Can Low Iron Cause Tingling in Hands and Feet? A Deep Dive into the Neurological Impact

October 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder globally. A less commonly known but significant symptom is peripheral neuropathy, which helps explain the question, 'Can low iron cause tingling in hands and feet?' and other nerve-related issues.

Quick Summary

Tingling in the hands and feet can be caused by low iron levels, which impairs nerve function and can lead to peripheral neuropathy. This symptom is tied to iron's crucial role in nerve health, myelination, and oxygen transport throughout the body.

Key Points

Iron and Nerve Function: Low iron levels can impair the formation of the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers, disrupting nerve signals and causing tingling.
Tingling in Extremities: The tingling and numbness are often symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which frequently presents first in the extremities due to the long nerve pathways.
Distinguishing RLS and Neuropathy: While low iron is a major cause of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), RLS is characterized by an urge to move the legs, while neuropathy pain can be more persistent and occur day or night.
Improving Absorption: To maximize iron intake from your diet, pair non-heme iron sources (like plant foods) with vitamin C, and avoid drinking tea or coffee during meals.
Reversibility: Studies have shown that peripheral nerve damage caused by iron deficiency is often reversible with appropriate iron replacement therapy.
Medical Consultation is Key: Never self-diagnose or self-treat. If you experience persistent tingling, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include diet, supplements, or further investigation.

The Connection: Low Iron and Peripheral Neuropathy

While fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of iron deficiency, neurological symptoms like tingling in the hands and feet are less recognized. This tingling sensation, known as paresthesia, can indicate peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to the peripheral nerves. Iron is essential for the nervous system to function correctly, and low levels can negatively impact nerve health.

Iron's Role in Nerve Function and Myelination

Iron is crucial for enzymes involved in nerve function and the creation of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve fibers for efficient signal transmission. Iron deficiency can impair myelin formation, slowing nerve signals and potentially causing damage that results in tingling or numbness, often in the hands and feet due to their long nerve pathways.

Oxygen Transport and Its Impact on Nerves

Iron is also needed for hemoglobin production, which carries oxygen in the blood. Iron-deficiency anemia reduces oxygen supply to tissues, including nerves, impairing their function and potentially leading to peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

Iron Deficiency and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Low iron is strongly linked to Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), characterized by an urge to move the legs with unpleasant sensations like tingling. Low brain iron can affect dopamine pathways related to RLS. While distinct from general peripheral neuropathy, RLS can coexist with it.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency to Watch For

Common signs of iron deficiency include fatigue, pale skin, cold extremities, headaches, brittle nails, hair loss, and pica. Neurological symptoms can include tingling, RLS, concentration issues, and mood changes.

Diagnosing the Underlying Cause

If you experience persistent tingling or other symptoms of iron deficiency, consult a healthcare provider. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests like a Complete Blood Count, Serum Ferritin, Serum Iron, Total Iron-Binding Capacity, and Transferrin Saturation to assess iron levels and check for anemia.

Restoring Your Iron and Nerve Health Through a Nutrition Diet

Dietary changes are often recommended for mild to moderate iron deficiency, focusing on heme iron from animal products and non-heme iron from plant sources.

Heme Iron: Found in red meat, poultry, and fish, it is easily absorbed.
Non-Heme Iron: Found in legumes, grains, and vegetables, its absorption can be enhanced.

To Maximize Iron Absorption:

Pair with Vitamin C: Vitamin C significantly boosts non-heme iron absorption.
Avoid Iron Inhibitors: Tannins in tea and coffee, and calcium, can hinder absorption; consume these separately.
Use an Iron Skillet: Cooking acidic foods in cast iron can increase iron content.

Iron Absorption and Common Dietary Pairings


Dietary Component	Effect on Iron Absorption	Example	Recommendation
Vitamin C	Enhances non-heme iron absorption	Squeezing lemon juice on spinach salad	Combine citrus fruits, bell peppers, or berries with non-heme iron sources.
Heme Iron (Meat/Fish)	Enhances non-heme iron absorption	Eating a small portion of meat with a bean-based chili	Include some lean meat, poultry, or fish alongside plant-based iron.
Calcium (Dairy)	Inhibits iron absorption	Drinking a glass of milk with a fortified cereal	Separate calcium-rich foods and supplements from iron-rich meals.
Phytates (Grains/Legumes)	Inhibits non-heme iron absorption	Eating oatmeal with no vitamin C source	Soak legumes and pair with vitamin C to mitigate this effect.
Polyphenols (Tea/Coffee)	Inhibits non-heme iron absorption	Drinking coffee with a fortified breakfast	Drink tea or coffee between meals rather than with them.

When Supplements and Medical Intervention Are Necessary

For significant deficiencies, supplements or intravenous iron may be prescribed under medical supervision, as excessive iron can be harmful. Research shows that altered nerve conduction due to iron-deficiency anemia can improve with iron replacement therapy.

Conclusion: Prioritize Iron for Optimal Nerve Health

Low iron can indeed cause tingling in the hands and feet by affecting the nervous system. This symptom, potentially indicative of peripheral neuropathy or RLS, can often be alleviated by restoring healthy iron levels through a balanced diet and, if necessary, medical intervention. Recognizing the link between iron and nerve health is key to addressing tingling and supporting overall well-being. Consult your doctor if you suspect an iron deficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low iron can cause tingling by leading to peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. Iron is essential for producing the myelin sheath that insulates nerves, and a deficiency impairs this process, leading to disrupted nerve signaling and sensations like tingling.

No, tingling in the extremities is a symptom of many conditions, including vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes, nerve compression, and other neurological disorders. A doctor must perform proper diagnostic tests, such as blood work, to determine the cause.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) involves an irresistible, often unpleasant, urge to move the legs, typically at night. Peripheral neuropathy, while it can cause tingling and numbness that worsens at night, often presents with a more constant sensation of 'pins and needles,' electrical pain, or numbness that is not necessarily relieved by movement.

The time it takes for tingling to subside varies depending on the severity and individual response. While iron levels may increase within a few months, nerve regeneration takes time. For some, symptoms improve within weeks, while for others, it may take longer.

A diet rich in iron is beneficial, but whether it is sufficient depends on the severity of the deficiency. For mild cases, diet can be effective. However, for significant deficiencies, especially with malabsorption issues, supplements or intravenous iron may be necessary as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Excellent sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry, seafood (especially clams and oysters), legumes (like lentils and beans), dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), and fortified cereals. Pairing these foods with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or bell peppers can enhance absorption.

Iron supplements can raise iron levels more quickly than diet alone. In some severe cases, where rapid correction is necessary or intestinal absorption is impaired, intravenous iron may be administered. However, supplements should always be taken under medical supervision to avoid toxicity.

To maximize iron absorption, it is best to avoid consuming large amounts of calcium-rich foods, coffee, and black tea at the same time as iron-rich meals. The polyphenols in tea and coffee, and the calcium in dairy, can inhibit iron absorption.