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new to the gluten free journey?
A common manifestation for those suffering from the detriments of gluten occurs in the mouth. The images of the tongue show a beefy dark red appearance with many grooves. This is also sometimes referred to as magenta tongue. The presence of this symptom is often times accompanied by intermittent bouts of dizziness, ringing in the ears, and sharp nerve pains in the hands or feet (often times referred to as a neuropathy). Tongue changes like these can take years to form, and commonly signify a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in those with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Because gluten can damage both the acid producing cells of the stomach as well as the carrier shuttle for vitamin B-12, the deficit can be present even when the diet contains adequate quantities. Remember that vitamin B-12 is only found in meat (chicken, beef, fish, eggs, lamb, pork, etc). Those trying to follow a vegetarian diet are also at high risk for developing a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
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The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Peter Osborne, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Peter Osborne and his community. Peter Osborne encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
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15 Responses
My b12 was flagged as too high, over 1000+. I’ve been GF for 8 years, strict Paleo for 2+. When I eat GF foods I am sensitive to, I get sores on my tongue, cracks in my fingers/hands and I’ve had several serious bouts of vertigo the last three years. Also, recently developed muscle fasciulations in my legs. Nobody here in Corvallis can figure out what’s still going on. Big bummer! Does anybody know if too high b12 can cause this? I do eat grass fed organ (lamb kidneys and liver) several times a week.
Have you been tested for the MTHFR gene and associated illnesses.
Eat a whole bunch of SOY or IBS irritants, it will be one of those.
Thank you Lucinda. I look forward to that test!
My tongue has looked like this, even worse now, for as long as I can remember; at least 30 years. I recently “presented” it to my GI/GP (same man) as a symptom of celiac since I have been having gastro issues for the past 2 years. I “finally” had the blood work (negative) and the upper scope (negative) done – and he handed me a xeroxed high fiber diet for diverticulosis. Well, I’ve been eating that way for years, and it hasn’t moved a thing in my colon suffering with bouts of both C and D. I stopped gluten on my own 4 weeks ago, am taking probiotics and a multivitimin and already seeing a difference in my bowels. I hope eventually my tongue will look normal.
Steve, you might consider asking for a Spectracell blood test. It measures your intracellular nutritional status. Serum values for vitamins are often times misleading.
Mydaughter has leaky gut and she cant take gluten, dairy, eggs and nuts. If she takes any of this she will have pain on her tongue but i am nkt sure which one is giving her tbe strongest reaction gluten or dairy or eggs? Shes only 7 years old. What other tests can sbe take to know for sue what cause the pain on her tongue?
Abby,
Genetic testing is the most accurate way to assess for gluten sensitivity. You can learn more about that right here <<
All the best,
Dr. O
I have had a geographic tongue for about 34 years. I have had in’s n GI issues all my life. No MD can explain marks on my tongue after eating white flour or sugar. Now dm2 for 20 yrs with no family he. Need referral for good MD in San JoseCa.. can you refer? Need help.
My tongue gets sore places on it and I’m wondering if it’s from gluten and sugar but i don’t understand why?
My tongue has the ridges on the sides daily, cracks in it, and will at times have a white/pale yellow film on it. I suffer from bouts of either diarrhea or constipation. I also get terrible body pains that come and go in my arms, legs, and head. My endoscopy and colonoscopy came back negative(didn’t find celiac). I had blood work done and an H Pylori test. But I’ll feel sicker after eating gluten. But still can’t pinpoint what’s really wrong. I’ve been to two different GI doctors and feel constantly sick. So frustrated! I take Vitamin D and B12…help! Any suggestions?!
Hi Emily!
I hope this comment reaches you. I am experiencing the same symptoms! Did you every figure out what was the cause or what helped?
I seem to have NCGS (not celiac). I assume all my spices Garlic powder, basil, dill, steak seasoning need to be gluten free-correct?
Correct!
I ate some chips which said ¨might contain wheat¨ but I didn´t realize till I saw the ingredients, my tongue went numb like if I drank a very hot beverage, I consulted this with a doctor and he said that it might be intolerance to some kind of condiment, can you give me some references, I´m having trouble eating because I´m afraid something will happen. help!!