Objectives
A few studies have associated vitamin D deficiency with the occurrence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Hence, the aim of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis is to explore such a potential association.
Methods
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted in June 2019. The inclusion criteria were (a) observational studies that assessed the relationship between vitamin D and RAS, and (b) the outcome measures reported quantitative vitamin D levels. Studies without control groups, case series, case reports, experimental studies, letter to editors, reviews, were excluded. The random effects model was conducted for meta‐analyses using RevMan 5.3 software.
Results
Five studies comprising 208 RAS patients and 241 healthy individuals were included. All studies except one reported significantly lower levels of vitamin D in RAS patients compared with the healthy individuals. The results of the pooled 5 studies revealed statistically significant lower levels of vitamin D in RAS patients (Mean Difference (MD) = −9.67 ng/ml, 95% CI = −15.68, −3.65; p ˂ .002).
Conclusion
The present meta‐analysis suggests a significant association between low vitamin D levels and RAS. Further well‐designed studies with adequate sample sizes are required to elucidate the role of vitamin D in pathogenesis of RAS.