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Sore Tongue? It Could Be B12 Deficiency
8 Feb
Summary
- Fatigue, pins and needles, and sore tongue signal potential B12 deficiency.
- Pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune condition, is the most common cause.
- Treatment involves injections or tablets, sometimes lifelong.
A common vitamin deficiency, often overlooked, can lead to a range of non-specific symptoms including fatigue, pins and needles, confusion, and a sore tongue. This is according to Dr. Suraj Kukadia, who highlighted the issue on TikTok.
While dietary insufficiency plays a role for some, the most frequent cause is an autoimmune condition known as pernicious anaemia. This condition impairs the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 by triggering an immune response against stomach cells.
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency generally involves initial injections followed by either oral tablets or continued injections, depending on the cause and severity. These treatments may be necessary long-term to maintain adequate vitamin levels.
It is important for individuals experiencing such symptoms to consult a GP for diagnosis and prompt treatment. While many symptoms can improve with intervention, potential irreversible damage from the deficiency underscores the need for timely medical attention.
