Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Canker Sores

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) has some scientific support for use in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), commonly known as canker sores. Several studies have observed that a subset of patients with recurrent canker sores have low serum vitamin B12 levels, and supplementation may help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. Notably, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2009 (Volkov et al., Blood) studied the effect of daily sublingual vitamin B12 (1000 mcg) in patients with RAS. The trial found significant improvement in ulcer healing, reduction in pain, and decreased frequency of episodes compared to placebo after four months of supplementation, regardless of baseline B12 status. Other studies have reported similar findings, suggesting that B12 may play a role in mucosal immunity and epithelial healing. The proposed mechanisms include B12’s involvement in DNA synthesis, cell division, and repair of the oral mucosa. Deficiency may impair these processes, predisposing to ulceration. However, not all individuals with canker sores are deficient in B12, and supplementation benefits even those with normal levels, indicating a potential therapeutic effect beyond correction of deficiency. Despite these promising results, evidence is limited by small sample sizes and methodological differences. Therefore, while B12 supplementation is not a standard treatment for canker sores in all guidelines, it is considered safe and may be a reasonable adjunct, particularly for recurrent or severe cases.

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Other ingredients used for Canker Sores

aloe vera
bamboo
basil
myrobalan
betel
bisabolol
blackberry
bасора
chamomile
clove
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
dog rose
folate
ginger
horseradish
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
milk
mustard seed
spruce
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
peppermint oil
pineapple
plantain
rhizome
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
triphala
vitamin B12
vitamin C
zinc
yellow root
squawvine
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
myrrh
siler root
hyacinth bean
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Anamu
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Blue Flag
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chlorophyllin
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Collinsonia
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Eclipta
Embelia
Galangal
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac