Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: investigation of possible etiologic factors

Objective: To investigate the association of serum vitamin B-12, folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels as well as family history and cigarette smoking with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Methods: Thirty-four patients with RAS and 32 control subjects were included in this controlled prospective screening study. Both groups received a questionnaire, and serum screening tests were performed. The collected data were analyzed using chi(2) test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Family history was found to be the most significant predisposing factor for RAS among the investigated ones. Regarding the serum tests, only vitamin B-12 was found to have significant correlation with RAS. Patients with vitamin B-12 deficiency, positive family history, and nonsmoking status have been found to have the highest risk for having RAS. Conclusions: RAS is a multifactorial disease. Positive family history, vitamin B(1)2 deficiency, and nonsmoking status are among the important predisposing factors.