B12 is an essential vitamin that the body requires in order to function at its maximum potential. Millions of individuals have low levels of this vitamin, and many are not even aware of the potentially harmful repercussions.
The importance of vitamin B12 in the body cannot be overstated. It aids in the production of red blood cells and the proper functioning of your nervous system, among other things.
Consistently low B12 levels, on the other hand, strike a hammer blow to your body when any of these four symptoms on your mouths and lips appear.
Cheilitis, or chapped lips, is a common condition marked by dryness, redness, and cracking of the lips.
Deficits in folate (vitamin B9), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamins B6 and B12 are all common causes of chapped lips.
People with nutrient absorption abnormalities, such as celiac disease, chronic gastritis, and Crohn’s disease, are especially vulnerable to nutritional deficits.
Oral symptoms in vitamin B12 deficiency patients were examined in the research reported in the National Library of Health.
The study comprised twenty-two patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.
The most frequent features were erythema and depapillation of the tongue but were less prevalent in patients lacking a history of gastrectomy.
Antifungals and vitamin B12 replenishment helped the majority of patients with their oral symptoms.
The study discovered that vitamin B12 deficient symptoms could show as oral manifestations.
Low B12 levels can also induce angular cheilitis, which affects the mouth and lips.
Swollen red areas on the outside of the lips are caused by angular cheilitis.
On one or both sides of the mouth, it can happen. It’s an inflammatory disorder that can last a few days or become a long-term issue.
The signs and symptoms might range from mild redness to open, bleeding blisters.
Other signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency include:
- A pale yellow tinge to your skin
- A sore and red tongue (glossitis)
- Mouth ulcers
- Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- Changes in the way that you walk and move around
- Disturbed vision
- Irritability
- Depression
- Changes in the way you think, feel and behave
- A decline in your mental abilities, such as memory, understanding and judgement (dementia).
Treatment for vitamin B12 shortage is mainly determined by the underlying cause.
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