Stomatitis refers to inflammation of the lips and oral mucosa, which may include symptoms such as ulcers or redness and swelling. It has various causes, including infection, allergic reaction, radiotherapy, etc., and deficiency symptoms caused by malnutrition are often an important factor leading to stomatitis. Which vitamin deficiencies can cause this troubling condition? This article will take a closer look at the link between nutritional deficiencies and stomatitis.
Effects of Nutritional DeficienciesMalnutrition can be divided into two parts: improper dietary intake and poor absorption of nutrients. These conditions often result in multiple vitamin deficiencies, which in turn may lead to the development of stomatitis. Common vitamin deficiencies include:
Deficiencies in iron, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folic acid), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) may contribute to oral inflammation.
Iron is an important element for maintaining cell repair and regeneration. A lack of iron can result in cells not being able to repair themselves efficiently, especially in the epithelial cells that line the mouth and lips. This causes inflammation, which can lead to the formation of mouth ulcers.
B vitamins, including B2, B3, B6, B9 and B12, have been shown to be essential for maintaining oral health. Among them, vitamin B2 deficiency can cause redness, swelling and cracks in the mouth and lips, while B12 deficiency may lead to more serious oral problems such as tongue swelling and ulcers.
Oral ulcers (also known as recurrent oral ulcers) are a common condition in healthy people. This disease is related to immune response, and although the specific cause of ulcers is not yet fully understood, its relationship with nutritional status is increasingly recognized.
The formation of angular cheilitis is often related to the deficiency of vitamin B group. Especially for children, frequent licking of lips can cause damage to the skin at the corners of the mouth. For adults, angular cheilitis may indicate iron deficiency or other vitamin deficiencies in the body.
For people who wear dentures, their oral mucosa may become inflamed due to prolonged contact with the dentures, which is usually related to the state of the immune system and nutritional deficiencies.
To prevent stomatitis, it is essential to maintain a balanced nutrition. Eating foods rich in iron and B vitamins, such as red meat, beans, whole grains, green vegetables and dairy products, can effectively help the body get the nutrients it needs. In addition, if symptoms of stomatitis have appeared, you should seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a doctor.
In daily life, we cannot ignore the health of our diet, which directly affects the health of our oral cavity and the whole body. Regular nutritional checks and the implementation of a balanced diet can effectively help prevent the occurrence of a variety of oral problems. So, are you lacking any vitamins in your diet?