Nutritional Therapy

If your sores are caused by a vitamin or mineral deficiency, supplements of vitamins C and B complex, as well as folic acid, iron, and zinc, may help.

Several studies have found a high incidence of iron and B vitamin deficiency among people with recurrent mouth ulcers. Supplementing with B vitamins-300 mg vitamin B1, 20 mg vitamin B2, and 150 mg vitamin B6-has been reported to provide some people with relief. Thiamine (B1) deficiency, specifically, has been linked to an increased risk.

Some people with recurrent mouth ulcers have been reported to respond to lactobacillus acidophilus. Chewing four lactobacillus tablets three times per day may reduce soreness in some people with recurrent mouth ulcers.

Take 1,000 milligrams of the amino acid lysine at each meal during an outbreak and then 500 milligrams at each meal for a week afterward. 

Rub the liquid from a vitamin E capsule directly on the sore. Apply it three times a day during an outbreak until the sore heals. 

Take 4,000 - 5,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily during outbreaks of canker sores and at least 500 milligrams daily as a way of preventing them.

Zinc lozenges help resolve canker sores by supporting the immune system. 

Calcium supplements help counteract the overacidity.

Suggested Daily Dosages:

Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus)
Aids in maintaining healthy balance of intestinal flora ("friendly" bacteria). Use a high-potency powdered form. 
Dosage: Take on an empty stomach as directed on the product.

L-Lysine 
A deficiency may cause an outbreak of sores in and around the mouth. Do not take for longer than 6 months at a time.
Dosage: 500 mg 3 times daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption.

Vitamin B complex
Important for immune function and healing. 
Dosage: 50 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily.

Extra vitamin B3 (niacin)
Deficiencies of niacin have been linked to mouth sores. 
Dosage: 50-100 mg 3 times daily. Do not exceed this amount. 
Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure.

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) 
Necessary for adrenal function. 
Dosage: 50-100 mg 3 times daily.

Vitamin B12 
Dosage: 1,000-2,000 mcg daily, on an empty stomach.

Folic acid
Dosage: 400 mcg daily.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids 
Fights infection and boosts the immune system.
Dosage: 3,000-8,000 mg daily, in divided doses.

Zinc lozenges
Enhances immune function and aids healing.
Dosage: 1 15-mg lozenge every 3 waking hours for 2 days. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily. Take with 3 mg copper.

Calcium
Dosage: 1,000 mg

Aqueous colloidal silver
Dosage: 1 tsp. daily

Garlic
Acts as a natural antibiotic and immunostimulant.
Dosage: 3 Capsules 3 times daily.

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