Comparative estimation of serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D and vitamin E in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and normal individuals – A case-control study

Abstract

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a recurrent acute ulcerative lesion of oral mucosa. Till now, the exact cause and mechanism of this condition isn't very much clear; it is however believed to be multifactorial. Various studies indicate that genetically mediated disturbances of the innate and acquired immunity play an important role in the disease development. Vitamins and micro-elements deficiencies are one of the principal factors that modify the immunologic response in RAS. Aim: To probe for correlation between serum levels of Vitamin A, B12, D3, E, and RAS. Methods and Materials: The cross-sectional clinical study was conducted on persons seeking dental service at some private dental college in West Bengal, India between January 2017 and June 2018. Forty patients suffering from RAS were compared to forty normal individuals. Applying ELISA method, serum concentration of vitamins A, vitamin B12, vitamin D3 and vitamin E were measured in two groups. Statistical Analysis: The means between two groups were compared by Student's unpaired 't' test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: RAS patients had a significantly lower serum level of vitamin A, B12, D3 and E than normal individuals; and there were a positive relation between the serum level of vitamin B12 and vitamin E in RAS patients. Conclusion: Vitamin A, B12, D3 and E deficiency have a significant bearing on RAS; and serum level of vitamin B12 and E of RAS patients have a significant interrelationship.

Keywords

• recurrent aphthous stomatitis
• ulcer
• vitamin