Sore and Red Tongue (Glossitis)
Vitamin B deficiency is a common condition, particularly among people who do not eat a balanced diet or take antibiotics for an illness. While there are many symptoms of vitamin B deficiency, one of the most common is glossitis, which is tongue inflammation.
One of the first signs of vitamin B deficiency is glossitis, which can accompany fatigue and weight loss. Vitamin B is needed to produce myelin, which covers nerve cells and acts as an insulator. When people have vitamin B deficiency, they often experience demyelination or the loss of this protective coating on the nerves. Demyelination can lead to neurological problems.
Glossitis causes inflammation in the tongue, making it red and swollen; sometimes, there are also white or yellow bumps on the tongue’s surface. People with glossitis may also experience a burning feeling on their tongue and a metallic taste in their mouth.
B-12 deficiency can cause glossitis because it affects the nervous and central nervous systems, including all parts of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body. Because this vitamin helps with nerve function and communication, it is especially important for your tongue’s health.
