What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Burning Feet? Understanding B12 and Other Culprits

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Burning feet, a painful condition medically known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, is a common neurological complaint. While multiple factors can cause this sensation, nutritional deficiencies, particularly in certain B vitamins, are a well-documented cause, which can lead to nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy.

Quick Summary

Burning feet syndrome is often caused by specific vitamin deficiencies, notably B12, B1 (thiamine), and B6, which are critical for nerve health. This deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet. Addressing the underlying nutritional issue is key to symptom management.

Key Points

B12 Deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 is a leading cause of burning feet, as it impairs myelin production, damaging nerves.
Thiamine Deficiency (B1): Inadequate thiamine, often from poor diet or alcoholism, can cause peripheral neuropathy leading to a burning sensation in the feet.
B6 Imbalance: Both insufficient and excessive intake of vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage, with overdose from supplements being a common cause of burning feet.
Other Factors: While less common, deficiencies in vitamins D and B5 have also been linked to neuropathic pain, especially in conjunction with other conditions.
Diagnosis is Key: To effectively treat burning feet, it is crucial to determine if the cause is a deficiency, a toxicity, or another medical condition like diabetes.
Supplementation and Diet: Treatment for nutritional causes involves correcting the deficiency with supplements, adjusting dietary intake, and addressing any underlying medical issues.

B12 Deficiency: A Primary Culprit for Burning Feet

Of all the vitamin deficiencies linked to burning feet, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is one of the most widely recognized. B12 is essential for producing myelin, the protective sheath that covers nerves. When myelin is damaged due to a lack of B12, nerve signals can become disrupted, leading to various neurological symptoms, including a painful, burning sensation, pins and needles, and numbness in the feet and hands. This condition is particularly common in older adults and those with specific risk factors.

Risk Factors for B12 Deficiency

Pernicious Anemia: An autoimmune condition where the body cannot make intrinsic factor, a protein needed to absorb B12.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegans and strict vegetarians are at risk, as B12 is primarily found in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Gastric Surgery: Procedures like bariatric surgery can reduce the absorption of B12.
Age: The body's ability to absorb B12 can decrease with age, putting older individuals at a higher risk.
Medications: Certain drugs, like metformin for diabetes and proton pump inhibitors, can interfere with B12 absorption.

The Role of Other B Vitamins in Nerve Health

While B12 often takes the spotlight, other B vitamins are equally important for nerve function, and their deficiency can also contribute to burning feet syndrome.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency

Thiamine deficiency, which can result from chronic alcoholism or poor nutrition, is a known cause of peripheral neuropathy. A severe thiamine deficiency can lead to a condition called 'dry beriberi,' characterized by nerve and muscle abnormalities. Early symptoms often include a burning sensation and pins and needles in the toes and feet, particularly at night.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) Imbalance

Paradoxically, both a deficiency and an excess of vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage and lead to burning feet. This highlights the importance of maintaining proper levels. While a deficiency can be a factor, overdosing on B6 supplements is a recognized cause of sensory neuropathy, leading to burning, tingling, and numbness.

Other Nutritional Factors and Overdoses

Beyond the B vitamins, other nutritional issues can impact nerve health and contribute to burning feet. For instance, some evidence suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and painful diabetic neuropathy. While the evidence is not as robust as for B vitamins, it points to a broader nutritional connection. Conversely, excessive intake of certain nutrients can also be harmful, with B6 overdose being a prominent example. The therapeutic window for some vitamins is narrower than people realize, and self-medicating with high doses can have negative consequences. Proper diagnosis is crucial to distinguish between a deficiency and a toxicity, especially when symptoms overlap.

Comparison Table: Vitamin Deficiencies and Burning Feet


Vitamin	Primary Cause of Deficiency	Symptoms (Beyond Burning Feet)	Who is at Risk?	Treatment
B12	Pernicious anemia, vegan diet, gastric surgery, age	Numbness, tingling, balance problems, memory issues, fatigue	Vegans, elderly, post-surgery patients	Supplements (oral or injections)
B1 (Thiamine)	Chronic alcoholism, poor nutrition	Pins and needles, muscle weakness, confusion, fatigue	Individuals with alcohol use disorder, malabsorption	Supplements and treating the underlying cause
B6 (Pyridoxine)	Deficiency or excess from supplements	Numbness, tingling, unsteady gait (with excess)	Individuals misusing supplements, those with certain medical conditions	Adjusting intake; stopping supplements for excess

Conclusion: Addressing the Root Cause

Burning feet caused by a vitamin deficiency is a form of peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage. The good news is that when identified early, nutritional neuropathies are often reversible with proper treatment. Treatment typically involves addressing the deficiency through supplements or dietary changes. However, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and rule out other potential causes, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or kidney disease. Self-treating can be risky, especially with a vitamin like B6, where excess can cause similar symptoms to a deficiency. A comprehensive approach involving blood tests and a review of your medical history is the best way forward for managing this uncomfortable condition.

For more information on nutritional deficiencies and nerve health, visit the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deficiencies in B12 (cobalamin), B1 (thiamine), and an excess of B6 (pyridoxine) are most commonly linked to peripheral neuropathy and burning feet syndrome.

Yes, if diagnosed and treated early, peripheral neuropathy caused by a vitamin deficiency, particularly B12, can be reversible. Proper supplementation can halt progression and promote nerve healing.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, a detailed review of medical history and diet, and blood tests to measure vitamin levels. A doctor may also test for other conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Yes, individuals following a strict vegan diet are at a higher risk of B12 deficiency because this vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal products. Fortified foods or supplements are often necessary.

Yes, excessive intake of vitamin B6 from supplements can be toxic and cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to burning, numbness, and tingling in the extremities.

While the link is not as strong as with B vitamins, some studies suggest a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and neuropathic pain, especially in diabetic patients. It is not a primary cause but may be a contributing factor.

You should see a doctor if your burning feet sensation is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, tingling, or difficulty walking. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.