What is the cause and treatment for riboflavin deficiency?

Q: I am suffering from riboflavin malabsorption. Whenever I take 10 mg of riboflavin twice daily I do not have a problem. But if I discontinue it, the symptoms like sore tongue and inflammation come back. Please advise.

A:Riboflavin, a water-soluble factor belonging to the vitamin B-complex group (B2), is required for energy metabolism, enzyme function, and synthesis of amino acids & fatty acids. It is not stored in the body and is provided in adequate amounts by a diet rich in meat, yeast and dark-green vegetables. Other sources include oily fish, milk products, eggs, grains and fruits. The daily adult requirement is about 1.5 mg.The deficiency of riboflavin may be seen in individuals consuming a diet deficient in riboflavin-rich foods; people on special diets (diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, weight loss); or individuals having food fads or eating a diet of highly refined and fast foods. It is thus more commonly seen in alcoholics, elderly individuals, patients of mental disease or people belonging to the lower socio-economic status. Riboflavin deficiency does not occur in isolation and is usually part of a multiple-nutrient deficiency. It may also result from a reduction in serum proteins as the vitamin is transported in blood bound to a carrier protein and the non-availability of the protein leads to apparent riboflavin deficiency. Finally, it may also manifest in conditions where antagonists interfere with absorption and/or transport of the vitamin.Please consult a physician or a gastroenterologist who can examine you and find out the cause for your present condition.