Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that can be obtained from your diet. However, people can develop a B12 deficiency for a number of reasons. There are a number of common symptoms associated with a deficiency, but some of them can be painful.
When you are deficient in vitamin B12, you can develop what is known as “deficiency anemia”.
According to the NHS, among the most commonly reported symptoms are some unpleasant changes in your tongue and mouth.
People can experience a “sore and red tongue” known as glossitis, or mouth ulcers.
Sores can develop on the gums or tongue, and although they usually clear up on their own, they can be uncomfortable when they appear.
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How is vitamin B12 deficiency treated?
If you think you may have developed vitamin B12 anemia, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
This is because anemia caused by anemia needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly.
The NHS explains: “While many symptoms improve with treatment, some of the problems caused by this condition may be irreversible if left untreated.
“The longer the condition goes untreated, the greater the chance of permanent damage.”
Of the two, hydroxocobalamin is usually the recommended choice because it stays in the body longer.
If your vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a dietary deficiency of the vitamin, you may be prescribed vitamin B12 tablets to take daily between meals.
Or you may have to have hydroxocobalamin injections twice a year.
However, if your vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by something other than your diet, you’ll usually need hydroxocobalamin injections every two to three months for the rest of your life.
Source: | This article first appeared on Express.co.uk
