Can vitamin B2 be used to treat oral ulcers?
Generally, vitamin B2 can be used to treat oral ulcers caused by vitamin B2 deficiency. However, for oral ulcers resulting from other causes, the effectiveness of vitamin B2 alone is limited, and treatment should be determined based on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:
Vitamin B2 is an essential B-complex vitamin required by the human body, playing a role in cellular metabolism and mucosal repair. When vitamin B2 deficiency occurs due to factors such as unbalanced diet or malabsorption, it may lead to conditions like angular cheilitis and cheilosis, and is sometimes accompanied by oral ulcers. In such cases, supplementing with vitamin B2 provides necessary nutrients for mucosal healing, promotes ulcer recovery, and improves overall deficiency symptoms.
However, the causes of oral ulcers are complex and, in most cases, unrelated to vitamin B2 deficiency. Common triggers include high levels of psychological stress, physical trauma to the oral mucosa, bacterial or viral infections, and immune system disorders. For these non-deficiency-related oral ulcers, taking vitamin B2 alone cannot address the root cause. Instead, local treatments should be used to relieve pain and promote healing, while simultaneously adjusting lifestyle habits and treating any underlying medical conditions.
Therefore, when oral ulcers occur, if vitamin deficiency is suspected, short-term supplementation with vitamin B2 under medical supervision may be appropriate. However, if ulcers recur frequently or fail to heal, timely medical evaluation is necessary to identify the exact cause and avoid delays in proper treatment due to inappropriate self-medication. Maintaining a balanced diet in daily life and ensuring adequate intake of B-complex vitamins can also help reduce the likelihood of developing oral ulcers.