Vitamin deficiencies: An iron deficiency and low vitamin B12 can make you cold and cause cold feet. Both lead to reduced blood flow and circulation.
Vitamin B12 helps the body make red blood cells, nerves and DNA, and do other healthy functions. Feeling cold all the time could be a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. Most people need 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 a day. You'll need more if you're pregnant (2.6 micrograms) or breastfeeding (2.8 micrograms).
However, with so many potential culprits, it can be hard to know what vitamin deficiency causes you to feel cold. Typically, it's a lack of vitamin B12 or iron. Iron deficiency can slow down thyroid function, which can lead to a condition called hypothyroidism, making you feel cold.
You're Colder Than Usual
Without enough B12, you might not have enough healthy red blood cells to move oxygen around your body (anemia). That can leave you shivering and cold, especially in your hands and feet.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient found in fruits and vegetables. Having vitamin C in your diet helps you maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage. Some people also believe getting lots of vitamin C can help you avoid colds, or quickly cure cold symptoms when they arise.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Some people naturally tend to feel colder than others without any discernible cause. However, cold intolerance can also indicate an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, anemia, peripheral artery disease, and more.
The consequences and severity of B12 deficiency are variable depending on the degree of deficiency and its duration. Major organ systems affected include the blood, bone marrow and nervous system.
Between these numerous nonpharmacological approaches for prevention and treatment of the common cold, there are the intakes of some nutrients, such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, b-carotene, vitamins A, D, C, and E, folic acid, and botanicals, such as Echinacea [26].
You have to consume food and drinks that have vitamin B12 in order to get it. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products you eat and drink, like meat, dairy and eggs. It can also be found in fortified foods (foods that have certain vitamins and nutrients added to them) such as certain cereals, bread and nutritional yeast.
Persistent coldness may be associated with poor circulation, anemia, or thyroid problems: Individuals with circulatory issues may experience difficulties in distributing blood effectively, leading to a sensation of coldness, especially in the extremities.
Nerve Issues
The condition, known as peripheral neuropathy , can be so extreme that the weight of a bedsheet or a light breeze can cause pain. Peripheral neuropathy can increase a person's sensitivity to cold, making it difficult to hold a cold soda or walk across a cold floor.
Your body can't absorb B12 as well if all or part of your stomach or small intestine is taken out. That can happen if you have surgery for weight loss, cancer, or other health conditions. If you have surgery on your gastrointestinal tract, your doctor will want to keep an eye on your B12 levels.
Contrary to common assumptions, Vitamin B12 deficiency doesn't directly lead to weight gain. However, it can indirectly influence weight through its impact on energy metabolism.
You may get chills from intense exercise, low blood sugar, medications, exposure to cold temperatures, and other illnesses like certain cancers, Lyme disease, and malaria. Learn more about various causes of chills.
If your blood pressure drops too low, your body's vital organs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, low blood pressure can lead to shock , which requires immediate medical attention. Signs of shock include cold and sweaty skin, rapid breathing, a blue skin tone, or a weak and rapid pulse.
Low body weight.
Both fat and muscle mass help keep the body warm. Muscle activity generates heat, and fat acts as insulation. If you have lost significant weight recently or have always been thin, you might be more sensitive to colder temperatures.
Signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency: A person with vitamin B12 deficiency has signs such as anemia, low energy, craving for meat or often finds himself bruising easily.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].
Taking omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid) or other stomach acid-reducing drugs might decrease your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements. Taking vitamin B-12 with vitamin C might reduce the available amount of vitamin B-12 in your body.