The Possible Impact of Zinc-Enriched Multivitamins on Treatment-Naïve Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Patients.

Background/

Objectives

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common oral mucosal disorder characterized by painful ulcerations and frequent recurrences, which can significantly impair quality of life. This study explores the efficacy of zinc-enriched multivitamin supplementation (ZnVita, containing 22.5 mg of elemental zinc) for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in treatment-naïve patients, aiming to diminish the reliance on immunomodulatory drugs.

Methods

Conducted as a retrospective observational study at a tertiary referral hospital from 2013 to 2023, we analyzed 201 patients who received ZnVita daily for a minimum duration of one month as their initial management. Patients who were using systemic immunomodulating agents or met the diagnostic criteria for Behçet's disease were excluded.

Results

Of the 201 patients, 95 presented with an oral ulcer alone and 106 exhibited additional symptoms associated with Behçet's disease. Efficacy analysis was conducted on 155 patients due to follow-up loss or incomplete data. Among them, 58.7% (91/155) showed partial or significant responses. Patients with BD-related symptoms were significantly more prevalent among non-responders (64.1%, 41/64) compared to responders (42.9%, 39/91), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.009). Treatment was well-tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal adverse events reported in only 2.5% of cases.

Conclusions

These results suggest that zinc-enriched multivitamin supplementation offers a beneficial and safe initial treatment alternative for a considerable proportion of treatment-naïve recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients, especially those without concurrent symptoms of Behçet's disease, showcasing its potential in reducing the future need for immunomodulatory treatments.