Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid or mixed ascorbates) has some scientific evidence supporting its use for canker sores (aphthous ulcers), though the evidence is limited and not robust. Canker sores are small, painful ulcers in the mouth, and their exact cause is not fully understood, but factors such as minor injury, stress, nutritional deficiencies (including vitamin C), and immune system issues may contribute. Several small studies and case reports have explored Vitamin C’s role, especially in patients with low vitamin C levels or conditions like scurvy, where oral ulcers are common. Some clinical trials have found modest benefit using oral or topical vitamin C in reducing healing time or frequency of sores, but results are inconsistent and often involve small sample sizes without rigorous controls.

The rationale for using vitamin C is based on its roles in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and immune function—deficiency can impair mucosal integrity, making the mucosa more susceptible to ulceration. However, in people with normal vitamin C levels, supplementing has not been shown conclusively to prevent or treat canker sores. Systematic reviews note insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend vitamin C supplementation for this purpose in the general population. Nevertheless, it remains a common adjunctive treatment, especially when a deficiency is suspected.

In summary, while there is limited scientific support, vitamin C is sometimes justified—primarily where deficiency is involved—but is not a universally validated treatment for canker sores.

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