This Morning: Dr Chris discusses vitamin D and Covid
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Vitamin B12 can be stored in the body for a number of years, which means that it can take a long while before signs of the condition appear. However, the changes can seem innocuous, so you may put off seeing your GP. However, left untreated, a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to irreversible neurological complications. There is a painful and obvious symptom found on the sides of a person’s mouth.
Cracks at the corner of the mouth
This is a common symptom indicating a deficiency of B vitamins along with iron and zinc.
This problem is mostly seen among vegetarians since they do not eat enough iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
It could also mean that a person is cutting down on some proteins required for your immunity building owing to excessive dieting.
Experts recommend eating more poultry products, tomatoes, lentils, and peanuts.
It’s also important to eat dairy products such as paneer, yoghurt and ghee or clarified butter.
According to a study in the Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, several B-complex vitamins are vital to one’s health.
When a person is deficient in vitamin B12, they may experience various oral problems, ranging from cracked lips to tongue inflammation or even ulcers in their mouth.
If a person notices cracks on both sides of their mouth it could mean they’re deficient in vitamin B12.
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People who experience this condition will have dry, red lips that crack on one or both sides of their mouth.
This condition is specifically known as angular cheilitis and is essentially inflammation of the lips.
These cracks may be itchy and painful; they may form white scabs and even bleed. When angular cheiltiis occurs over a long period of time, it can cause an infection.
These cracks may be itchy and painful; they may form white scabs and even bleed. When angular cheilitis occurs over a long period of time, it can cause an infection.
If you have cracked lips for long periods of time, you may also experience a split lip in which one of the cracks breaks completely and begins to bleed.
While long-term treatment for this requires resolving the vitamin deficiency, more immediate treatment typically involves applying soothing ointments, like petroleum jelly, coconut oil or medicated lip balms.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, most people need to consume the following amounts of B-complex vitamins on a daily basis:
- 1.5 milligrams of thiamin (vitamin B1)
- 1.7 milligrams of riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- 20 milligrams of niacin (vitamin B3)
- 10 milligrams of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
- 2 milligrams of vitamin B6
- 300 micrograms of biotin (vitamin B7)
- 400 micrograms of folate (vitamin B9)
- 6 micrograms of vitamin B12.
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