Heart palpitations are the sensation you may get in your neck, chest or throat that your heart is fluttering or beating too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. You may feel palpitations after strenuous activity, but you may also feel them at rest. Stimulating drinks or drugs, some medicines and strong emotions may cause these sensations. Heart palpitations are usually not harmful in themselves, but they may be a symptom of a more serious medical condition, such as a deficiency in vitamin B-1, folate, B-12 or D.
Vitamin B-1 Deficiency
Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamin, is essential in converting the food you eat into energy. It also supports your nervous system and helps maintain muscle tone in the stomach, intestines and heart. According to the Institute of Medicine, the Recommended Dietary Allowance, RDA, of vitamin B-1 for adult men is 1.2 mg per day; for women it's 1.1 mg. Some good food sources of thiamin are whole grain foods, beans, peas and lentils, nuts, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach and lean pork. This vitamin is also added to many cereals. If you are deficient in vitamin B-1, you may experience weight loss, weakness, loss of mental alertness and heart palpitations.
Folate Deficiency
Folate, also known as folic acid or vitamin B-9, aids in metabolism and the production of DNA, red blood cells and neurotransmitters. It is essential to the development of healthy cells, meaning it's especially important for pregnant women. It also helps regulate the amino acid homocysteine in your blood, and so reduces your risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, or ODS, the RDA for folate for adults is 400 mcg per day; women who are pregnant or nursing need 500 to 600 mcg. Some good food sources of folate are beef liver, spinach, broccoli, rice and fortified cereals. Signs you may have a folate deficiency include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, a sore tongue, headaches and heart palpitations.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Vitamin B-12, like folate, is necessary for metabolism, red blood cell formation and a healthy nervous system. It also plays a role in regulating homocysteine, the amino acid associated with heart disease. The RDA of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 mcg daily, according to the ODS. Vitamin B-12 sources include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and fortified cereals. Because it is not found in plant-based foods, vegans and some vegetarians should take vitamin B-12 supplements to meet their daily needs. Older adults and breast-fed infants are also more at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency. Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency in addition to heart palpitations include weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath and tingling hands and feet.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate in your blood. These nutrients are part of the electrical system that keeps your muscles, including your heart muscle, functioning normally. According to ODS, the daily RDA of vitamin D for adults is 600 International Units, IUs; it's 700 IU if you're over 70. Vitamin D is produced in your body in response to sunlight exposure. Dietary sources are fortified dairy products or cereals. A study reported in January 2010 in "Journal of American Cardiology" found that an increased heart rate was associated with vitamin D deficiency. On the other hand, too much vitamin D -- more than 4,000 IU -- can lead to toxicity and an irregular heart rate. Talk to your physician if you are considering taking vitamin D or other supplements.
References
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What Are Palpitations?; July 2011
- Institute of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin . . . ; 1998
- Health Supplements Nutritional Guide: Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms & Benefits
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B12
- "American Journal of Cardiology"; Relation of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D to Heart Rate and Cardiac Work; R.K. Scragg et al.; January 2010
