Increased sensitivity to cold can be a sign of vitamin deficiency in your body.
If you feel cold more often than others, it’s important to pay attention to these possible symptoms.
As winter sets in, people are reaching for jackets, scarves and warm clothes. Yet, while some are comfortably wearing light sweaters, others feel the cold more intensely. Do you often find yourself shaking while others are perfectly fine? Science may have an answer, and it’s not just the weather. Increased sensitivity to cold can be a sign of vitamin deficiency in your body. Here’s why it happens and what medical science says about it.
How does the body regulate temperature?
The process of maintaining body temperature is called thermoregulation. Deficiencies in important vitamins and nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate, can interfere with this process. When these vitamins are deficient, your body struggles to maintain heat, making you feel colder than usual.
Iron’s role in regulating body temperature
Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without an adequate oxygen supply, your muscles and tissues cannot generate enough heat. This is called iron deficiency anemia, which causes symptoms such as chills, fatigue, and weakness. A study published in Lancet Hematology It has been found that people with iron deficiency experience a greater sensitivity to cold due to reduced circulation of oxygen in the blood.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and cold sensitivity
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system. B12 deficiency affects the production of healthy red blood cells, possibly leading to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. This condition can cause cold extremities (such as cold hands and feet) and poor circulation of oxygen throughout the body. Research in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that B12 deficiency impairs thermoregulation, increasing sensitivity to cold.
Effect of folate (vitamin B9) deficiency
Folate, or vitamin B9, works together with vitamin B12 to make red blood cells. Folate deficiency disrupts this process, causing symptoms such as chills, fatigue, and poor circulation. According to British Medical Journalpeople with folate deficiency often experience chills due to lack of oxygen to the tissues.
The role of vitamin C in iron absorption
You may be well aware of the importance of vitamin C for skin health, but did you know that it also plays an important role in iron absorption? Iron deficiency can sometimes occur even if you’re consuming enough iron, simply because you’re not getting enough vitamin C. Without adequate vitamin C, your body struggles to absorb iron, which can lead to anemia and a constant cold feeling.
What to do if you feel excessively cold
If you feel cold more often than others, it’s important to pay attention to these possible symptoms. This can be an indication of underlying health problems such as hypothyroidism, Raynaud’s disease, or significant nutrient deficiencies. A blood test can help determine if you are deficient in iron, vitamin B12, folate or vitamin C, so you can take appropriate steps to correct the problem.