Vitamin deficiency cracks in corner of mouth

When your body is trying to tell you something—for example, that you're skimping on critical vitamins—it may go to some strange lengths. "With today's diet of processed foods, it's easy to become vitamin-deficient, either by not eating enough of the right foods or not absorbing them properly due to digestive issues," says Dr. Susan Blum, the founder of the Blum Center for Health and the author of the new book The Immune System Recovery Plan. "You may not get a disease, but you can end up with impaired functioning, because vitamins are cofactors for all the biochemical reactions in the body. We need them in order to function properly." That impaired functioning can sometimes manifest in mysterious ways.

Here are five unusual warning signs that you may be vitamin-deficient. The good news: Most are fixable with dietary tweaks—all the more reason to make nutrition a top priority. But if food cures don't work, be sure to check in with your doctor.

Body Cue No. 1: Cracks at the corners of your mouth.

The Deficiency: Iron, zinc, and B vitamins like niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and B12. "It's common if you're a vegetarian to not get enough iron, zinc, and B12," Blum says. Ditto if you're skimping on essential immunity-building protein due to dieting.

The Fix: Eat more poultry, salmon, tuna, eggs, oysters, clams, sun-dried tomatoes, Swiss chard, tahini, peanuts, and legumes like lentils. Iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C, which also helps fight infection, so combine these foods with veggies like broccoli, red bell peppers, kale, and cauliflower.

Body Cue No. 2: A red, scaly rash on your face (and sometimes elsewhere) and hair loss.

The Deficiency: Biotin (B7), known as the hair vitamin. While your body stores fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), it doesn't store most B vitamins, which are water-soluble. Body builders take note: Eating raw eggs makes you vulnerable, because a protein in raw eggs called avidin inhibits the body's ability to absorb biotin.

The Fix: Reach for more cooked eggs (cooking deactivates avidin), salmon, avocados, mushrooms, cauliflower, soybeans, nuts, raspberries, and bananas.

Body Cue No. 3: Red or white acnelike bumps, typically on the cheeks, arms, thighs, and butt.

The Deficiency: Essential fatty acids and vitamins A and D.

The Fix: Skimp on saturated fat and trans fats, which you should be doing anyway, and increase healthy fats. Focus on adding more salmon and sardines, nuts like walnuts and almonds, and seeds like ground flax, hemp, and chia. For vitamin A, pile on leafy greens and colorful veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers. "This provides beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which your body will use to make vitamin A," Blum says. "For vitamin D, though, I recommend a supplement—2,000 IU a day in one that also contains vitamins A and K, which help with D absorption."

Body Cue No. 4: Tingling, prickling, and numbness in hands, feet, or elsewhere.

The Deficiency: B vitamins like folate (B9), B6, and B12. "It's a problem directly related to the peripheral nerves and where they end in the skin," says Blum, noting that these symptoms can be combined with anxiety, depression, anemia, fatigue, and hormone imbalances.

The Fix: Seek out spinach, asparagus, beets, beans (pinto, black, kidney, lima), eggs, octopus, mussels, clams, oysters, and poultry.

Body Cue No. 5: Crazy muscle cramps in the form of stabbing pains in toes, calves, arches of feet, and backs of legs.

The Deficiency: Magnesium, calcium, and potassium. "If it's happening frequently, it's a tip-off that you're lacking in these," Blum says. And if you're training hard, you can lose more minerals (and water-soluble B vitamins) through heavy sweating.

The Fix: Eat more bananas, almonds, hazelnuts, squash, cherries, apples, grapefruit, broccoli, bok choy, and dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and dandelion.

Plus, Ballet legend Chase Finlay shares his diet secrets:

About the author:

Q by Equinox is the daily blog of the luxury fitness brand. Check back here weekly for new posts that tap into Q's stable of world-class trainers and experts to keep up with all things health and well-being.

If you are experiencing cracks around the corners of your mouth, it may be a sign that you have a vitamin deficiency.

Vitamin B is essential for healthy skin and lips, and a deficiency can lead to cracks, sores, and other problems.

Symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency include dryness, redness, and inflammation of the lips.

This condition is commonly referred to as angular cheilitis, and it can cause inflammation of the lips in general.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of this condition, as well as the treatment options available.

What is Cracked and split lips?

So first what are cracked and split lips?

