Serum vitamin A level in patients with recurrent aphthous sto-matitis compared with healthy individuals

Abstract Background and Aim: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common oral mucosal inflammatory disease, with unknown etiology. Antioxidants are able to preserve molecules from damage and also can delay the start of RAS. The aim of this study was to determine serum level of vitamin A as an antioxidant in RAS patients compared with normal people. Materials and Methods: The total 38 people were divided into two groups of 19. One group consisted of aphthous patients and the other comprised of healthy people. The groups were matched for sex and age. Serum levels of vitamin A were measured in both groups. Finally data were analyzed with t tests. Results: The mean and standard deviation of serum vitamin A was 13.63±2.3µg/ml in RAS group and 23.9±4.5 µg/ml in the control group. There was a significant dif-ference between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was shown that serum levels of vitamin A in RAS patients were lower than those of normal individuals. Key Words: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis - Antioxidant serum - Serum vitamin A