Health experts have warned that two painful signs in the mouth could signal a potentially dangerous deficiency. These “sore” symptoms could mean that you are low in vitamin B12.

Our bodies rely on a number of vitamins and minerals, which we should be able to get from a balanced diet, to stay healthy. Without certain key nutrients the body can struggle to function to the best of its ability.

Vitamin B12 is found in a lot of animal products including meat, cheese and eggs, making it more common among vegans and vegetarians, and it one such vital nutrient. It is required to help produce red blood cells, affecting the amount of oxygen your body gets.

Without it you can be left feeling weak, have difficulty with movement and experience mood changes. Long-term B12 deficiency can even result in irreversible neurological changes and infertility, the NHS warns.

Therefore, spotting the signs of a B12 deficiency as soon as possible is crucial. Two such symptoms can appear in the mouth.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a physical sign of a B12 deficiency is a “sore” mouth and tongue. The NHS also lists a “sore and red tongue,” known as glossitis, as a symptom alongside mouth ulcers.

“Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological and psychological symptoms,” the Cleveland Clinic explains. “The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can develop slowly and can get worse over time.

“Some people may have no symptoms despite having a low level of vitamin B12 in their bodies. People with vitamin B12 deficiency can have neurological symptoms and/or damage without anaemia (lack of red blood cells).”

Other physical symptoms are:

You might also experience psychological changes like feeling depressed and irritable. In some cases simply upping the intake of the vitamin in your diet will help.

Foods containing B12 include:

However, if your deficiency is more severe or your body is unable to properly absorb B12, supplements or injections from a GP will be needed. The Cleveland Clinic advises seeking medical help if you are suffering from symptoms of a B12 deficiency to prevent it from getting worse.

“If you are experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency or are at risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency, contact your healthcare provider to see if you should take a blood test to measure your vitamin B12 level,” it says.

“If you have already been diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and are experiencing new or concerning symptoms, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider.”

According to the NHS adults (aged between 19 and 64) need about 1.5 micrograms (mcg) a day of vitamin B12. It advises taking no more than two mcg a day in supplement form if you are unable to get enough through diet.

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