Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Low serum B12 is repeatedly associated with recurrent mouth ulcers.
- ~28%: B12 deficiency in RAS (placeholder cohort estimate)
- 200–900: Normal B12 range (pg/mL placeholder)
- Weeks: Response to correction (placeholder timeframe)
- Diet/absorption: Common source (placeholder cause)
B12 and mucosal healing
Placeholder: B12 supports epithelial turnover and ulcer healing.
Placeholder insight: B12 repletion may reduce outbreak frequency.
Iron Deficiency and Aphthous Ulcer Recurrence
Low ferritin is another commonly cited deficiency in recurrent cases.
- ~20%: Iron deficiency in RAS (placeholder cohort estimate)
- 20–250: Normal ferritin (ng/mL placeholder)
- Common: Anemia overlap (placeholder comorbidity)
- Months: Correction window (placeholder timeframe)
Iron and mucosal integrity
Placeholder: iron supports mucosal barrier and immune function.
Placeholder insight: ferritin repletion may reduce recurrence rate.
Folate Deficiency and Recurrent Canker Sores
Folate deficiency is also linked to aphthous ulcer recurrence.
- ~15%: Folate deficiency in RAS (placeholder cohort estimate)
- >3: Normal folate (ng/mL placeholder)
- Leafy greens: Diet association (placeholder source)
- Frequent: Combined deficiency (placeholder overlap note)
Folate and cell turnover
Placeholder: folate supports rapid epithelial cell replication.
Placeholder insight: folate correction may shorten flare duration.
Laboratory Workup for Suspected Nutritional Deficiency
CBC, B12, ferritin and folate panels identify correctable causes.
- 4 tests: Panel components (placeholder list)
- 1–3 days: Turnaround time (placeholder estimate)
- Recurrent flares: Referral trigger (placeholder criterion)
- Low: Cost tier (placeholder estimate)
When to order the panel
Placeholder: order labs for frequent or severe recurrent ulcers.
Placeholder insight: early workup guides targeted supplementation.
Supplementation and Reduction in Ulcer Recurrence
Correcting deficiency over weeks tends to lower flare frequency.
- 2–4 wks: Response onset (placeholder estimate)
- Up to 60%: Frequency reduction (placeholder estimate)
- 8–12 wks: Full response (placeholder estimate)
- Possible: Relapse if stopped (placeholder note)
Tracking response over time
Placeholder: frequency typically declines as nutrient levels normalize.
Placeholder insight: sustained supplementation supports lasting remission.