Taste Disorder Caused by Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The etiologies of taste disorder are multiple. It is rarely considered vitamin deficiency can impact taste function. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by total gastrectomy or malnutrition. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of patients with taste disorders caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Materials and Methods: We treated fourteen patients with vitamin B12 deficiency induced taste disorders. The symptoms of patients were decreased taste sensitivity, tongue pain, and abnormal tongue sensation. The patients' tongues were red, smooth, and no papillae. The laboratory test showed that decreased serum concentration of vitamin B12. Taste function test showed increased taste thresholds. Ten patients had total gastrectomyhistory and four patients were poor nutritional status. All patients were treated by administration of vitamin B12 intramuscularly. Results: The patients'symptoms were improved after treatment. The appearance of the tongue and the results of taste testing were also improved. Conclusions: The patients with taste disorder and tongue pain should be asked about operation history including gastrectomy, and vitamin B12 deficiency induced taste disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

A Literature Review of Taste Change and Zinc Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery: Could There Be a Causal Link?

“…Shatzman [ 13 ] found that patients with hypogeusia had low concentrations of zinc in their saliva—administering zinc to these patients was associated with increased salivary zinc content and gustin concentrations. Third, nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B12 deficiency which may manifest as a smooth, red tongue may lead to a loss of taste perception [ 47 ].…”