As is well known, so-called "internal heat" symptoms such as angular cheilitis and oral ulcers are often caused by vitamin deficiency, especially a deficiency of vitamin B2.
The role of Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of an important phosphorus-containing compound in the body—flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). FAD is an oxidoreductase coenzyme within cells that participates in important metabolic reactions. It is widely involved in various oxidation-reduction reactions in the body and can promote the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. At the same time, as a derivative of vitamin B2, FAD also plays a certain role in maintaining the normal function of the skin, mucous membranes, and vision.
Not only is vitamin B2 a component of the FAD molecule, but it is also the functional part of FAD. It transfers electrons by accepting two electrons to form FADH2. The site where electrons bind is precisely the vitamin B2 moiety.
When vitamin B2 is deficient, it affects the electron-transfer function of FAD, leading to metabolic disorders. The mucous membranes and skin are the first to be affected. Typical manifestations include inflammation of the lips and oral mucosa, such as angular cheilitis, cheilitis, glossitis, "geographic tongue," gingivitis, and oral ulcers. Sometimes, it can also manifest as inflammation around the genitals, such as balanitis, balanoposthitis, and inguinal dermatitis. Ocular symptoms are also common, such as photophobia, tearing, dry eyelids, and itching. Systemic symptoms, such as fatigue and weakness, may also accompany these conditions.
Finding foods rich in Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is widely distributed in vegetables, legumes, and animal-based foods such as fish, meat, eggs, and dairy. However, if you try to find a specific food rich in vitamin B2 and rely on eating more of it to get an adequate intake, you will surely be disappointed. This is because the content of vitamin B2 in various foods is not high. Therefore, to obtain sufficient B2, one must consume a balanced and well-combined diet.
If the diet is not well-balanced for a period of time (insufficient fresh vegetables or insufficient meat, eggs, and dairy), it is easy to become deficient in B2. It is not difficult to understand, then, that vitamin B2 deficiency is very common, and almost everyone has experienced it at some point. "Internal heat," angular cheilitis, and oral ulcers are very common problems.
A balanced diet is crucial
Vitamin B2 deficiency often occurs simultaneously with deficiencies in other nutrients. It is often caused by an unbalanced diet, which may not only lead to a lack of B2 but also deficiencies in other nutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin B1. This phenomenon gives us two important points to consider:
First, vitamin B2 deficiency can often serve as an indicator of a poor diet. Once a B2 deficiency occurs, it means your diet has problems and you are likely deficient in multiple nutrients.
Second, when supplementing with vitamin B2, it is also necessary to comprehensively supplement other vitamins and minerals. Alternatively, the fundamental solution is to consume a balanced and well-combined diet.
Furthermore, because it is difficult to find several natural foods that are exceptionally rich in vitamin B2 and sufficient to resolve a deficiency, when symptoms of B2 deficiency such as "internal heat," angular cheilitis, and oral ulcers appear, one should immediately take supplements (health foods) or drugs (OTC) that contain vitamin B2, other B vitamins, VC, VE, zinc, iron, and other nutrients. The dose of vitamin B2 should be increased to 10-20 mg per day.
Supplementing with a variety of nutrients
In practice, supplementing with only vitamin B2 is often less effective than supplementing with a combination of multiple nutrients. This is because deficiencies in other nutrients can also cause oral symptoms. Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to oral mucosal allergies, tongue pain, and gum swelling; vitamin B6 deficiency can cause oral ulcers and promote the occurrence of stomatitis and gingivitis; vitamin B5 (niacin) deficiency can easily lead to stomatitis, gingivitis, and glossitis; vitamin C deficiency can cause red, swollen, eroded, bleeding gums and bad breath; vitamin E deficiency can lead to periodontal disease and mucosal disease. Zinc deficiency can make oral ulcers difficult to heal, and so on.