LB032 - ASSOCIATION OF VITAMIN B COMPLEX DEFICIENCIES WITH ORAL MANIFESTATIONS IN SAUDI ADULTS
LB032
ASSOCIATION OF VITAMIN B COMPLEX DEFICIENCIES WITH ORAL MANIFESTATIONS IN SAUDI ADULTS
M. Hashem1,*, M. N. Ibrahim2, N. M. Alfrisany1
1Dental Health Department, College of applied medical sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2College of Medicine, Physiology Department, Galala University, Galala, Egypt
Rationale: Addressing hypovitaminosis B complex as a modifiable risk factor in oral diseases is an attractive point in clinical research. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of vitamin B complex deficiencies on oral tissue pathology and to determine the correlation between specific vitamin B deficiencies and characteristic oral manifestations.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 129 patients aged 18–65 years presenting to the oral medicine and pathology department with symptoms suggestive of nutritional deficiencies. Patients with systemic diseases or on medications that could confound the findings were excluded. All participants underwent detailed oral examinations and nutritional assessments. Blood tests, including serum levels of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 (folate), and B12, were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks of supplementation. Clinical signs, including glossitis, angular cheilitis, mucosal ulcerations, a burning sensation, and a pale or depapillated tongue, were recorded. The findings were statistically analyzed to evaluate associations between vitamin levels and specific oral signs.
Results: Serum levels of the studied vitamins were presented in Table 1. Out of 129 patients, 87 (72.5%) exhibited at least one clinical sign associated with vitamin B deficiency. Glossitis was the most common manifestation (seen in 63.2% of deficient individuals), followed by angular cheilitis (52.9%), burning mouth sensation (41.4%), and mucosal ulcers (29.9%). Patients with low serum B12 and folate levels typically exhibited a pale, smooth tongue and recurrent ulcers, while those deficient in B2 and B6 commonly presented with cheilitis and soreness. A significant correlation (r=0.46, p < 0.05) was found between vitamin B2 deficiency and the presence of oral lesions. Supplementation in a subset of patients resulted in symptom improvement within 2–4 weeks, confirming the nutritional etiology of the condition.
Table 1. Vitamin Serum Levels and Oral Manifestations by Patient Group.
Groups |
Main vitamin deficiency |
Serum level (mean±SD) |
Percentage of oral manifestations (%) |
|
Group A (n=23) |
B1-deficient |
1.2.03 ±0. 34 (µg/dL) |
85 |
|
Group B (n=29) |
B2-deficient |
112.6 ± 56.7 (µg/L) |
92 |
|
Group (n=20) |
B3-deficient |
0.34±0.06 (µg/mL) |
78 |
|
Group (n=19) |
B6-deficient |
2.56±0.43 (µg/L) |
69 |
|
Group (n=18) |
B9-deficient |
1.17±0.56 (ng/mL) |
92 |
|
Group (n=20) |
B12-deficient |
79.50±23 (pg/L) |
95 |
Conclusion: The vitamin B complex plays a crucial role in maintaining oral mucosal integrity, epithelial health, and neurological function. Deficiencies are often accompanied by characteristic signs that can serve as early diagnostic indicators. Routine nutritional screening and dietary counseling should be incorporated into dental practice, especially for patients with chronic oral symptoms.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared