Can low vitamin D affect taste and smell? Uncovering the Link

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2020 study published in the journal Nutrients, adults with vitamin D deficiency were 39% more likely to experience age-related smell impairment, raising the crucial question: can low vitamin D affect taste and smell?. This link, particularly concerning in older populations, reveals a complex relationship between nutrient status and sensory health.

Quick Summary

Studies suggest an association between low vitamin D levels and impaired taste and smell, especially with advancing age. The vitamin's neurological role may affect the cranial nerves governing these senses, though causation is complex. Other deficiencies can also cause similar symptoms.

Key Points

Low Vitamin D and Sensory Impairment: A 2020 study indicates vitamin D deficiency significantly increases the risk of age-related smell impairment, with a 39% higher prevalence in deficient adults.
Age Influences Taste and Vitamin D Link: While the general link between low vitamin D and taste loss is less conclusive, research shows a stronger association among the elderly aged 70-80, suggesting age is a modifying factor.
Neurological Basis for Sensory Loss: Vitamin D functions as a neurosteroid, and its receptors are found in the nervous system pathways that govern smell and taste, offering a plausible mechanism for sensory decline during deficiency.
Other Factors Play a Role: Altered taste and smell can also be caused by other nutritional deficiencies, notably zinc and vitamin B12, as well as infections like COVID-19, medications, smoking, and age.
Sensory Symptoms Can Be Vague: Symptoms like a metallic taste (dysgeusia), dry mouth, and burning tongue have been associated with vitamin D deficiency, making it important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider.
Supplementation May Help: Case reports have shown that supplementing with vitamin D can help improve or restore a diminished sense of smell, suggesting correcting the deficiency can reverse symptoms.

The Scientific Link Between Vitamin D and Sensory Function

Evidence indicates a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and neurological function, which impacts the senses of taste and smell. Vitamin D, known for its role in bone health, also functions as a neurosteroid with receptors in areas of the nervous system involved in sensory perception.

The Direct Connection to Smell Impairment

Research provides support for a link between low vitamin D and smell dysfunction. A study using NHANES data found adults with vitamin D deficiency were significantly more likely to report smell impairment compared to those with sufficient levels. Specifically, deficient individuals had a 39% higher prevalence of smell impairment. Animal studies also show vitamin D receptors in the olfactory system, supporting this connection.

A Complex Relationship with Taste

The evidence for a link between vitamin D and taste is still developing and seems to be influenced by age. The same NHANES study did not find a significant association between general taste impairment and vitamin D deficiency in adults aged 40–80. However, in older adults aged 70–80, vitamin D inadequacy was significantly linked to a higher prevalence of taste impairment. Another study noted that older adults with a deficiency were more prone to dysgeusia (altered taste). This suggests other factors might be more dominant in taste perception in younger adults, with vitamin D status becoming more important with age. Low vitamin D levels are also associated with other oral health issues like dry mouth and burning tongue syndrome, which can affect taste.

The Neurological Mechanisms at Play

Vitamin D's effect on sensory perception is primarily neurological. It impacts cranial nerve I, crucial for smell, through its neuroprotective properties. A deficiency may lead to neurological decline affecting this nerve, reducing smell. Taste involves cranial nerves VII, IX, and X. The lesser effect on taste compared to smell suggests different sensory pathways with varying reliance on vitamin D.

Other Factors Affecting Taste and Smell

Vitamin D deficiency is not the sole cause of altered taste and smell. Several factors can impact these senses.

Common Causes of Sensory Impairment:

Other nutritional deficiencies: Zinc and vitamin B12 deficiencies are known to alter taste and smell. Zinc is vital for an enzyme involved in these senses, while B12 affects epithelial cells and nerve function.
Infections: Viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, the flu, and common colds, can temporarily or permanently impair taste and smell.
Aging: A natural decline in sensory function occurs with age.
Medications: Many drugs can cause a metallic or unpleasant taste.
Smoking: Chronic tobacco use damages nerve cells, reducing taste and smell.
Neurological conditions: Brain tumors, head trauma, and diseases like Parkinson's can damage nerves involved in sensory perception.

Comparison of Deficiency Effects on Taste & Smell

Here is a comparison of how different deficiencies can affect your senses:


Deficiency	Primary Effects on Taste	Effects on Smell	Scientific Basis
Vitamin D	Primarily affects older adults, potentially causing dysgeusia or burning tongue.	Increases prevalence of age-related smell impairment (higher risk in deficient individuals).	Acts as a neurosteroid with receptors in nervous pathways governing these senses.
Zinc	A common cause of taste distortion and loss.	Can cause a diminished sense of smell.	Essential for an enzyme crucial to taste and smell function.
Vitamin B12	Can lead to tongue soreness and loss of papillae, altering taste perception.	Can be associated with altered smell.	Disrupts epithelial cells and nerve function related to sensation.
Vitamin C	Deficiency (scurvy) causes bleeding gums, indirectly impacting taste.	Not directly associated, but essential for overall health.	Supports tissue health, including oral tissues.

Improving Your Vitamin D Levels for Better Health

If you suspect low vitamin D is impacting your senses, increasing your intake may help. Case reports show patients with diminished olfaction improved after vitamin D supplementation.

Sensible Sun Exposure: The body produces vitamin D from sunlight. Aim for 10-30 minutes of midday sun a few times weekly.
Dietary Sources: Include fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, and cereals in your diet.
Supplements: Supplements can be effective, especially for those with limited sun exposure. Consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosage.

What to Do If You Have Altered Taste or Smell

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent changes in taste or smell. They can help diagnose the cause, which may involve blood tests for vitamin deficiencies.

Consider these steps:

Get Tested: Ask your doctor for a blood test to check your vitamin D levels.
Address Deficiencies: Follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment if a deficiency is found.
Check Other Nutrients: Inquire about testing for deficiencies like zinc and B12.
Review Medications: Discuss potential side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Consider Oral Health: Poor oral hygiene or dry mouth can affect taste. Discuss concerns with your dentist.

Conclusion

The question, "can low vitamin D affect taste and smell?" is an area of ongoing research. The link is clearer for smell impairment, particularly with age, but some studies also connect deficiency to altered taste, especially in older adults. As a neurosteroid, vitamin D is vital for the nervous system pathways of our senses. For those with sensory changes, investigating vitamin D status alongside other potential causes is important. Addressing a deficiency through diet, sun, or supplements could help restore sensory function.

For more information on nutrient deficiencies, you can consult resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an altered or bad taste, a condition known as dysgeusia, has been associated with vitamin D deficiency, particularly in older adults. However, other conditions, such as dry mouth or other nutritional deficiencies, can also cause a metallic taste.

Vitamin D functions as a neurosteroid, and its receptors are present in the olfactory system. A deficiency can lead to a neurological decline affecting the cranial nerves responsible for smell, resulting in a diminished ability to smell.

There is some evidence suggesting improvement. Case reports exist of individuals with diminished olfaction experiencing a progressive return of their sense of smell after being treated with vitamin D supplementation.

The link between low vitamin D and smell impairment is more clearly established in broad studies across different adult ages. The link to taste impairment appears to be more significant in advanced age, affecting those over 70 more noticeably.

Deficiencies in other nutrients, particularly zinc and vitamin B12, are known to impact taste and smell significantly. Zinc is crucial for an enzyme involved in these senses, while B12 is important for epithelial and nerve function.

Yes. Numerous factors can cause taste and smell impairment, including viral infections (like COVID-19), certain medications, aging, poor oral health, and other neurological conditions. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

A healthcare provider can order a blood test to measure your serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. This is the most accurate way to determine if you have a deficiency.