If you find that you feel colder than usual, this could be a telltale sign of vitamin deficiency. Iron, vitamin B12, folate, magnesium and vitamin C all play key roles in thermoregulation; any deficiencies could compromise this important function and alter the temperature regulation process in your body.
Iron is essential in producing red blood cells, providing oxygen-rich blood for all your tissues to function normally. A deficiency may result in anemia and also make you feel colder than usual.
Vitamin Deficiency and Cold Intolerance
Iron Deficiency
If you find it hard to regulate your body temperature, there could be an underlying medical problem.
This could be the result of lacking essential vitamins and minerals such as B12, iron or folate; or it could even be related to certain dietary habits that prevent absorption of essential nutrients into the body – such as those high in fat and sugar content which prevent your body from accessing essential nutrition sources.
Iron deficiency anemia can leave you feeling cold by altering the levels of hemoglobin protein that transports oxygen throughout your muscles and tissues, blocking its production through shivering.
Iron deficiencies can cause fatigue, feelings of coldness and other symptoms such as mouth ulcers (sore red and flaky patches in the mouth).
Furthermore, those lacking iron may have trouble breaking down food properly and experience digestive problems like acid reflux and constipation; additionally they may crave non-food items like ice, clay chalk paper.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in creating red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout your body, so its deficiency can result in anemia and cold feet and hands.
Harvard Health Publishing reports that B12 deficiency can also interfere with nerve function, causing symptoms like numbness or “pins and needles” in your extremities.
A person suffering from B12 deficiency could develop one due to conditions preventing proper absorption such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or by taking certain heartburn medicines that reduce stomach acid production.
Vegetarians and vegans may be vulnerable to B12 deficiency because they do not consume animal products that naturally contain this vitamin, such as meat, fish and dairy products.
Other risk factors for deficiency may include poor diet, aging and digestive conditions like chronic diarrhea or stomach ulcers. You can get enough B12 by eating foods fortified with it or supplementing.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition whereby fatty substances (plaque) accumulate in your blood vessels, blocking oxygen-rich blood from reaching organs and tissues throughout your body.
Over time, atherosclerosis may narrow or restrict your arteries’ flow of blood, leaving hands and feet feeling cold or difficulty with controlling body temperature.
Atherosclerosis can have many different symptoms depending on where it has formed in your arteries: chest pain and pressure are indicative of angina; in cerebral arteries it could result in temporary vision loss in one eye or speech difficulties – both potentially signs of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
Low levels of vitamins and nutrients may contribute to feeling cold or having difficulty controlling your body temperature. Vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C deficiencies may result in anemia while hypothyroidism interferes with production of thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, can be identified by frequent feelings of coldness and weakness.
When thyroid hormone levels drop too low, metabolism slows and the body’s muscles break down into energy sources for energy production, leading to feelings of weakness and coldness during monthly menstrual cycles for women who bear children.
Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through blood tests, with thyroid hormone replacement medication helping to normalize thyroid levels and ease cold intolerance. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism may include thin hair, brittle nails, extreme fatigue and irregular periods.
Being cold may also be a telltale sign of Raynaud’s disease, an illness in which blood vessels narrow and reduce circulation to fingers and toes. Treatment includes avoiding triggers as well as medications designed to increase blood flow to affected areas.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may also contribute to your feelings of chilliness; taking vitamin supplements or fortified foods could provide much-needed support.
When to see a doctor for vitamin deficiency-related symptoms
If you exhibit symptoms that could be linked to a vitamin deficiency, it becomes imperative to seek medical attention. Several indications suggest the possibility of a vitamin deficiency, including:
- Persistent fatigue
- Breathlessness or a sense of being short of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Skin appearing pale or yellowish
- Irregularities in heartbeat
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fragile hair and nails
- Development of mouth ulcers
- Hair loss
- Formation of scaly patches on the skin
- Experiencing numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- Sensation of burning in the feet or tongue
- Delayed wound healing
- Severe hair loss
These symptoms can arise from various vitamin deficiencies, such as those related to vitamins B12, folate, iron, and C. To ascertain the presence of a vitamin deficiency and determine the most suitable course of action, a doctor can conduct tests.
Recommendations may include vitamin supplements or modifications to your dietary habits. Neglecting to address vitamin deficiencies can result in significant health complications, underscoring the importance of promptly seeking medical intervention when experiencing persistent symptoms.
