What Deficiency Causes Itchy Tongue?

December 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, oral symptoms are often an early indicator of nutritional deficiencies, and an itchy or sore tongue can signal an underlying problem. While several issues can cause tongue irritation, a vitamin or mineral deficiency is a frequent culprit behind this specific symptom.

Quick Summary

An itchy tongue, or glossitis, can result from deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and folate. This irritation is often caused by inflammation and changes to the tongue's surface and papillae, requiring proper medical evaluation to identify and correct the nutritional imbalance.

Key Points

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A lack of B12 is a frequent cause of itchy, sore, and smooth tongue, known as glossitis.
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Insufficient iron reduces oxygen to the tongue, causing it to become pale, smooth, and tender.
Folate (B9) Deficiency: Low folate levels can lead to a swollen, red, and painful tongue, along with reduced taste perception.
Oral Symptoms are Early Indicators: Oral manifestations like an itchy tongue can appear before more generalized symptoms of a nutrient deficiency.
Multiple Potential Causes: Besides deficiencies, an itchy tongue can be caused by allergies, oral thrush, or irritation from certain foods and dental appliances.
Medical Consultation is Key: For persistent symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment, which may involve dietary changes or supplements.

The Primary Culprits: Vitamin B12 and Iron

When investigating what deficiency causes itchy tongue, vitamin B12 and iron are two of the most significant contenders. Both are crucial for forming healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen. A lack can lead to inflammation and changes in the tongue's appearance.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is vital for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. Deficiency can cause inadequate regeneration of tongue cells, leading to atrophic glossitis.

Tongue Appearance: The tongue may appear smooth, red, and swollen ('beefy'), with papillae shrinking or disappearing.
Itching and Burning: This lack of papillae and inflammation can cause itching, pain, or burning (glossodynia).
Other Symptoms: Symptoms can include tingling or numbness, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and cognitive issues.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin for oxygen transport. Low iron means less oxygen reaches tongue tissues, causing inflammation.

Tongue Appearance: The tongue can become pale, sore, and swollen, potentially losing papillae and becoming smooth.
Itching Sensation: General itchiness can occur, and an itchy tongue is a possible, though less common, symptom.
Other Symptoms: Besides oral issues, iron deficiency causes fatigue, pale skin, headaches, and brittle nails.

Other Nutritional Causes of Tongue Issues

Other nutrient deficiencies, particularly other B vitamins, can also contribute to tongue irritation.

Folate (Vitamin B9) Deficiency: Folate is crucial for cell growth. Deficiency can lead to a swollen, red, sore tongue with reduced taste.
Zinc Deficiency: Low zinc can cause a white tongue coating, mouth ulcers, and potentially taste reduction or burning mouth syndrome.
Other B-Vitamins: Deficiencies in riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pyridoxine (B6) are also linked to oral problems, including glossitis.

Beyond Deficiency: Non-Nutritional Factors

An itchy tongue isn't always from a nutrient deficiency. Other causes include:

Allergic Reactions: To foods, medications, or oral care products.
Oral Thrush: A fungal infection causing a white coating and raw, itchy feeling.
Dry Mouth: Lack of saliva can cause irritation.
Irritants and Trauma: Smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, or dental appliances.
Burning Mouth Syndrome: Chronic burning sensation without a clear cause.

Comparison of Deficiency-Related Tongue Symptoms


Nutrient Deficient	Key Oral Symptom	Other Common Symptoms
Vitamin B12	Smooth, beefy-red, and sore tongue (atrophic glossitis); itching or burning sensation.	Extreme fatigue, nerve tingling/numbness (paresthesia), memory issues, weakness.
Iron	Pale, smooth, or swollen tongue; tenderness and soreness.	Severe fatigue, pale skin, headaches, brittle nails, general itchiness.
Folate (B9)	Red, swollen, and sore tongue; reduced sense of taste.	Fatigue, mouth ulcers, numbness/tingling in hands and feet, muscle weakness.
Zinc	White coating on tongue, mouth ulcers; potentially taste changes.	Impaired wound healing, reduced sense of smell, skin problems.

Treatment and Resolution

Treatment involves correcting the underlying nutritional issue, often confirmed by blood tests.

Dietary Adjustments:

Vitamin B12: Found in animal products; vegans may need fortified foods or supplements.
Iron: Rich sources include red meat, poultry, beans, and leafy greens.
Folate: Found in green leafy vegetables, legumes, and citrus fruits.

Supplements: Oral supplements are common, but severe B12 deficiency may require injections.

Addressing Other Causes: Non-deficiency issues require different treatments, such as antifungal medication for thrush or avoiding irritants. Good oral hygiene, including gently brushing the tongue, is always beneficial.

Conclusion

An itchy tongue can signal a deficiency in nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, or folate. While other factors can cause this symptom, addressing these imbalances through diet and supplements, guided by a healthcare provider, is key to relief and preventing further health issues.

For more information on nutritional deficiencies and their impact on oral health, see this review from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vitamin B12 deficiency is a well-documented cause of an itchy or tingling tongue. It can lead to glossitis, an inflammation of the tongue, often accompanied by a burning sensation, soreness, and a loss of surface papillae.

Atrophic glossitis is a condition where the tongue becomes smooth, swollen, and shiny due to the loss of papillae. It is often caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, or folate, which are crucial for cellular regeneration and blood health.

Yes, an iron deficiency can lead to a sore or pale tongue. While general body itchiness is more common, the inflammation caused by anemia can make the tongue feel tender or irritated.

Other causes include allergic reactions to foods or dental products, oral thrush (a fungal infection), dry mouth, mechanical trauma from dentures or braces, and irritation from spicy or acidic foods.

For B12, consume animal products like meat, fish, and dairy. For iron, eat red meat, poultry, or leafy greens. For folate, include spinach, legumes, and citrus fruits. It is best to consult a doctor before starting any significant dietary changes.

You should see a doctor if the itchiness is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like extreme fatigue, tingling in the extremities, or changes in your tongue's appearance. These could signal an underlying issue that needs medical attention.

A doctor can diagnose a deficiency through a physical examination and a blood test to check nutrient levels. Depending on the findings, they can then recommend the appropriate treatment, such as supplements or dietary changes.