Question

When a patient exhibits cheilosis and a sore tongue, what vitamin deficiency is a potential explanation for these symptoms?

Answer 1

Cheilosis and a sore tongue are symptoms that may indicate a deficiency in vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which is associated with lesions of the lips and magenta tongue, among other health issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient exhibits cheilosis (fissures at the angles of the mouth) and a sore tongue, these symptoms may indicate a deficiency in vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Riboflavin plays a crucial role in energy production and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. The deficiency of this vitamin can cause characteristic lesions of the lips, soreness, and magenta coloration of the tongue, along with potential skin and eye issues. It's important to obtain sufficient vitamin B2 through dietary sources such as eggs, green vegetables, milk and other dairy products, meat, and nuts.