Numbness and tingling in your arms or legs may be caused by a vitamin deficiency. B vitamins are essential for proper nerve function; deficiencies in these vitamins, particularly B12, may lead to numbness and loss of sensation. However, tingling is also a result of poor circulation, nerve compression and medical conditions such as heart disease. In addition, high levels of B vitamins can cause numbness and tingling. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms before taking supplementation.
B Vitamin Information
The eight B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they dissolve in water. Excess amounts of these vitamins are typically not stored in the body and are flushed out via urinary excretion. B12, however, can be stored in the liver for years. B vitamins are needed for food metabolism, breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Red blood cell and nerve cell production also rely on adequate levels of B vitamins, and these vitamins play an essential role in nerve signaling. B vitamin deficiencies can cause dysfunction within the nervous system, leading to numbness and tingling as well as neurological disorders.
B12
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, has the largest and most complex structure of all the vitamins, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. It is vital in maintaining healthy nerve cells and helps create your body's DNA, or genetic material. This vitamin is found in eggs, meats, fish and milk products; thus, if you have a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, you may be deficient in this vitamin. As you age, your body also loses its ability to absorb vitamins from food; therefore, B12 deficiencies are often seen in the elderly. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include loss of motor coordination, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, disorientation and dementia. Onset of symptoms is often gradual and may not be reversible, even with B12 supplementation.
B6
Vitamin B6 is another essential nutrient needed for proper nervous system function. You can find it in foods such as poultry, spinach, salmon and bananas. It plays a large role in the transportation of oxygen through the blood stream. Used in the synthesis of heme, a component of hemoglobin, B6 levels may influence your body's ability to take oxygen to cells throughout the body. Lack of blood and oxygen in the extremities can lead to numbness and tingling.
Supplementation
Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and before taking a vitamin to alleviate any condition. You likely take in B vitamins from the foods you eat; taking additional supplements can raise your nutrient levels. Excessive amounts of vitamins can be harmful and may also cause numbness and tingling. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends receiving 2.4 micrograms of B12 per day for adults, and 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams of B6 per day, depending on your age. However, in the case of vitamin deficiency, your doctor may recommend you increase your daily intake.
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