Understanding What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Grooves in the Tongue

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

While often benign and related to genetics, a fissured or grooved tongue can sometimes be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. Research indicates specific deficits, including several B vitamins and iron, can contribute to or worsen this condition, raising the important question: what vitamin deficiency causes grooves in the tongue?.

Quick Summary

Several nutritional shortfalls, particularly in B-complex vitamins (B12, B2, B9) and iron, are associated with a fissured tongue and related oral symptoms. Other contributing factors include genetics, aging, and certain medical conditions like geographic tongue. Proper diagnosis and treatment for any underlying deficiencies are crucial for managing symptoms and overall health.

Key Points

Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in B-complex vitamins (B12, B2, B9) and iron are linked to tongue inflammation and can worsen or contribute to grooves.
Genetic Factors: For many, a fissured tongue is a benign, inherited trait and not a sign of any health issue.
Associated Conditions: Fissured tongue can co-occur with geographic tongue, Down Syndrome, and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.
Importance of Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene, including gently brushing or scraping the tongue, is essential to prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped in the fissures, which can cause discomfort.
Symptom Management: While no cure exists for a genetically-based fissured tongue, maintaining a balanced diet and good hygiene can manage potential symptoms like irritation.
Consult a Professional: Any new or worsening tongue fissures, accompanied by pain or other symptoms, should be evaluated by a dentist or doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Deep grooves or fissures on the tongue, medically known as lingua plicata or fissured tongue, are a relatively common condition. For many, it is a harmless, inherited trait that simply becomes more prominent with age. However, for others, the development of tongue grooves can be a symptom of an underlying health issue, with vitamin and mineral deficiencies being a notable cause. Understanding the link between nutrition and oral health is vital for proper diagnosis and management.

The Crucial Role of B Vitamins

B vitamins are essential for a wide range of cellular functions, including the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes, such as the lining of the mouth and tongue. Deficiencies in several B-complex vitamins have been linked to oral health issues, including the development of tongue fissures and inflammation (glossitis).

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

Often cited as a potential cause of oral symptoms, a severe vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to atrophic glossitis, which is characterized by a smooth, red, and swollen tongue. In some cases, this can contribute to the formation or deepening of fissures. B12 deficiency can be caused by dietary factors (especially in vegetarians and vegans), malabsorption issues like pernicious anemia, or certain medications. Good sources of B12 include:

Meat and Poultry: Beef, chicken, and liver
Fish and Seafood: Salmon, tuna, and clams
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt
Eggs
Fortified Foods: Breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Deficiency

Riboflavin deficiency can lead to painful cracks in the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis) and a magenta-colored tongue. It is also associated with glossitis and can contribute to a fissured appearance. Ensuring adequate intake of B2 can support the health of the tongue's mucosal tissue. Sources include:

Milk and Dairy Products
Eggs
Meat and Fish
Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach
Enriched Grains

Folate (Vitamin B9) Deficiency

Folic acid is another B vitamin vital for cell growth and regeneration. A lack of folate can cause a sore, red, and swollen tongue, and has been linked to the formation of fissures. Folate deficiency can result from a poor diet, malabsorption, or increased bodily needs during pregnancy. To increase folate intake, consider adding these foods to your diet:

Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach and kale
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans
Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli
Fortified Cereals

Iron Deficiency and Its Impact

Iron deficiency anemia can manifest with several oral symptoms, including a pale and smooth tongue due to the loss of papillae. Some studies have also linked iron deficiency to fissured tongue. The lack of iron reduces oxygen supply to tongue tissues, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Iron-rich foods include:

Meat: Red meat, poultry, and liver
Seafood: Shellfish
Legumes: Lentils and beans
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach and kale
Fortified Cereals and Breads

Other Contributing Factors and Conditions

Beyond nutritional deficiencies, several other elements can contribute to a fissured tongue. It is important to consider these alongside potential dietary causes for a complete picture of oral health.

