Evidence supporting the use of: Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
For the health condition: Dermatitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for a variety of metabolic processes, including those involved in skin health. The connection between riboflavin and dermatitis is primarily based on the observation that a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to characteristic skin changes, such as seborrheic dermatitis-like eruptions, particularly around the nose, mouth, and eyes. These symptoms are part of a broader syndrome that includes cheilosis, glossitis, and angular stomatitis, all of which are reversed upon riboflavin supplementation in deficient individuals. Thus, there is scientific validation for the use of riboflavin in the prevention and treatment of dermatitis due to riboflavin deficiency.

However, the evidence supporting riboflavin supplementation for dermatitis in the absence of a diagnosed deficiency is limited. Clinical trials in populations with normal riboflavin status do not generally show benefit for nonspecific dermatitis or eczema. Therefore, while riboflavin is scientifically justified in cases where dermatitis is due to riboflavin deficiency (evidence rating: 2/5, where 5 indicates robust evidence for broad use and 2 reflects evidence limited to deficiency states), it is not a general treatment for all types of dermatitis. Its role remains primarily as a corrective measure in deficiency-related cases rather than as a primary or adjunctive therapy for other dermatologic conditions.

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