nutrition, pregnant and breastfeeding women with increased vitamin needs, and people with eating disorders face higher risk. Vegans and vegetarians who do not consume fortified foods or supplements may also develop vitamin B2 deficiency.

What happens if ariboflavinosis is left untreated?

Untreated ariboflavinosis can lead to worsening mouth and throat pain that makes eating difficult, potentially causing further nutritional decline. Chronic riboflavin deficiency may contribute to anemia, nervous system problems, and impaired growth in children. The persistent skin inflammation can become infected and spread to larger areas. Since vitamin B2 is crucial for energy production and other B vitamin metabolism, prolonged deficiency can affect multiple body systems and significantly impact quality of life.

Can ariboflavinosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, ariboflavinosis is definitively diagnosed with a blood test that measures vitamin B2 (riboflavin) levels. The Vitamin B2 blood test measures riboflavin concentration in your blood to confirm deficiency. This is the most reliable diagnostic method because symptoms of ariboflavinosis can overlap with other nutritional deficiencies or medical conditions. Blood testing provides objective evidence of low riboflavin levels and helps distinguish vitamin B2 deficiency from other similar conditions.

How is ariboflavinosis treated?

Ariboflavinosis is treated with vitamin B2 (riboflavin) supplementation, typically starting with higher therapeutic doses and then maintaining adequate intake through diet or daily multivitamins. Your healthcare provider will prescribe specific riboflavin dosages based on your blood test results and symptom severity. Treatment also involves increasing dietary intake of riboflavin-rich foods like milk, yogurt, eggs, lean meats, fortified cereals, almonds, and leafy green vegetables. Most symptoms improve within days to weeks of starting treatment, with complete resolution occurring as vitamin levels normalize.

How can I prevent ariboflavinosis?

You can prevent ariboflavinosis by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin B2 sources including dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), eggs, lean meats, fish, fortified cereals and breads, almonds, and dark leafy greens like spinach. If you follow a vegan or restrictive diet, take a daily multivitamin or B-complex supplement containing riboflavin. People with malabsorption conditions should work with healthcare providers to ensure adequate supplementation. Since riboflavin is water-soluble and not stored long-term in the body, consistent daily intake is essential for prevention.

What natural remedies help with ariboflavinosis?

While vitamin B2 supplementation is necessary to correct deficiency, you can support treatment by incorporating riboflavin-rich foods into every meal. Drink fortified milk, eat eggs for breakfast, include lean meats or fish at lunch and dinner, and snack on almonds or fortified cereals. Cook with mushrooms and leafy greens which contain riboflavin. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it interferes with riboflavin absorption. Store foods properly since riboflavin is destroyed by light exposure, so keep milk in opaque containers and store supplements in dark bottles away from sunlight.

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Ariboflavinosis Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Vitamin B2 Deficiency Blood Test

What is Ariboflavinosis?

Ariboflavinosis is a nutritional deficiency disorder caused by insufficient vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in the body. It is caused by inadequate dietary intake of riboflavin or malabsorption of this essential B vitamin. The Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) blood test is the most important test for diagnosis.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

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