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Three troublesome mouth symptoms might suggest you are experiencing a significant vitamin deficiency. You may not realize that issues like mouth ulcers can be a sign of a lack of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is present in numerous animal products including meat, eggs and dairy.
A deficiency can lead to a type of anemia along with more severe health problems, including heart-related conditions, temporary infertility, and nervous system issues.
Typical symptoms of the deficiency include tiredness and muscle weakness. But symptoms can also manifest on the tongue.
According to WebMD, people with a B12 deficiency might find they develop ulcers on their tongue.
Experts mention, “You might notice these ulcers on your gums or tongue. While the sores typically heal on their own, it’s beneficial to avoid certain ingredients that could cause discomfort or pain, such as vinegar, citrus, and spicy foods like chili powder.
“Some over-the-counter medicines could soothe your pain.”
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The health organisation also notes that a smooth or painful tongue serves as a warning sign of a B12 deficiency.
“Your doctor might call it atrophic glossitis,” it explains. “Tiny bumps on your tongue called papillae start to waste away.
“That makes it look and feel kind of smooth and glossy. Infections, medication, and other conditions can cause it, too.
“But if not enough B12 or other nutrients is to blame, your tongue also may be sore.”
Separately, Harvard Health highlights a “swollen, inflamed” tongue as a frequently overlooked symptom. Their website notes that “Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop slowly, leading to symptoms that gradually worsen over time. However, it can also arise more rapidly.
“Given the array of symptoms a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause, the condition can be overlooked or confused with something else.”
Other indications of a B12 deficiency include:
- A lack of energy
- Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- Muscle weakness
- Impaired vision
- Psychological issues, which may encompass depression and confusion
- Difficulties with memory, understanding and judgement
- The NHS recommends that adults aged between 19 and 64 need approximately 1.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily. Good sources of B12 are:
- Meat
- Fish
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Certain fortified breakfast cereals
- Marmite
Vitamin B12 supplements are available at pharmacies, and if you struggle to absorb B12 on your own, a doctor might provide a series of injections.
