What is the underlying cause of the symptoms experienced in ariboflavinosis?

Ariboflavinosis is specifically associated with a deficiency in Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin. This vitamin plays a crucial role in energy production and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. It is essential for the formation of coenzymes that are vital for cellular respiration and the production of ATP (the energy currency of cells).

The symptoms of ariboflavinosis include sore throat, redness and swelling of the lining of the mouth and sore cracks on the outsides of the lips (cheilosis) and at the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis), along with a swollen, inflamed tongue (glossitis). These symptoms arise because riboflavin is important for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin, as well as for the overall functioning of various enzymes in the body.

The other options refer to deficiencies in different vitamins, each leading to distinct health issues. For instance, a deficiency in Vitamin B3 (niacin) can lead to pellagra, characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia; a Vitamin C deficiency results in scurvy, which includes symptoms like bleeding gums and fatigue; and a deficiency of Vitamin D is associated with bone health issues, such as rickets