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A greater sensitivity to the cold could be a sign of vitamin deficiencies in your body.
If you frequently feel colder than others, it’s important to pay attention to these potential signs.
As winter sets in, people are reaching for jackets, scarves, and warm clothes. Yet, while some are comfortably wearing light sweaters, others seem to feel the cold much more acutely. Do you often find yourself shivering while others are just fine? Science may have an answer, and it’s not just the weather. A greater sensitivity to the cold could be a sign of vitamin deficiencies in your body. Here’s why that happens and what medical science has to say about it.
How Does the Body Regulate Temperature?
The process of maintaining body temperature is known as thermoregulation. Deficiencies in key vitamins and nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate, can interfere with this process. When these vitamins are lacking, your body struggles to retain heat, leaving you feeling colder than usual.
The Role of Iron in Regulating Body Temperature
Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without sufficient oxygen delivery, your muscles and tissues can’t generate enough heat. This is known as iron deficiency anaemia, which leads to symptoms like coldness, fatigue, and weakness. A study published in The Lancet Haematology found that people with iron deficiency experience greater sensitivity to the cold due to reduced oxygen circulation in the blood.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Cold Sensitivity
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system. A lack of B12 impairs the production of healthy red blood cells, potentially leading to vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia. This condition can cause cold extremities (such as cold hands and feet) and poor oxygen circulation throughout the body. Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that B12 deficiency weakens thermoregulation, heightening sensitivity to cold.
The Impact of Folate (Vitamin B9) Deficiency
Folate, or vitamin B9, works in tandem with vitamin B12 to form red blood cells. A deficiency in folate disrupts this process, causing symptoms like feeling cold, fatigue, and poor circulation. According to the British Medical Journal, people with folate deficiency often experience coldness due to a lack of oxygen reaching the tissues.
The Role of Vitamin C in Iron Absorption
You’re likely aware of vitamin C’s importance for skin health, but did you know that it also plays a vital role in absorbing iron? 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 anaemia and a constant feeling of cold.
What to Do If You Feel Excessively Cold
If you frequently feel colder than others, it’s important to pay attention to these potential signs. It could be a signal of underlying health issues such as hypothyroidism, Raynaud’s disease, or a significant nutrient deficiency. A blood test can help determine whether you have deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, folate, or vitamin C, so you can take the appropriate steps to address the issue.