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Aspirin

Bleeding Gums & Slow Healing

Low or deficient vitamin C status can matter more than people realize because it can show up as everyday problems they already have, like bleeding gums when they brush or cuts and scrapes that seem slow to heal. Low vitamin C weakens collagen formation, making blood vessels in the gums and skin more fragile and increasing the risk of bleeding gums, easy bruising, and rough, dry skin. Clinical periodontal studies also show that ascorbic acid used alongside standard care can improve bleeding on probing, plaque and gingival indices, clinical attachment level, pocket depth, and gum aesthetics, supporting its role in healthier gums and more efficient healing of both oral tissues and skin. This medication is commonly used for Pain Management.

Sources

Murererehe J, Uwitonze AM, Nikuze P, Patel J and Razzaque MS (2022) Beneficial Effects of Vitamin C in Maintaining Optimal Oral Health. Front. Nutr. 8:805809. Ruzijevaite G, Acaite E, Jagelaviciene E. Therapeutic Impact of Ascorbic Acid on Oral and Periodontal Tissues: A Systematic Literature Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Dec 11;60(12):2041. Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Jul;10(7):14-17. Epub 2017 Jul 1. Fitzpatrick, R.E. and Rostan, E.F. (2002), Double-Blind, Half-Face Study Comparing Topical Vitamin C and Vehicle for Rejuvenation of Photodamage. Dermatologic Surgery, 28: 231-236. Lassig AAD, Wilson AC, Jungbauer WN, Joseph AM, Lindgren B, Odland R. The Effects of Supplemental Vitamin C in Mandibular Fracture Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Recent Progress in Nutrition 2023. Tajari F, Toloue Ghamari B, Jafari Kafiabadi M, Shariatzade H, Biglari F, Mahmoudi Nasab O, Salavati Mohammadi N, Najd Mazhar F. Effect of Vitamin C Injection on Flexor Tendon Healing in Zone II: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus. 2026 Jan 22;18(1):e102075.

Nutrients Depleted by Aspirin

Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.

  • Folic AcidDepletion

    Regular aspirin use, even at therapeutic doses, can lead to lower-than-normal levels of folate in the blood (serum folate). Additionally, aspirin might slightly increase the amount of folate excreted in urine, potentially disrupting the body's folate balance. For those taking regular aspirin therapy, folic acid supplementation should be considered to prevent a deficiency.

  • ZincDepletion

    Studies indicate that medications like aspirin can increase zinc loss through urine. Zinc plays a vital role in wound healing, protein synthesis, cell reproduction, immunity, and vision. If you take aspirin regularly, consider monitoring zinc levels and supplementation may be beneficial to prevent a deficiency.

  • Vitamin CDepletion

    Regular use of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) can increase how much vitamin C your body gets rid of through urine, potentially leading to deficiency. If you take aspirin regularly, consider supplementing with vitamin C supplementation.

  • Vitamin B12Suppression

    Research found that individuals hospitalized with heart disease and a history of aspirin use were nearly twice as likely to have low or borderline vitamin B12 levels compared to non-aspirin users. While this doesn't definitively prove aspirin causes B12 deficiency, it raises a potential link. Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining in some individuals. This is concerning because the stomach plays a crucial role in vitamin B12 absorption by producing hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Both are essential for proper B12 uptake.

Other Health Impacts of Aspirin

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