Post # 1
Member
71 posts
Worker bee
Hi guys!
I’m a new vegan, trying to do it right this time after realizing my lifestyle was super unhealthy let alone destructive to the environment, but that’s neither here nor there…in the past I’ve been both a vegan and a vegetarian, but I realize something very odd when I’m vegan: I develop cracks at the corner of my mouth quite frequently. When I started eating meat again, they went away. Mind you, I was taking a B12 supplement and eating a lot of beans, so I was wondering if this happened to anyone and have you found a solution for it?
In addition, if you could share your healthiest, easiest (soy-free) recipes here it would be super helpful in getting me started!
Thanks xoxo
Post # 2
Member
4 posts
Wannabee
Very happy for your re-found veganism. Hats off to you, from a fellow devoted vegan 🙂
Re. the cracks in the corner of your mouth: I’ve never heard of that before.. but I would suggest thinking about omega 3 and varied protein sources? Omega 3 can be found in algae capsules (oily fish is only oily because of the algae they eat, so by taking the capsules (rather than cod liver), you cut out the middle-man and go straight to source, as it were).
(This is the brand I take: http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/together-natural-algae-dha-omega-3-softgels-60010638 )
How long after veganism did the cracks appear?
Are you eating enough healthy fats too?
Post # 3
Member
71 posts
Worker bee
ysgwarnog : Thank you! I try to! I’m trying to prevent them this time. I’ve heard b12 deficiency, iron deficiency, but I took a b12 supplement, so I didn’t know why it was happening…very weird. Thanks for the advice!
Post # 4
Member
2777 posts
Sugar bee
I’ve been vegan for 9 years and never had this issue, but I would second the suggestion to take an Omega 3 supplement. Also, make sure you are eating enough (healthy) fats like avocado, nuts, coconut milk, flax seed oil, etc. If you’re having difficulty finding these in your diet, take a supplement like Udi’s oil.
Post # 5
Member
508 posts
Busy bee
Because you say it comes when you are practicing a Vegan lifestyle, I would assume it is from a vitamin deficiency.
Though it my be worth looking into Angular Cheilitis. I am a RDA and have had a few patients get this from use of a bruxism device at nightime, or sleeping in whitening trays (not reccommended, lol) Basically saliva pools, and causes a reaction, similar to diaper rash…
Best of Luck Bee, I have been looking into making the leap to vegitarian, and possibly vegan myself.
Post # 6
Member
71 posts
Worker bee
SeptBride2Be23 : Thank you! Yes, I’m going to try and take my b12 religiously and see how it works out.
Post # 7
Member
1212 posts
Bumble bee
Vegan a little over a year and vegetarian for 14 years prior here, and never thought or heard of this issue! I would reach out to a doctor, not this website. Could be a symptom unique to your body. Best of luck. It’s such an incredible spiritual journey!
Post # 8
Member
45 posts
Newbee
I’ve been a vegetarian for 15 years and I have had this problem! Mine was related to vitamin B deficiency, and I know you said you were taking some, but I’d definitely make sure I was getting a good brand. Vitamins aren’t regulated as well as medicine, so you can’t be certain how much you’re actually taking. You might want to look into adding marmite/vegemite to your diet as well!
Post # 9
Member
1212 posts
Bumble bee
wendymoiraangeladarling : Interesting! Well if it is Vitamin B, my dietician told me to take a sublingual version (either a tablet that dissolves under your tongue OR in liquid form). Xymogen is the brand I used.
Post # 10
Member
1338 posts
Bumble bee
My friend had this issue for ages and it turned out to be a type of yeast infection. Maybe your change in diet is causing a candida overgrowth?
Post # 11
Member
821 posts
Busy bee
I’m not vegan, but I’m dealing with cracks in the corner of my mouth as well. I went for a routine dental checkup and the dentist said a vitamin C deficiency could be the cause. Something to look into…
Post # 12
Member
71 posts
Worker bee
wendymoiraangeladarling : Super helpful thank you!! So glad I’m not the only one!