Dry lips are often caused by environmental factors such as cold weather or lack of moisture.
Still, it’s worth being careful because nutritional deficiencies could be the culprit (and in some cases, other potentially problematic health effects), says Carolyn Staal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
Here are three vitamin and nutrient deficiencies that can cause dry lips:
1. Vitamin B
Vitamin B complex refers to eight water-soluble vitamins: vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folate), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Deficiencies in B vitamins, especially B12, B9, and B2, can lead to angular cheilitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes cracked corners of the mouth.
When patients present with these obvious cracks, Dunn often recommends B-complex vitamin supplements, particularly methylated versions (active forms of vitamins that are more easily utilized by the body), to promote the body’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients.
Certain groups are at higher risk of vitamin B deficiency, including the elderly, pregnant people, people with gastrointestinal disorders that affect nutrient absorption (such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)), and those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Vitamin B deficiency can cause additional symptoms that are entirely different from red and irritated lips, such as irritated tongue or eyes, stomach upset, or a genital rash, Dr. Stahl says. If you notice any of these symptoms, a vitamin B deficiency could be the culprit.
2. Iron
Iron deficiency (anemia) can also cause angular cheilitis, a condition that causes cracked lips, which is also associated with vitamin B deficiency.Iron deficiency affects cell turnover, especially in the corners of the mouth, leading to thinning of the tissue, which makes it easier for bacteria and fungi to grow excessively, causing angular cheilitis.
People who are more likely to be iron deficient include pregnant women, those with menstrual cycles, those with digestive disorders (such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease), and those following a vegan or vegetarian diet (as meat, seafood and other foods are good sources of iron).
3. Zinc
This mineral is well known for its role in immunity, but it also impacts your skin: “Zinc is important for skin repair and regeneration,” says Sarah Bird, PhD, functional medicine nurse practitioner at Palm Health in Ladue, Missouri.
Like B vitamins and iron, zinc deficiency can also cause angular cheilitis. In the case of zinc, it is thought to be due to a weakened immune system, as it is a mineral essential for wound healing.“If there’s a deficiency, you’ll definitely see some scales around the corners of their mouth,” Stahl says.
Zinc deficiency can also affect hair and nail growth. Zinc is involved in hair growth and is one of the many minerals that make up nails. A zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, discolouration and ridges in the nails.
Most people get enough zinc in their diet. However, you may be at risk of zinc deficiency if you have a gastrointestinal disorder that affects nutrient absorption, if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet (meat, fish and seafood are the best sources of zinc), are older, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
