Nutritional deficiencies in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates nutritional deficiencies as potential markers in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), including oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). OSMF, linked to betel nut product use, has been rising in India. This study focuses on assessing iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies in OSMF and OSCC patients as indicators of disease progression and potential markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants from different groups were recruited and examined. Vitamin B12 and folate levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays, whereas serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were analyzed using clinical chemistry techniques. Statistical analyses were performed to compare these markers between groups. RESULTS: Vitamin B12 and folate levels exhibited notable reduction in OSCC and OSMF patients in comparison to controls. Serum iron showed a decreasing trend, with no statistical significance. TIBC also exhibited variation among groups. DISCUSSION: Vitamin B12, folate, and serum iron deficiencies were observed in OSMF and OSCC patients, potentially indicating their role in disease progression. Collagen metabolism and iron utilization were suggested as mechanisms for these deficiencies. CONCLUSION: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12 and folate, appear to be associated with OSMF and OSCC, potentially serving as markers for disease progression. This study underscores the importance of assessing these deficiencies as predictive indicators in diagnosing and managing OSCC and OPMDs. Additional investigation is necessary to substantiate and broaden the scope of these findings.