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What vitamin deficiency causes chapped lips?

Nov 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, chapped lips are not only related to dry environments and insufficient water intake, but are also commonly associated with vitamin deficiencies, particularly deficiencies in vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, and A. To improve chapped lips, targeted supplementation of these vitamins is necessary. In daily life, one can consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and other foods rich in various vitamins.

Generally, chapped lips are not only related to dry environments and insufficient water intake, but are also commonly associated with vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, and A. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Vitamin B2: Vitamin B2 plays a role in the repair and metabolism of skin and mucous membranes. Deficiency can damage the lip mucosal barrier, leading to dryness and flaking of the lips. In severe cases, it may cause cheilitis, manifesting as redness, swelling, cracking, and even exudation of the lips, affecting eating and speaking.

2. Vitamin B3: Lack of vitamin B3 easily triggers skin problems, with the lips being a commonly affected area. Besides chapped lips, symptoms may include roughness and pigmentation of the lips, along with glossitis and angular cheilitis. Discomfort significantly worsens when consuming spicy or irritating foods.

Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Its deficiency affects nutrient supply to the skin and mucous membranes, resulting in dry, flaky lips. Some individuals may also experience itching or a burning sensation on the lips. Long-term deficiency may lead to recurrent symptoms.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C participates in collagen synthesis, and collagen is a key component in maintaining the elasticity of lip skin. Deficiency leads to reduced elasticity, making the lips dry and fragile, thus prone to cracking. It also impairs wound healing, making it difficult for lip fissures to recover.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps protect epithelial tissues. Deficiency causes abnormal keratinization of epithelial cells in the lip mucosa, leading to dry, rough lips with flaking. Severe deficiency may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as dry eyes and itchy skin.

To improve chapped lips, targeted vitamin supplementation is recommended. In daily life, increase intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and other foods rich in various vitamins. Additionally, maintain lip moisture and avoid bad habits such as frequent lip-licking or peeling off dead skin.

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