Angular cheilitis in an older adult is commonly addressed by ensuring adequate intake of which nutrients?

Angular cheilitis in an older adult is commonly addressed by ensuring adequate intake of which nutrients?

• A. Vitamin C
• B. Iron
• C. Folate
• D. Vitamin B vitamins

Answer: (D)

Mucous membrane health and quick tissue repair rely heavily on the B vitamins. Angular cheilitis—cracks and inflammation at the corners of the mouth—is often linked to deficiencies in riboflavin (B2) and other B vitamins, which are essential for the growth and maintenance of rapidly dividing oral epithelium. When older adults don’t get enough B vitamins, the mouth’s corners become more susceptible to irritation and inflammation, and healing slows. Ensuring an adequate intake of Vitamin B vitamins helps support the integrity of the mucosa and promotes healing, making it the best approach for addressing this condition. While vitamins like Vitamin C or minerals such as iron can influence healing, the specific issue of angular cheilitis is most consistently associated with B vitamin status, including B2 and other members of the B-complex. Folate is a B vitamin as well, but the broader category of Vitamin B vitamins covers the range most relevant to maintaining mucosal health in this context.

Mucous membrane health and quick tissue repair rely heavily on the B vitamins. Angular cheilitis—cracks and inflammation at the corners of the mouth—is often linked to deficiencies in riboflavin (B2) and other B vitamins, which are essential for the growth and maintenance of rapidly dividing oral epithelium. When older adults don’t get enough B vitamins, the mouth’s corners become more susceptible to irritation and inflammation, and healing slows. Ensuring an adequate intake of Vitamin B vitamins helps support the integrity of the mucosa and promotes healing, making it the best approach for addressing this condition.

While vitamins like Vitamin C or minerals such as iron can influence healing, the specific issue of angular cheilitis is most consistently associated with B vitamin status, including B2 and other members of the B-complex. Folate is a B vitamin as well, but the broader category of Vitamin B vitamins covers the range most relevant to maintaining mucosal health in this context.