B12 And Canker Sores
Understanding Canker Sores
Canker sores are actually open sores located on the gums, tongue and other oral mucous membranes. Canker sores are painful, last about two to four weeks and oftentimes force the sufferer to alter his food intake to prevent additional pain.
A study of the Better Health Channel proves that canker sores are predominantly caused by actual injury to the oral mucous membranes, followed by a host of other conditions. It is noteworthy that dietary deficiencies - most commonly a lack of vitamins C, B12, zinc and also iron - may also cause the formation of painful canker sores.
The Vitamin B12 Canker Sores Connection
The vitamin B12 canker sores connection was first documented in 1978. In a study published in the Journal of Oral Pathology, researchers determined that a high percentage of canker sores sufferers also experienced nutritional deficits. Most notable were a lack of vitamin B-12 and iron as well as folic acid. These deficiencies soon became noted candidates for contributing to the formation of canker sores.
A Closer Look at Vitamin B12 Deficiency
It is interesting to note that, just like iron, vitamin B12 is crucial for the formation of blood in the human body. In addition, it is indicated as a major player in brain and nerve health. A lack of vitamin B12 is not immediately noticeable.
Who Is At Risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency-Induced Canker Sores
It is interesting to note that vitamin B12 is readily available in animal products - dairy, meat, and also eggs - making the lack of vitamin B12 the premier vitamin deficiency of vegans and some vegetarians, as outlined by the Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet.
Another noteworthy development is the increased popularity of stomach size reductions, such as bariatric surgery, that greatly diminish the size and also functionality of the stomach. Failure to supplement vitamin B12 in this instance may also lead to the kind of nutritional lack which then results in canker sores.
According to research, vitamin B12 deficiencies do not show up in "clinical manifestations" for a good many years unless there are other contributing factors that worsen the symptoms.
Another group of individuals at risk are those who use metformin diabetes medications. They are usually prescribed to obese patients presenting with type 2 diabetes and greatly hamper the natural absorption of vitamin B12, causing these individuals to begin suffering from canker sores. This particular development was the subject of a study by Hong Kong's Prince Wales Hospital's Department of Medicine and Therapeutics.
Published in the Archives of Internal Medicines in 2006, the study clearly identified the "risk factors of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients receiving metformin."
Overcoming Canker Sores Caused by Vitamin B12 Deficiency
It is a good idea to get a full set of lab tests that will look for other vitamin deficiencies in addition to vitamin B12. Moreover, a dental checkup - for those wearing braces or dentures - is also a much needed intervention.
