Deficiency of Certain Nutrients
Deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals caused by malnutrition can affect the effectiveness of the taste buds. These nutrients are usually important for the taste buds to function. Deficiency in the following nutrients affect the taste buds; Vitamin A, copper Vitamin B6 [4], zinc, Vitamin B12 and magnesium. Vegetables and green leafy ‘foliage’ are great sources of folic acid. They help in the development of new cells within the body. Deficiency of folic acid [5] result in smooth and red tongue leading to loss of sensitivity in taste buds. Multivitamins that contain heavy metals such as chromium can lead to metallic taste. Deficiency of vitamin D in People between the ages 70-80 years can lead to impaired sense of tasting.