Dry lips and mouth often signal a deficiency in B vitamins, particularly Riboflavin (B2), which causes cracks, but deficiencies in B12, Niacin (B3), Iron, and Zinc can also lead to dry, chapped lips and mouth sores. A varied diet rich in these nutrients or consulting a doctor for blood tests can help identify and treat the specific lack.
In the case of vitamin B-3, or niacin deficiency, the patient might experience dry, chapped lips or a red, swollen tongue and mouth. This deficiency can also cause dermatitis. Niacin can be supplemented in diets by eating beef, pork, halibut, tuna, poultry, cereals, milk, and green vegetables.
A vitamin deficiency can be a possible reason for recurring dry lips. Specifically, an insufficient intake of B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, or iron may cause your lips to become chapped, but other factors can also be to blame for dry lips, so talk to your provider before increasing these nutrients.
Dry lips and Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is very common in today's world and can have a strong influence on the health of our lips.
Dry and chapped lips can be caused by the weather, skin care products, medications, and even some infections. The best way to treat and prevent dry, chapped lips is to use a fragrance-free, petrolatum-based lip balm with SPF year-round.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Brittle hair and cracked lips might be more than the result of the cold, dry winter weather – they could indicate your body's iron stores are running on empty.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. Slather on a non-irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors. Even in the winter, it's important to protect your lips from the sun.
People who take Vitamin B12 supplements in tablet or capsule form usually experience improvements after a period of 2 to 4 weeks. The body requires enough time to absorb sufficient supplement levels from oral sources, particularly when the deficiency reaches severe levels.
Here are 10 unexpected signs of a vitamin D deficiency that may surprise you.
Vitamin deficiency: B vitamins, zinc and iron deficiencies have been reported to be a potential cause of dry lips. So load up on your greens, as they are rich in zinc and iron.
How to help ease a dry mouth yourself
Possibly. The term "pica" describes craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value — such as ice, clay, soil or paper. Craving and chewing ice, known as pagophagia, is often associated with iron deficiency, with or without anemia, although the reason is unclear.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins, especially B vitamins, iron, and zinc, can manifest as dry lips. 6. Medical Conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or even infections like oral herpes can lead to lip dryness. Infections such as yeast overgrowth can cause itchy dry and peeling lips as well.
Anemic lips are often pale, white, or have a bluish tint. This is because of low hemoglobin levels and poor oxygen delivery. Normal lips, on the other hand, are pink and well-oxygenated.
Symptoms such as pins and needles, disturbed vision, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness and problems with balancing and walking, psychological problems such as depression and confusion, problems with memory, understanding and judgement could also be related to B12 deficiency.
Organ meats and shellfish are the richest dietary sources, with a 3-ounce (85 g) serving of cooked clams providing approximately 84.1 µg, while beef liver contains about 70.7 µg. Fatty fish, such as trout and salmon, supply 5.4 µg and 4.8 µg per 3-ounce serving, respectively.
The Boots Vitamin B12 Blood Test Kit checks your vitamin B12 levels, using a finger-prick blood sample. Use of this kit requires internet access. All personal data in relation to this product, services and online platforms are collected and processed by MyHealthChecked.
Causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency
Five common symptoms of anemia are fatigue/weakness, pale or yellowish skin, shortness of breath, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and dizziness or headaches, all resulting from a lack of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. Other signs can include cold hands/feet, brittle nails, or unusual cravings like ice (pica).