Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms: What colour is your tongue? Surprising sign in your mouth

Dr Dawn Harper on signs of vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency

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Vitamin B12 is a very important ingredient for the healthy running of the body. But unlike vitamin D, it’s not naturally made within the body, meaning you could be at risk of a deficiency if you aren’t eating the right foods. One of the easiest ways to reveal your risk of a B12 deficiency is to check the colour of your tongue.

Vitamin B12 is used by the body to make new red blood cells, nerves, and DNA.

It’s also used in a number of other everyday bodily functions, but huge numbers of people may not be getting enough in their diet.

The body doesn’t naturally engineer vitamin B12 – like it does for vitamin D – which is why it’s crucial that everybody eats enough B12-rich foods.

But if you are at risk of a deficiency, it can be difficult to even know.

You could be at risk of the condition if you notice a subtle change to the colour of your tongue, it’s been claimed.

People with a B12 deficiency might notice their tongue change colour and shape, according to dietitian Helen West.

It might become increasingly painful and swollen, and it could appear a brighter red than normal.

It’s caused by a symptom known as glossitis, which has been linked to a B12 deficiency.

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“Unfortunately, B12 deficiency is common, especially in the elderly,” West wrote for medical website Healthline.

“Unfortunately, symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can take years to show up, and diagnosing it can be complex. A B12 deficiency can sometimes be mistaken for a folate deficiency.

“If you have glossitis, your tongue changes colour and shape, making it painful, red and swollen.

“Studies have shown that a swollen and inflamed tongue that has long straight lesions on it could be an early sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.”

The inflammation can become so severe that it looks like your taste buds have disappeared.

You might also notice a slight change to the way you speak or eat.

But just because you develop a swollen tongue, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Glossitis could also be caused by acid reflux, a dry mouth, a burn, or even an allergic reaction to food or medication.

The best dietary sources of vitamin B12 include animal products, and some fortified breakfast cereals.

All adults need around 1.5mcg of vitamin B12 every single day.

Most people that eat meat products should be able to get enough B12 in their diet.

But those that follow a vegan diet may be at risk of a deficiency, warned the NHS.

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