Are mouth ulcers caused by a lack of vitamins?

Jun 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I get mouth ulcers every autumn, and they keep recurring, which is really uncomfortable. People say it's because of vitamin deficiency. Are mouth ulcers caused by a lack of vitamins?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
The occurrence of oral ulcers may be related to vitamin deficiencies, but this is not the sole cause. Specifically, oral ulcers might result from deficiencies in vitamins such as B2, B6, B12, C, and E. These vitamins play crucial roles in maintaining normal oral mucosal function and promoting the growth and repair of oral mucosal tissue. Deficiencies in these vitamins may lead to excessive dryness and vulnerability of the oral mucosa, thus triggering oral ulcers. However, it should be noted that the causes of oral ulcers are complex. Besides vitamin deficiencies, they may also be influenced by multiple factors such as heredity, immunity, psychological stress, diet, and external irritants. Therefore, when oral ulcers occur, it is advisable to seek timely medical consultation to determine the underlying cause and enable targeted treatment. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and consuming more foods rich in vitamins are also important measures for preventing oral ulcers.