HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 13 May 1944, Page 4

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

SORE MOLTHS (By the Department of Health) The substance we call riboflavin received international prominence a few weeks ago because of its association with beer. The fact that it was present in beer was apparently regarded as a matter of worldwide interest and the world was told about it. Just in case the point may be overlooked, however, it is well to point out that riboflavin (it is also known as vitamin B2) is contained in many other things—foods which we eat, or should eat, in the course of our daily diet. These foods are liver, milk. eggs, cheese, dried brewer’s yeast, and green leafy vegetables. Now there is a condition known as riboflavin deficiency. and it frequently manifests itself in cracks and fissures at the corners of the mouth—and very painful sores they can be too. These fissures run down from the angle of the mouth and there is hardly any inflammation present as a rule. Sometimes the lips peel along the long of closure, and the tongue may be purplish red. instead of the normal pink. This condition denotes undernourishment undernourishment, that is, in tiie sense that the sufferer is eating too much of some foods and not enough protective foods. In short the diet is away off balIf you get cracked lips check over vour diet. Increase the intake of milk, liver, cheese and green vegetables and add yeast for a while, and see if the cracks clear up. One pint of milk, for instance . in an adult’s diet will supply half the day’s needs of riboflavin. Cut this out. you may need it,)