Vitamin deficiency

Rather rare causes for dry and chapped lips are vitamin deficiencies. First of all, the vitamin B2 and iron level (iron deficiency) must be controlled, as such a deficiency can lead to the symptoms described. Iron deficiency can result from an increased monthly menstruation in women, more rarely from a reduced dietary intake. The most common causes of a vitamin B2 deficiency are mainly an unbalanced diet by the patients, as well as a dietary intake of vitamin-poor foods. Furthermore, alcoholism is a danger for a vitamin B2 and vitamin B 12 deficiency.

Iron Deficiency

One of many causes of dry lips can be iron deficiency (sideropenia). In addition to dry lips, severe symptoms of iron deficiency are a persistent feeling of weakness and tiredness, paleness and dry, chapped skin in general. A large part of the iron in the human body is found in the pigment of the red blood cells (hemoglobin of the erythrocytes), where it plays an important role in the transport of oxygen.

If the iron reserves are used up, anaemia can occur. A common reason for an iron deficiency is insufficient intake with food. The body cannot produce iron itself and so women need about 1.5mg of iron daily, men about 1mg.

During pregnancy, the iron requirements of the expectant mother double, so it is particularly important to ensure that the intake is sufficient. Iron deficiency is the most common deficiency disease in our society. In Europe 5-10% of the entire population and up to 20% of young women suffer from iron deficiency.Since the human body can utilize animal iron more efficiently than vegetable iron, vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk.

They are advised not to drink coffee or black tea after a meal, as the tannin contained prevents the absorption of iron in the intestine. Likewise, milk and egg products prevent the absorption of iron. Vitamin C, on the other hand, promotes iron absorption and should, for example in the form of citrus fruits, be taken up promptly with a meal.

Besides meat, especially red meat such as beef, many vegetable foods such as spinach, dried apricots, oat flakes, lentils, linseeds and pumpkin seeds are also valuable sources of iron. If a healthy iron level cannot be achieved through a balanced diet, the doctor can prescribe iron supplements. Bleeding is another cause of iron deficiency. Most frequently affected are women with a very heavy menstrual flow (menorrhagia), who regularly lose large amounts of blood during their periods. However, undetected (occult) bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can also lead to iron loss and should be considered if other causes of iron deficiency are excluded.