Specialists of the American National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) have found that a smooth, thickened and reddened tongue can be a symptom of a dangerous disease. This is stated on the NHLBI website, RIA Novosti reports.
It turned out that redness of the tongue can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency, the lack of which increases the risk of pernicious anemia. According to experts, the body needs vitamin B12 to produce healthy red blood cells and normal functioning of the nervous system.
In addition, a deficiency in this vitamin can damage nerves and cause tingling and numbness in the arms and legs, muscle weakness and loss of reflexes. “You may feel unstable, lose your balance and have trouble walking,” write the experts.
According to experts, severe vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neurological problems such as confusion, dementia, depression and memory loss. Other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and loss of appetite and weight. If signs of vitamin deficiency appear, seek medical attention.
Beef, liver, poultry and fish, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese are high in vitamin B12.
Earlier, British scientists spoke about the consequences of a lack of vitamin D in the body. It is noted that a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to osteomalacia. According to doctors, in the early stages, the disease can develop imperceptibly. It can only be detected by X-rays or diagnostic studies.