Cracks at the corners of the mouth, also called angular cheilitis, are a common problem. 

They can be caused by several things, including:

• A deficiency of vitamin B, iron, or other nutrients
• Dryness
• Dehydration
• Overexposure to the sun
• Mouth breathing
• Allergies
• Infections

What is angular cheilitis?

You must also be wondering that what is angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is a condition that causes red, swollen patches in the corners of your mouth. Cracks can also form in the skin.

It’s usually caused by a fungal or bacterial infection.

It’s a condition that can be uncomfortable and painful. 

Cracks in the skin can bleed and become infected.

The main difference between cracked and split lips is the cause.

Cracked lips are usually caused by dehydration or exposure to the sun, while split lips are usually a sign of a vitamin deficiency.

Read here more info on the medical condition of angular cheilitis.

Symptoms and Causes

Now that we know what cracked and split lips are, let’s take a look at the causes and symptoms.

Vitamin deficiencies are the most common cause of Cracked and split lips.

Iron deficiency can also be a cause of angular cheilitis.

As we mentioned, angular cheilitis can have several different causes. The most common cause is a fungal or bacterial infection.

Other possible causes include:

• Allergies
• Dry mouth
• Dehydration
• Overexposure to the sun
• Mouth breathing

It’s very important to know the symptoms of Cracked and split lips, so that you can identify the problem early and get treatment.

So, the most common symptom of angular cheilitis is cracks in the corners of your mouth.

And other symptoms can include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Itching
• Dryness

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

B vitamins and oral health

B vitamins are essential for healthy skin and lips. A deficiency of vitamin B can lead to cracks, sores, and other problems.

It’s an essential vitamin for the production of collagen, which is a key component of healthy skin.

Vitamin B also helps to keep the lips moisturized and prevents chapping.

This is the most common cause of angular cheilitis.

Other nutrients that are important for healthy lips include iron, zinc, and omega-fatty acids.

A deficiency in any of these nutrients can lead to dry, cracked lips.

How to diagnose vitamin b deficiency?

So how do you know you’re getting enough vitamin B?

If you think you may have a vitamin B deficiency, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Your doctor will likely take a blood test to check your levels of vitamin B.

They may also recommend other tests, such as a skin biopsy or an x-ray, to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.

You can also order a vitamin deficiency test online.

Although there’s nothing wrong to do your research, I advise you to be careful. It’s better to go and see a doctor or oder some online tests.

There’s lots of misinformation available online, and it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.

How do you heal cracked lips?

Now that you know the cause of your problem, you can start to treat it.

There are many ways to treat angular cheilitis, but the most important thing is to keep the area clean and dry.

There are several essential immunity building protein foods and medicines that can aid in the treatment and prevention of angular cheilitis too.

Some home remedies include:

• Coconut oil
• Tea tree oil
• Garlic
• Honey

If your lips are dry and cracked, there are a variety of things you may do to cure them.

Some home remedies include:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Using a lip balm or Vaseline
• Avoiding exposure to the sun
• Avoiding mouth breathing

If your lips are severely cracked or you have angular cheilitis, it’s important to see a doctor.

They can prescribe medications to treat the infection and help heal the cracks.

Foods rich in B vitamins

You can also get most B vitamins from foods. This is the best way to get the nutrient, as it’s more easily absorbed by the body.

A diet rich in vitamin B will help to keep your lips healthy and prevent angular cheilitis.

Foods are also more likely to contain other important nutrients that are needed for healthy lips. After all, healthy lips are a part of healthy skin.

There are many fat soluble vitamins, which means that they can be stored in the body for long periods of time.

Eating raw eggs makes sure you get all the B vitamins, including biotin, which is important for healthy hair and nails.

There are several foods that are rich in vitamin B. These include:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Beef liver
• Poultry
• Fish
• Fortified cereals and breads

Change your food and you’ll see a difference not just on your lips but also on your skin, nails and hair.

Supplements

If you are not getting enough vitamin B from your diet, you may need to take a supplement.

Vitamin B supplements are available in both pill and liquid form.

They can be found at most pharmacies and online retailers.

Supplements are also available for other nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and omega-fatty acids.

If you are taking any medications, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting a supplement.

What vitamin should I take for cracked corners of mouth?

What deficiency causes cracks in mouth?

Does B12 deficiency cause angular cheilitis?

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