Question:
My tongue is turning yellow. Is that a sign of iron deficiency?

I just started taking Centrum Silver for post menopausal women.    — Teresa W. (posted on April 14, 2010)

April 14, 2010
It's unlikely to be iron deficiency. Iron deficiency usually turns the tongue pale and smooth. There are a number of reasons that your tongue could be turning yellow. It could be a bacterial infection making the papillae swell which are the tiny little bumps on your tongue. When they swell bacteria can get under there. Brushing your teeth can help this or adding yogurt to your diet as it contains acidophilus which is good bacteria. In my case, my tongue does have a yellowing to it due to NAFLD which thankfully is curable and what I am working on! The only way to know is to see your physician an have some tests ran.
   — ScottAD

April 14, 2010
Teresa, I sure do hope you are taking an iron supplement, not only the mulitvitamin. I take iron with vit. C every night. You need to check with your Dr. My bloodwork is always perfect, thank the good Lord. My tongue looks funky at times when I am having issues with constipation, YUCK!!! Be well!
   — FSUMom

April 14, 2010
You should make an appointment with your Dr. it could be something as simple as thrush (yeast infection on your tongue) they will give you a rinse. Thrush is usually a white film on your tongue. Also, I am only supose to take Children's chewable vitamins for the rest of my life due to absorption... you make want to consult with your Dr. as to if the vitamins you are talking are ok.
   — fortywhat2

April 15, 2010
I don't think it's a sign of iron deficiency. Mind you when my sons tongue turned yellow they immeadiatly were concerned for him as it's a sign of Jaundice....are the white's of your eyes yellow too? if so make an appointment with your doctor or surgeon now. I would suggest anything that you don't know about to contact your doctor. Sorry couldn't be more help! :)
   — Miss Belody

April 15, 2010
Centrum Silver does not contain iron. You should take a multi that contains iron. I am post menopause also and this info is per my NUT and I even take an additional iron supplement based on my labs which indicated I was low. I get Gentle Iron from Vitalady. It doesn't cause stomach issues because it is the carbonyl form not ferrous sulfate. You should be evaluated on your iron needs (or not) based on what your labs show. Iron is still an important need even after menopause.
   — Arkin10