What Vitamin Deficiency Causes You To Feel Cold?

We all get cold from time to time, but if you find yourself regularly shivering and reaching for warm jumpers, you could be suffering from a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Luckily, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are relatively easy to treat - once you know what you're dealing with.

In this guide, we'll reveal which deficiencies can lead to you feeling cold and how to increase your levels.

Vitamin B9

Folate—also known as Vitamin B9—is essential for proper cell growth and division and supports foetal growth and development. However, B9 is also responsible for ensuring strong red blood cells, and low levels can cause fatigue.

People with a folate deficiency are at risk of developing megaloblastic anaemia. The condition occurs when the bone marrow creates larger red blood cells, leading to feeling cold, excess tiredness, numbness, irregular heartbeats and feeling cold.

Do I have a folate deficiency?

A blood test can confirm whether you have a B9 deficiency. If the results are below 2 ng/mL, it's classed as a deficiency. However, people with levels over 2 ng/mL but under 4 ng/mL are on the borderline of becoming deficient and should increase their levels to prevent symptoms.

The causes of Vitamin B9 deficiency

In many cases, a folate deficiency occurs during pregnancy as the mother's needs increase. Failing to get enough could impact the baby's development and cause health issues in the mother. Other causes include digestive disorders, a history of excessive drinking, and previous intestinal surgical procedures.

Natural sources of Vitamin B9:

• Whole grains

• Sunflower seeds

• Leafy greens

• Liver

• Fish

• Beans

• Peanuts

Vitamin B9 supplements

You can increase your B9 levels by taking a B-Complex supplement. These supplements contain vital B vitamins and can reduce cold sensations. They also support energy and cognitive function, making them vital for your overall health.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin 12 also plays an integral role in the production of red blood cells and ensuring optimal nerve function. Individuals with a B12 deficiency can also develop megaloblastic anaemia and cold sensitivity due to the lower red blood cell count.

Anaemia compromises oxygen delivery throughout the bloodstream, which directly impacts your body's ability to stay warm.

Do I have a Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Blood tests can reveal whether you have a B12 deficiency. If your levels are 200 to 300 pg/mL, you might have a borderline deficiency and will need further testing. Levels that are lower than 200 pg/mL will confirm a deficiency.

The causes of B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is commonly associated with vegetarians and vegans, as the highest sources are found in animal-derived products.

Other potential causes include underlying conditions such as coeliac or Crohn's disease, as the body struggles to absorb key nutrients, and people who have undergone weight loss procedures.

Natural sources of B12:

• Dairy products

• Poultry

• Seafood

• Red meat

• Fortified foods

B12 supplements

If you struggle to get enough Vitamin B12 through diet alone, your body will struggle to produce healthy red blood cells. Using a Vitamin B12 supplement can increase your levels and fill any dietary gaps.

Aside from preventing you from feeling cold, studies show that supplements containing B12 can prevent some of the more severe side effects associated with a deficiency (Harvard Health).

Vitamin C deficiency

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports collagen production and an essential protein that maintains healthy blood vessels. Blood vessels are vital for proper circulation, and Vitamin C deficiency can lead to various symptoms.

Many people with low levels experience persistent coldness in the lower extremities as they struggle to maintain a healthy body temperature.

Do I have a Vitamin C deficiency?

If your blood levels are below 0.2 mg/dL it counts as a deficiency. Individuals with levels under 0.4 mg/dL have borderline deficiencies and may require supplementation.

The causes of a Vitamin C deficiency

If you eat a lot of unhealthy foods but don't get enough fruits, vegetables, and healthy carbohydrates, you're more likely to experience a deficiency.

Other causes include thyroid disease and conditions that cause diarrhoea. Children with autism spectrum conditions are at higher risk due to restrictive diets (NIH).

Natural sources of Vitamin C:

• Kiwi

• Potatoes

• Tomatoes

• Kiwi

• Citrus fruits

• Broccoli

• Berries

Vitamin C supplements

If you want to promote better blood flow and prevent free radical damage, introducing Vitamin C into your diet can offer numerous benefits. Our customers can take advantage of a high-quality Vitamin C (500mg) supplement, which costs just £5.00 for a year's supply.

Mineral deficiencies that can make you feel cold

Certain mineral deficiencies can make you feel cold - mentioning them here is essential because many vitamins and minerals work together. If your blood tests don't show any vitamin deficiencies, it's worth checking your iron and magnesium levels.

Iron deficiency

Iron is integral to haemoglobin production, a vital protein that transports oxygen around the body. Low levels can lead to a condition called iron-deficiency anaemia, which impacts circulation and causes the lower extremities to be colder than normal.

People with low iron levels also struggle with feeling tired and weak. While rare, severe deficiencies can lead to pica, a condition where someone eats non-food items.

Treating iron deficiency

Consuming iron-rich foods such as dark, leafy green vegetables and red meat can increase your iron levels, but you can also choose to take an iron supplement. Opting for a daily Multivitamin With Iron promotes overall health and addresses any nutritional deficiencies.

Magnesium deficiency

Low magnesium levels are another common nutrient deficiency. Magnesium helps maintain body temperature and prevent overheating. It also supports metabolic processes and keeps the nervous system healthy.

People with a deficiency might notice that their hands and feet suffer most in cold temperatures due to poor circulation, but low magnesium levels can also impact your metabolism.

Treating magnesium deficiency

You can increase your magnesium levels by focusing on a diet that's high in leafy green vegetables, whole grains, dark chocolate and legumes. Alternatively, taking a Magnesium + Vitamin B6 supplement will increase your levels and ensure optimal health.

Feel the warmth with Sealions

It's natural to react to cold weather, but if you notice that you feel chillier than other people on a regular basis, testing for vitamin or mineral deficiencies can identify any gaps.

Boosting vitamin intake through diet alone can be challenging—especially if you have unique nutritional needs—but our supplements are a cost-effective way to improve your well-being.

Shopping with Sealions gives you access to high-quality supplements at great prices. Shop today, and please get in touch with us if you need advice.