Oral thrush may be associated with a deficiency or low levels of iron, folate and vitamin B12, but researchers believe vitamin C deficiency may be to blame too.
Key nutrients include zinc, vitamin A and antioxidants.
Iron deficiency anemia or pernicious anemia – A pale (almost white), smooth tongue can be caused by a deficiency in iron or vitamin B12.
Oral thrush is most often caused by a type of Candida fungus called Candida albicans. Most people have small amounts of Candida on the mucous membranes lining their mouth and it usually doesn't cause any noticeable problems.
What Is Thrush? While a white tongue often indicates thrush, it can be a sign of another condition. Several oral conditions have similar symptoms to thrush, causing them to sometimes be mistaken for thrush.
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth, which can be a result of poor oral hygiene, a weakened immune system, or antibiotics. Treatment for oral thrush involves antifungal medication, adding a mouthwash, and excellent oral hygiene.
B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth.
Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate. Treatment may include vitamin B12 supplements. It is also important to eat a well-balanced diet.
a sore or red tongue, sometimes with mouth ulcers. problems with memory, understanding and judgment (cognitive changes)
If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. If your symptoms continue - see your GP. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body. This can be serious.
The top foods to help treat oral thrush include cinnamon, unsweetened cranberry juice, fermented vegetables, starchy vegetables, cultured dairy and coconut oil. Some supplements that can help in include garlic, oregano, colloidal silver, milk thistle, vitamin C and caprylic acid.
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a hereditary immunodeficiency disorder, is persistent or recurring infection with Candida (a fungus) due to malfunction of T cells (a type of white blood cell). Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis causes frequent or chronic fungal infections of the mouth, scalp, skin, and nails.
Some of the most well researched probiotic strains shown to help with thrush in clinical trials are Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®.
Several commercially available test kits allow you to collect a sample for vitamin B12 testing at home. Some kits test only your vitamin B12 level. Others test B12 in combination with other vitamins, and there are at-home micronutrient test kits that include B12 in the panel.
Bananas are a cheap, healthy, and nutrient-dense fruit that can easily become a part of every individual's diet. It is one of the best fruits rich in vitamin B12.
There are certain foods that also need a cut-down in case of vitamin B12 deficiency. “Some foods and drinks can interfere with vitamin B complex intake like alcohol, caffeine and processed foods, etc should be avoided completely,” Shah added.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can indeed lead to weight gain. But the weight gain is not a direct result of the deficiency. Instead, vitamin B12 deficiency causes lethargy or lack of energy, and in turn, inactivity causes weight gain. When you lack the energy to move, you don't burn fat.
Inadequate dietary intake
A balanced diet typically provides sufficient vitamin B12; however, strict vegans and people with a poor diet are at higher risk of developing a deficiency. Good sources of vitamin B12 include: Meat. Fish.
Healthy adults and children can recover fairly easily from the infection, especially if they follow a complete oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily proper flossing.
Hairy leukoplakia causes fuzzy, white patches that resemble folds or ridges, usually on the sides of your tongue. It's often mistaken for oral thrush, an infection marked by creamy white patches that can be wiped away, which is also common in people with a weakened immune system.
White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.