What is a primary cause of glossitis?

Glossitis, which is inflammation of the tongue, can be caused by various nutritional deficiencies, and among those, riboflavin deficiency is a well-known primary cause. Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin, including the tongue. A lack of riboflavin can lead to sore, swollen, and reddened areas of the tongue, resulting in the characteristic appearance of glossitis.

While iron, vitamin B-12, and folate deficiencies can also lead to glossitis, they are more commonly associated with specific types of anemia or other systemic symptoms. Iron deficiency might lead to a smooth and swollen tongue but is often accompanied by other signs of anemia. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is typically related to neurological changes and anemia as well. Folate deficiency shares similar characteristics with vitamin B-12 regarding anemia. Therefore, riboflavin deficiency directly causes glossitis due to its fundamental role in mitochondrial oxidation and maintenance of mucosal integrity.