Study: Vitamin B12 Reduces Canker Sores

BE'ER SHEVA, Isreal—A daily dose of vitamin B12 reduces the occurrence of canker sores according to a new study published Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (2009 Jan-Feb;22(1):9-16). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a dose of 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 was given to a 31 people who suffer form aphthous stomatitis (RAS), the most common oral mucosa lesions more commonly known as canker sores, for six months. Another 27 RAS sufferers were given a placebo. The results found the duration of outbreaks, the number of ulcers and the level of pain were reduced significantly at five and six months of treatment with vitamin B12. During the last month of treatment, a significant number of participants who received B12 had no canker sores.

The study concluded, “Vitamin B12 treatment, which is simple, inexpensive and low-risk, seems to be effective for patients suffering from RAS.”