Doctors use the term tremor to describe unintentional and rhythmic muscle movements that affect at least one part of the body. Tremors are commonly seen in the hands, but can also affect the arms, legs, face, head and voice. Tremors can occur as a result of medical conditions such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease, as a reaction to toxins or drugs, or as a symptom of vitamin deficiencies.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supports a healthy immune system and protects cells from damage caused by negatively charged particles produced in the body, making it a powerful antioxidant. Research presented by the Linus Pauling Institute links vitamin E with a decreased risk for heart disease, as a protective substance against cataracts, and an antioxidant that may help prevent certain types of cancer. Research published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants" lists a vitamin E deficiency as a cause of cerebellar tremor, also known as intention tremor. This type of tremor occurs as a result of dysfunction in the cerebellum, and causes broad, slow tremor during voluntary movement, such as bringing a fork to your mouth. The Institute of Medicine recommends 15 mg of vitamin E per day, for adults, to avoid a deficiency.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, another fat-soluble vitamin, promotes absorption of calcium -- the essential mineral needed to keep bones strong. Although classified as a vitamin, the structure of the vitamin D compound also resembles a steroid hormone. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements reports that a vitamin D deficiency may contribute to medical conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological diseases. A study published in "Neuropsychobiology" determined that vitamin D deficiency is associated with neurological dysfunctions that may cause tremors. To avoid vitamin D deficiency, be sure to get exposure to sunlight, since ultraviolet rays from the sun trigger production of vitamin D in your skin. Also eat foods fortified with vitamin D, such as breakfast cereals and milk.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 contains the metal ion cobalt, which your body needs to activate enzymes essential to chemical reactions necessary to break down fat and proteins during digestion. A vitamin B-12 deficiency impairs the activity of these enzymes, and causes your body to trap folate, another B vitamin. The lack of vitamin B-12 and folate causes megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by large, immature and hemoglobin-poor red blood cells. A vitamin B-12 deficiency causes neurologic symptoms including tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, disorientation and loss of balance. A study published in the March 2000 issue of "The New England Journal of Medicine" reports that a patient with fine, rapid tremors in the legs also tested deficient in vitamin B-12. The researchers suggested that vitamin B-12 deficiency created disturbances in the cerebellum in the brain, resulting in the tremors. To decrease your risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency, eat more beef and chicken, fish, eggs and milk.
Vitamin B-6
Your body needs vitamin B-6 to support over 100 chemical reactions important for the breakdown of food, red blood cell formation, brain function and immunity. Vitamin B-6 deficiency causes a variety of neurologic symptoms, including irritability, depression and confusion. Infants deficient in vitamin B-6 may experience seizures. The interruptions in the nervous system may also cause tremors. Foods that contain vitamin B-6 include chicken, salmon, potatoes, spinach and bananas.
References
- "Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants"; A Comprehensive Review of Tremor; Wyne, K.T.; December 2005
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin E; Victoria Drake; June 2008
- "Neuropsychobiology"; Vitamin D and Ageing -- Neurological Issues; Annweiler, C. et al.; August 2010
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D; June 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin B12; Victoria Drake; August 2007
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; Shaky-Leg Syndrome and Vitamin B-12 Deficiency; March 2000
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