IRON
Place in Therapy
Hematological deficiencies have been proposed as an etiological factor for recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAS). A number of studies have investigated the correlation between aphthous ulcers and iron deficiency and the effect of iron supplementation. The majority of the studies have shown that there is a high incidence of iron deficiencies in patients with RAS. In those studies in which iron supplementation was given to iron deficient patients, good response was observed. In one study, 77% of iron-deficient patients were in remission or had improved symptoms after iron replacement therapy. Therefore a number of studies suggest that hematological screening for patients with RAS is advisable in order to correct the iron deficiency and possibly achieve remission or at improvement of symptoms.
However, it is important to note that some studies have failed to show a correlation between iron deficiency and aphthous ulcer. Another study showed less dramatic improvement with iron replacement therapy when compared to
replacement therapy for vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiencies. Nonetheless, hematological screening for iron deficiency can still be part of a routine assessment for patients presenting with aphthous ulcers and iron replacement therapy should be recommended for those deficient patients.
However, it is important to note that some studies have failed to show a correlation between iron deficiency and aphthous ulcer. Another study showed less dramatic improvement with iron replacement therapy when compared to
replacement therapy for vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiencies. Nonetheless, hematological screening for iron deficiency can still be part of a routine assessment for patients presenting with aphthous ulcers and iron replacement therapy should be recommended for those deficient patients.