Carlota Duarte de Mendonça
Evidence of vitamin supplementation in oral health: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B12: scientific evidence supporting oral health
- PhD student in Dental Medicine, specializing in Oral Biology, at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Lisbon.
- Master’s degree in Dental Medicine from the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Lisbon (2018), with professional registration OMD 11889.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Methodologies in Oral Biology from the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Lisbon (2019).
- Teaching experience in the subjects of Human Anatomy, Head and Neck Anatomy, and Physiology at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Lisbon, since 2018.
- Member of the Centre for Evidence-Based Dentistry (CEMDBE), University of Lisbon, since 2014.
- Member of the Research Group in Oral Biology and Biochemistry (GIBBO), an integral part of UICOB (Research Unit in Oral and Biomedical Sciences), since 2014.
- Author and co-author of several indexed national and international scientific publications, including articles, abstracts, oral communications, and posters.
Nationality: Portugal
Scientific areas: Therapeutics
7 of november, from 18h05 until 18h40
Room 1
Conference summary
Vitamins are essential organic micronutrients of exogenous origin, indispensable for the proper functioning of cellular metabolism. They act as coenzymes or cofactors in various fundamental biochemical reactions, particularly in tissue proliferation and differentiation, immune response, wound healing, and the maintenance of mucosal integrity.
This lecture presents an integrated overview of the impact of vitamins C, A, and B12 on oral health, based on a systematic review of the current scientific literature. It will explore the fundamental biochemical and metabolic properties of each vitamin, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet as the primary source of these nutrients.
Additionally, the physiological effects of these vitamins will be highlighted, focusing on their specific roles: vitamin C in collagen synthesis and connective tissue maintenance; vitamin A in epithelial regeneration and immune function; and vitamin B12 in neurological and hematopoietic processes.
The presentation will also establish the link between these vitamins and their relevance to oral health, addressing how vitamin imbalances may impair postoperative healing, increase susceptibility to oral infections, compromise inflammatory responses, and hinder tissue regeneration.
In summary, this presentation aims to underscore the importance of recognizing early signs of potential nutritional deficiencies and of incorporating dietary guidance as a key component of a preventive and multidisciplinary approach to oral health.