Folate and vitamin B12 levels in patients with oral lichen planus, stomatitis or glossitis

Forty-one patients with oral lesions and symptoms were enrolled in the study. Their ages ranged from 16 to 79 years with a mean age of 48.5 years. They were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 25 patients with oral lichen planus and group II consisted of 16 patients with stomatitis or glossitis. Their complete blood counts, hemoglobin typing, serum and red cell folate, and serum vitamin B12 levels were studied. The results revealed low red cell folate levels in 11 out of 25 patients (44%) in group I and 9 out of 16 patients (56%) in group II. The serum vitamin B12 levels were within normal range in both groups. They were defined as having folate deficiency (n = 10), folate deficient erythropoiesis (n = 3) and folate depletion (n = 7). None of them had anemia nor macrocytes. Therefore, folate levels should be investigated in patients with oral lesions and symptoms especially those with risk factors of age, poor nutrition or systemic diseases. When suspected, daily folic acid supplements should be given.