Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, has scientific validation supporting its use in the management of certain types of dermatitis, particularly those related to riboflavin deficiency. Riboflavin is an essential water-soluble vitamin involved in numerous metabolic processes, including energy production and the maintenance of normal mucous membranes and skin health. Clinical deficiency of riboflavin can manifest as various dermatological symptoms, most notably seborrheic dermatitis-like eruptions, angular stomatitis (cracking at the corners of the mouth), and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue). Supplementation with riboflavin leads to the resolution of these symptoms when deficiency is the underlying cause.

However, the evidence does not strongly support the use of riboflavin supplementation for dermatitis in individuals who are not deficient in the vitamin. Most clinical trials and case reports focus on deficiency states, and there is a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials examining riboflavin as a treatment for dermatitis of other etiologies (e.g., atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis) in well-nourished individuals. Therefore, while riboflavin has a clear therapeutic role in deficiency-related dermatitis, its use beyond correcting deficiency is not well supported by current scientific evidence.

References:

• Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. (2000).
• Higdon J, Drake VJ. "Riboflavin." Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University.
• Madalyn L. et al. "Riboflavin Deficiency." StatPearls [Internet]. 2023.

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