Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements for Canker Sores

Several preliminary studies, though not all, have found a surprisingly high incidence of iron and B vitamin deficiency among people with recurrent canker sores. Treating these deficiencies has been reported in preliminary and controlled studies to reduce or eliminate recurrences in most cases. Supplementing daily with B vitamins—300 mg vitamin B1, 20 mgvitamin B2, and 150 mg vitamin B6—has been reported to provide some people with relief. Thiamine (B1) deficiency specifically has been linked to an increased risk of canker sores. The right supplemental level of iron requires diagnosis of an iron deficiency by a healthcare professional using lab tests.

Zinc deficiency has also been linked with recurrent canker sores in preliminary studies and in one case report. A preliminary trial found that supplementation with up to 150 mg of zinc per day reduced recurrences of canker sores by 50 to 100%; participants who were zinc deficient experienced the most consistent benefit. However, a double-blind trial (that did not test people for zinc deficiency) did not find zinc supplements helpful for recurrent canker sores.

According to preliminary reports, some people with recurrent canker sores may respond to topical and/or oral use of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. However, a double-blind study found no effect of acidophilus bacteria on the healing time of canker sores...