Hypovitaminosis and its association with recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a comprehensive review of clinical correlations and diagnostic considerations

Alessio Rosa; Giovanni Cianconi; Riccardo De Angelis; Alberto Maria Pujia; Claudio Arcuri

doi:10.3389/froh.2025.1520067

Hypovitaminosis and its association with recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a comprehensive review of clinical correlations and diagnostic considerations

Front Oral Health. 2025 Jan 28:6:1520067. doi: 10.3389/froh.2025.1520067. eCollection 2025.

Authors

Alessio Rosa¹, Giovanni Cianconi¹, Riccardo De Angelis¹, Alberto Maria Pujia², Claudio Arcuri³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Dentistry, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
² Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
³ Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

Abstract

Background: Hypovitaminosis, or vitamin deficiency, has been increasingly recognized as a potential contributing factor in the development of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), a condition characterized by the periodic formation of painful ulcers in the oral mucosa.

Materials and methods: This mini review includes a literature search on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using keywords "hypovitaminosis AND aphthous ulcers."

Results: There is a growing body of evidence supporting the link between various vitamin deficiencies-particularly vitamins B12, C, and folate-and the prevalence of RAS, with implications for both diagnosis and management.

Conclusion: This review aims to outline the clinical and biochemical findings associated with hypovitaminosis in individuals presenting with RAS, emphasizing the diagnostic importance of recognizing vitamin deficiencies in these patients and exploring possible therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: aphthous ulcers; hypovitaminosis; oral health; recurrent aphthous stomatitis; vitamin deficiency.

Publication types

Review