Condition
Canker Sores
Canker sores are painful, shallow mouth ulcers that are not contagious and often follow injury, stress, or low nutrient levels. The evidence is moderate for vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid, and research linked correcting a shortfall to fewer recurrences. Aloe vera gel eased symptoms in two small studies, but most other supplements have limited evidence, and benefits likely apply mainly to people who are low.
Sources: PMID 23162576; PMID 23240939
- Supplements studied
- 4
- Graded outcomes
- 1
- Trials
- 5
- People studied
- 5,657
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canker Sores Symptoms Small improvement in canker sore healing | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 2 studies | 140 people | ||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canker Sores Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 115 people | |||
Studies that measured canker sores symptoms | ||||||
Licorice
- Canker Sores Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canker Sores Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 46 people | |||
Studies that measured canker sores symptoms | ||||||
Berberine
- Canker Sores Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canker Sores Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 84 people | |||
Studies that measured canker sores symptoms | ||||||
Key findings
- Canker Sores SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
The Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers) Supportive Care protocol
2 primary supplements · 6 supporting supplements
- Vitamin B121,000 mcg sublingual daily (methylcobalamin)
- Lysine1,000–1,500 mg daily; increase to 3,000 mg during outbreaks
Studies cited
1 study from PubMed