The b12 vitamin It is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerves and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material of all cells. Most people take the contribution that B12 makes for granted until they become deficient in it.
B12 deficiency it can alter nerve signals transmitted throughout the body, which can impair certain senses.
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When this happens, your tongue may undergo a number of disturbing changes.
According to Winchester Hospital, a stinging sensation on the tongue or a soft, red tongue can indicate low B12 levels.
Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that «glossitis with linear lesions» is also an early clinical sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Glossitis is a problem in which the tongue becomes swollen and inflamed.
A lesion is an area of tissue that has been damaged by injury or disease; they have an abnormal appearance compared to the surrounding skin.
Other symptoms of B12 deficiency include:
- Weightloss
- Fatigue
- pale skin color
- Changes in the taste of things
- Confusion
- Humor changes
- Balance problems, especially in the dark.
- Lightheadedness when changing to the standing position
- Fast heartbeats.
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You should see a GP if you experience symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, advises the NHS.
As the health body explains, these conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test.
It is important to diagnose and treat vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia as soon as possible.
«Although many symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition may be irreversible if left untreated,» the NHS warns.
«The longer the condition goes untreated, the greater the chance of permanent damage.»
Am I at risk?
There are two main causes of B12 deficiency: pernicious anemia and diet.
Pernicious anemia is a condition in which a person cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 from food.
This is because they lack intrinsic factor, a protein made in the stomach.
Dietary preferences can also put you at risk for B12 deficiency because B12 is found naturally in a wide variety of animal foods and is added to some fortified foods.
Plant foods do not contain vitamin B12 unless they are fortified.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), B12 is found naturally in the following:
- Beef liver and clams, which are the best sources of vitamin B12.
- Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy products, which also contain vitamin B12.
- Some breakfast cereals, nutritional yeasts, and other food products fortified with vitamin B12. To find out if vitamin B12 has been added to a food product, check the product labels.
Treatment
Treatment for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia depends on the cause of the condition.
«Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace missing vitamins,» explains the NHS.