Researchers at Ben-Gurion University in Beer-Sheva, Israel, have found a strong correlation between canker sores and B12. This research was published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (January/February, 2009).
Canker sores, also known as Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS), affects about 25% of the population. These lesions of the mouth are small, painful ulcers that heal within two weeks. They often recur.
Triggers in a person’s environment may lead to RAS. These triggers include trauma, irritants, dryness, infections, hypersensitivity, toxic agents and autoimmune conditions. In addition, a nutritional deficiency may also be the cause. People who are low in iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12 or folic acid may suffer from RAS.
Obviously, not all triggers can be prevented, and some people are more prone to this than others.
This study involved 58 patients who suffered from RAS. Some were given a dose of vitamin B12 daily, and others were given a placebo. By the end of the study, 74% of those given the B12 treatment no longer suffered from recurring RAS, also known as canker sores.
In conclusion, those suffering from RAS would benefit greatly from vitamin B12 supplementation.