What Is the Vitamin Deficiency That Causes Cheilosis?

If you are exhibiting cracks on the outside of your lips, you're likely experiencing cheliosis, a condition commonly caused by a deficiency of riboflavin, or vitamin B-2. A balanced diet can usually provide enough riboflavin to prevent cheliosis. A nutritionist can help you develop a nutritionally adequate meal plan, and your doctor can evaluate other possible causes of cheliosis, such as vitamin B-6 deficiency.

Functions and Deficiency

Riboflavin also supports antioxidant activity. Riboflavin deficiency is a risk factor for preeclampsia, or high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Requirements and Risk Factors

What Is the Difference Between B-12 & Methyl B-12?

Learn More

The recommended dietary allowance for riboflavin is 1.3 mg for adult men, 1.1 mg for adult women and 1.4 to 1.6 mg for pregnant or nursing women, according to the Institute of Medicine. Alcoholics are often at risk for deficiency because of an unbalanced diet and decreased absorption of riboflavin from food, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Individuals with hypothyroidism and exceptionally physically active individuals, such as athletes, may have higher needs.

Food Sources

Other Information

Vitamins Necessary for Alcoholics

Learn More

The Institute of Medicine has not established an upper level of intake for riboflavin because there are no known cases of toxicity from riboflavin. If you have too much, you will likely experience flavinuria, or a bright yellow color in your urine, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. A riboflavin supplement, often as part of a multivitamin supplement, can help you meet your needs if you are not getting enough from your diet and you have cheliosis. Consult your doctor before taking a riboflavin supplement or any other dietary supplement.