Glossitis is a common symptom of which deficiency?

• A. Vitamin B12 deficiency
• B. Iron deficiency anemia
• C. Folate deficiency anemia
• D. Aplastic anemia

Answer: (A)

Glossitis arises from inflammation and atrophy of the tongue mucosa due to rapid turnover of epithelial cells. Vitamin B12 is essential for proper DNA synthesis in these rapidly renewing mucosal cells. When B12 is lacking, DNA synthesis falters, leading to megaloblastic changes and thinning of the tongue lining, which produces a smooth, beefy red, often tender tongue. This mucosal effect is a hallmark of B12 deficiency and helps explain why glossitis is commonly seen in this condition (as in pernicious anemia). While iron and folate deficiencies can also affect the tongue, glossitis is most classically linked to B12 deficiency, and aplastic anemia does not typically produce the mucosal tongue changes seen with B12 deficiency.