What vitamin are you deficient in if you have vertigo? Exploring B12, D, and Iron

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Research indicates that approximately 10% of the population experiences benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition sometimes linked to specific nutritional shortfalls. Understanding what vitamin are you deficient in if you have vertigo is an important step in managing your symptoms and exploring potential dietary or absorption issues.

Quick Summary

A deficiency in vitamin B12, vitamin D, or iron can be linked to vertigo and balance problems. Addressing the underlying nutritional deficiency is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing recurrence.

Key Points

Vitamin B12: Deficiency can damage the nervous system and myelin sheath, leading to balance issues and neurological vertigo.
Vitamin D: Low levels are linked to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) because of its role in calcium metabolism and inner ear health.
Iron: Iron deficiency anemia can cause lightheadedness and dizziness due to reduced oxygen transport, which can mimic or worsen vertigo.
Recurrence Prevention: Correcting Vitamin D deficiency through supplementation can help reduce the recurrence rate of BPPV episodes.
Medical Consultation: Always see a doctor for a proper diagnosis, as vertigo can have multiple causes, and a blood test may be needed to confirm a vitamin deficiency.
Hydration and Diet: Maintaining proper hydration and a balanced diet with controlled sodium intake supports overall inner ear function and can help manage symptoms.

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can be triggered by various factors, including inner ear issues, neurological problems, and certain nutrient deficiencies. While a doctor must provide an accurate diagnosis, evidence shows that low levels of certain vitamins can contribute to or exacerbate vertigo symptoms. This article explores the specific vitamins associated with vertigo and explains how these deficiencies can impact your balance.

The Strong Link Between Vitamin Deficiencies and Vertigo

Multiple scientific studies and case reports have established a connection between deficiencies in specific nutrients and the onset or recurrence of vertigo. Two of the most commonly cited vitamins are B12 and Vitamin D, though other deficiencies, like iron, can also play a role. It's crucial to understand the mechanism behind each deficiency to grasp its effect on your balance.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and its Effect on Balance

Vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. When levels are low, it can lead to neurological problems that manifest as dizziness and vertigo.

Mechanism of action: Vitamin B12 helps maintain the myelin sheath, the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers. A deficiency can cause this sheath to break down, impairing nerve function and affecting balance.
Anemia-related symptoms: B12 deficiency can also cause megaloblastic anemia, where large, immature red blood cells fail to carry enough oxygen. This can lead to fatigue and dizziness, contributing to feelings of unsteadiness.
Impact on blood flow: Low B12 levels may also contribute to low blood pressure, or orthostatic hypotension, causing dizziness when standing up quickly.

Common symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency related to vertigo:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Unsteadiness and impaired balance
Paresthesia (pins and needles) in hands or feet
Fatigue and weakness

Vitamin D Deficiency and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, resulting from dislodged calcium crystals, called otoconia, in the inner ear. Vitamin D, a critical regulator of calcium metabolism, has been repeatedly linked to BPPV.

Calcium regulation: Vitamin D helps the body absorb and regulate calcium, which is vital for bone mineralization. A deficiency could affect the health of the otoconia, making them more fragile and prone to detaching from their normal position.
Recurrence prevention: Studies show that people with BPPV who also have a vitamin D deficiency experience fewer recurrent episodes of vertigo when they receive supplementation.

How to boost your Vitamin D:

Sunlight exposure: Aim for safe, moderate sun exposure, which helps your body produce Vitamin D.
Dietary sources: Include fatty fish like salmon and sardines, egg yolks, and fortified foods like milk and cereal.
Supplementation: Many people, especially in less sunny climates, benefit from a supplement.

Iron Deficiency and its Role in Dizziness

While not directly causing vertigo, iron deficiency anemia can lead to a general feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness. In severe cases, this can be mistaken for or exacerbate true vertigo.

Oxygen transport: Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in red blood cells. Anemia reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the brain and other tissues, causing lightheadedness.
Exacerbating factors: This generalized dizziness can worsen other vestibular symptoms, leading to greater balance issues.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Management

Beyond supplementing specific vitamins, a holistic approach to diet and lifestyle can help manage vertigo. Addressing underlying issues like poor hydration and electrolyte imbalances is vital for maintaining inner ear health.

Best dietary practices for managing vertigo:

Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Balance blood sugar with regular meals to prevent fluctuations that can trigger dizziness.
Reduce high-sodium foods, especially for those with Meniere's disease, as excess salt can affect inner ear fluid balance.
Incorporate foods rich in magnesium, which supports nerve function.


Feature	Vitamin B12 Deficiency	Vitamin D Deficiency (linked to BPPV)
Primary Mechanism	Impaired nerve function due to demyelination; poor red blood cell production	Dislodged calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear
How it Causes Vertigo	Neurological damage affecting the brain and nervous system, leading to poor balance and coordination.	Physical displacement of inner ear particles that send false signals to the brain about head position.
Associated Symptoms	Fatigue, memory issues, paresthesia, weakness	Recurrent episodes of vertigo triggered by head movements
Key Dietary Sources	Meat, dairy, eggs, fortified cereals	Fatty fish, egg yolks, sun exposure, fortified foods
Treatment Focus	Supplementation (oral or injections) to restore nerve function.	Supplementation to strengthen inner ear otoconia and repositioning maneuvers.

Conclusion: A Multi-faceted Approach

Determining what vitamin are you deficient in if you have vertigo is a crucial step toward symptom relief. While deficiencies in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and iron are commonly associated with vertigo and dizziness, they are not the only cause. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include blood tests to check your vitamin levels. Alongside medical guidance, adopting a balanced diet rich in key nutrients and staying hydrated can provide significant support. For conditions like BPPV, incorporating supplements with medical supervision has shown promise in reducing recurrence. Remember that addressing nutritional shortfalls is just one part of a comprehensive strategy to manage vertigo and improve your overall balance and well-being. A thorough medical evaluation is always recommended to ensure all potential causes are considered.

When to see a doctor

If you experience persistent or severe vertigo, it is important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can perform necessary tests to determine the underlying cause and create an effective treatment plan. Do not self-diagnose based solely on nutritional information.

For further reading, see:

What Deficiency Causes Dizziness - Consensus This resource provides a deeper scientific look at the links between various deficiencies and dizziness, referencing several studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a severe vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems, including the breakdown of the myelin sheath that protects nerves. This can impair nerve function related to balance and cause vertigo or a feeling of unsteadiness.

Low vitamin D levels are linked to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common type of vertigo. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium, which is crucial for the tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear that help maintain balance. A deficiency can cause these crystals to become dislodged, triggering vertigo episodes.

Iron deficiency can cause anemia, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the body's tissues and brain. This can result in symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness, which can often be mistaken for vertigo or exacerbate existing symptoms.

A healthcare professional can order blood tests to check your levels of B12, Vitamin D, and iron. If a deficiency is found, your doctor will determine if it is the root cause of your vertigo. Other symptoms of the deficiency, such as fatigue or nerve issues, may also be present.

To increase your vitamin D intake, you can consume fatty fish (like salmon and sardines), egg yolks, and fortified foods such as milk, cereal, and some orange juices. Safe exposure to sunlight also helps your body produce Vitamin D.

If your vertigo is caused by a diagnosed vitamin deficiency, supplementation can be effective. Studies show that correcting vitamin D deficiency with supplements can significantly reduce the recurrence of BPPV. You should always consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

No, dizziness is a general term for a feeling of unsteadiness or lightheadedness, whereas vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that creates a false sensation of spinning or moving. However, deficiencies can cause both dizziness and true vertigo.