Common Causes of Fissured Tongue

Genetics: Often, a fissured tongue is simply an inherited trait that runs in families and is considered a normal variant.
Aging: The grooves and cracks tend to become deeper and more prominent with age.
Geographic Tongue: This harmless condition, where papillae wear away and form map-like patches, often co-occurs with fissured tongue.
Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A rare neurological condition involving facial paralysis, lip swelling, and a fissured tongue.
Down Syndrome: Fissured tongue is more prevalent among individuals with Down Syndrome.

Fissured Tongue vs. Geographic Tongue

To better understand the cause of tongue grooves, it is helpful to distinguish between the two related conditions, fissured and geographic tongue.


Feature	Fissured Tongue (Lingua Plicata)	Geographic Tongue (Benign Migratory Glossitis)
Appearance	Deep grooves or fissures on the top and sides of the tongue.	Irregular, map-like patches of red, smooth areas with raised white borders.
Sensation	Usually painless, but can feel sensitive or burn if food or debris gets trapped in the fissures.	Can cause a burning sensation, especially when eating spicy, acidic, or salty foods.
Movement	Fissures are stationary and permanent.	The patches can change size, shape, and location over time.
Associated Conditions	Often linked with geographic tongue, Down Syndrome, and Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome.	Can be associated with fissured tongue, psoriasis, and allergies.
Nutritional Link	Deficiencies in B vitamins and iron can contribute to severity.	Associated with deficiencies in B vitamins and zinc in some cases.

What to Do If You Have a Fissured Tongue

Since a fissured tongue is often benign, no specific treatment is necessary for the grooves themselves. However, proper oral hygiene is crucial to prevent irritation and infection from trapped food debris and bacteria.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Fissured Tongues

Gentle Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your tongue's surface after brushing your teeth.
Tongue Scraping: A tongue scraper can help remove trapped debris and bacteria more effectively than a brush.
Mouth Rinse: Use a mouthwash to help dislodge particles from deeper fissures.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth moist and can reduce irritation.
Balanced Diet: Ensure your diet is rich in essential nutrients, particularly B vitamins, iron, and zinc, to address any potential underlying nutritional causes.

Conclusion

A fissured tongue is most often a harmless, inherited condition, but its appearance and symptoms can sometimes be aggravated by nutritional deficiencies. Insufficient levels of B vitamins (especially B12, B2, and folate) and iron are known to cause oral manifestations, including glossitis and tongue fissures. A proper diet rich in these nutrients is vital for overall oral health. While you can't eliminate genetic fissures, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and addressing any dietary gaps are the best steps to manage the condition and prevent discomfort. If you notice new or worsening grooves, or experience pain and swelling, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best course of action to rule out other medical conditions and receive a definitive diagnosis.

For more information on vitamin deficiencies, you can visit the Cleveland Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

While often genetic, deficiencies in B-complex vitamins, particularly B12, B2 (riboflavin), and B9 (folate), are most commonly associated with tongue inflammation and could exacerbate fissures.

Yes, iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia, has been linked to changes in tongue texture and appearance, including the loss of papillae and potentially contributing to fissures.

In most cases, fissured tongue is a harmless, benign condition. However, if accompanied by other symptoms like pain or significant swelling, a healthcare provider should be consulted to rule out underlying issues.

Treatment involves addressing the underlying deficiency through dietary changes and possibly supplements under a doctor's supervision. This can help manage symptoms like swelling and soreness.

Yes, other causes include genetics, aging, and a frequent association with conditions like geographic tongue, Down Syndrome, and Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome.

A fissured tongue has grooves or cracks, while a geographic tongue features map-like patches of lost papillae. The two conditions often occur together, but geographic tongue can cause a burning sensation.

A balanced diet rich in B-vitamins (meat, dairy, fish, leafy greens) and iron (red meat, legumes, fortified cereals) is recommended to correct deficiencies.

Yes, consistent and proper oral hygiene, including brushing or scraping the tongue, can prevent food and bacteria from accumulating in the grooves, which helps avoid irritation and infection.