Common Symptoms Of A Niacin Deficiency

Bright Red Tongue And Swollen Mouth

A niacin deficiency can manifest as glossitis, or a bright red tongue and swollen mouth. This can often be the first sign individuals with a niacin deficiency will notice because the tongue is being used constantly on a daily basis. A lack of proper amounts of niacin causes the loss of the small projections that line the tongue or papillae. When this happens, the tongue becomes abnormally smooth (atrophic glossitis). A red tongue that appears to be unusually large accompanied by a swollen mouth can also occur as a result of niacin deficiency. Mouth ulcers also occur as a result of the niacin shortage and will begin with pain throughout the mouth and redness of the tongue before advancing to ulceration. These ulcers will begin to form first on the lower lip and under the tongue. The swelling of the tongue and mouth can cause patients with a niacin deficiency to have difficulty with eating and speaking. Due to the absence of the papillae on the tongue, there will be less taste sensation but more sensitivity in regards to temperature and pain.

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