Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Review of Hematinic Deficiency Factor

Abstract

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common disease of the oral mucosa, with a prevalence of 5-25% in some population in the world. The etiology of RAS is uncertain, but there are several predisposing factors including nutritional factors due to hematinic deficiency, substances that help in the process of erythropoiesis such as vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. Aims: This literature study aims to present the role of hematinic deficiency in the pathogenesis RAS. Method of review: This article was created by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases. Results: five studies with the majority using a cross-sectional method and using a sample of 186 to 705 subjects indicate that hematinic deficiency is one of the factors associated with RAS. Three studies state that the RAS group with hematinic deficiency is also associated with anemia, such as microcytic anemia, normocytic anemia, macrocytic anemia, pernicious anemia, and iron deficiency anemia. All studies state that iron deficiency is more common than vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies in patients with RAS. Hematinic deficiency causes a decrease capacity of blood to transport oxygen to the oral mucosa, resulting in epithelial atrophy, and this condition is highly susceptible to developing RAS. Conclusion: Hematinic deficiency plays a role in the pathogenesis of RAS.