B12 deficiency: The signs in the shape of your tongue indicating low vitamin B12 levels

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

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Despite being essential to our wellbeing, B12 levels are exceptionally low in the UK, with at least one in 50 Britons thought to be deficient. Deficiency puts individuals at risk of serious health complications, so early detection is key. Thankfully, the tongue often acts as a window to overall health, and certain signs in the shape could reflect an underlying deficiency.

The tongue serves as a marker for overall health, and it will often give a vitamin B12 diagnosis away.

Scalloped tongues are usually indicative of an underlying health condition, such as vitamin deficiency or hormonal imbalance.

Those with the condition usually have indentations and ripples along the sides of their tongue.

Medical News Today explains: “Scalloped tongue can occur when the body does not get enough of certain vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins which can lead to tongue enlargements.

READ MORE: What are the signs of B12 deficiency? Expert lists symptoms – eat these foods

“Common nutritional deficiencies that cause scalloped tongue include vitamin B12 (and) riboflavin.”

Low levels of B12 are linked to a plethora of other changes in the tongue, however.

Inflammation of the tongue, that leaves the muscle feeling sore, red and swollen, can also be a sign of both B12 or iron deficiency.

Symptoms of B12 deficiency Because B12 is essential for normal neurological function, low levels can have wide-ranging effects.

Some of the earlier symptoms of deficiency include confusion, mood changes and headache.

Other signs may arise as a result of the body’s nerves being damaged.

These symptoms will include unexplained weakness and clumsiness, or tingling sensation in the hands and feet.

Who’s at risk? Those who cut out animal products from their diets, such as vegetarians and vegans, are particularly vulnerable to B12 deficiency.

But B12 deficiency can also develop as a consequence of old age.

This is because ageing causes a cut back in stomach acid production, which is needed to absorb B12.

“Vitamin B12 is combined with a protein called intrinsic factor in your stomach,” explains the NHS.

“This mix of vitamin B12 and intrinsic factor is therefore absorbed into the body in part of the gut called the distal ileum.”

Supplementation is often recommended for those who are unable to absorb the nutrient naturally.

In other cases, the nutrient can be sourced from fortified foods, or meat, eggs and poultry.

Source: Read Full Article