Lack of association between burning mouth syndrome and hematinic deficiencies

Abstract

The aim of our investigation was to evaluate possible connection between burning mouth syndrome and hematinic deficiencies, a hypothesis previously reported in the literature with contradictory results. Serum levels of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, calcium and magnesium were determined in 41 (aged 31-87 years, mean 68,7 yrs) patients with burning mouth syndrome and 35 matched controls (35-83, mean 63 yrs). Serum iron levels were determined according to Fairbanks and Klee. Levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid were determined on commercially available kits (Imx12 and Imx folate assay, Abbot Park lab, IL, USA) on Imx analyser. Calcium and magnesium levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. No statistically significant differences in serum levels of iron, folic acid, calcium and magnesium were found between patients with burning mouth syndrome and controls. Statistically significant lowered vitamin B12 levels were found in patients with burning mouth syndrome. Our results suggest that serum deficiencies of iron, folic acid, calcium and magnesium are not etiological factor in patients with burning mouth syndrome.