What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Chronic Hives? The Key Nutritional Links

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to research published in the European Journal of Medical Research, many studies have demonstrated significantly lower vitamin D levels in patients with chronic urticaria (CU), a condition also known as chronic hives. This suggests a strong connection, but it also raises the question: what vitamin deficiency causes chronic hives and are there other nutritional links to this persistent and frustrating skin condition?

Quick Summary

Low levels of certain nutrients, most notably vitamin D, are associated with chronic hives, or urticaria. Other deficiencies, including vitamin B12 and iron, have also been implicated, often linked to immune system imbalances. Correcting these deficiencies may help manage symptoms, though it is not a cure-all.

Key Points

Vitamin D is a Primary Link: Studies consistently show that low vitamin D levels are common in patients with chronic urticaria and are associated with more severe symptoms.
Vitamin B12 Plays a Role: Case reports and smaller studies link vitamin B12 deficiency to chronic hives, particularly in those on restrictive diets like vegans, with symptom resolution occurring after supplementation.
Iron Deficiency is a Co-factor: A high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is found in chronic urticaria patients, and correcting low iron levels has been shown to improve symptoms for some.
Immune System is Involved: These deficiencies can disrupt the immune system and increase inflammation, contributing to the mast cell dysregulation that causes chronic hives.
Addressing Deficiencies can Help: Testing for and supplementing low levels of vitamin D, B12, and iron may serve as a helpful, low-cost adjunct therapy alongside standard treatments.
Consult a Doctor for Testing: It is essential to confirm any suspected deficiency with a healthcare provider through blood tests before starting supplementation.

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a frustrating skin condition characterized by persistent, itchy welts or hives that last for more than six weeks. While its causes are often complex and sometimes labeled 'idiopathic' (of unknown origin), a growing body of evidence highlights a strong link between specific nutritional deficiencies and the onset or exacerbation of symptoms. For those struggling to find relief, exploring these underlying issues can be a critical step toward better management.

The Primary Culprit: Vitamin D Deficiency

Numerous studies point to a clear association between low vitamin D levels and chronic urticaria. This connection is believed to be a result of vitamin D's crucial role as an immunomodulatory agent.

How Vitamin D Affects Chronic Hives

Immune System Regulation: Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system, dampening pro-inflammatory responses and promoting immune tolerance.
Symptom Improvement with Supplementation: A systematic review of multiple studies found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with significant reductions in urticaria activity scores and improved quality of life in individuals with a confirmed deficiency.
Inverse Relationship with Disease Severity: Lower vitamin D levels have been correlated with worse and longer-lasting symptoms of chronic hives.

Other Linked Nutritional Deficiencies

Other nutritional gaps have also been implicated in chronic hives and immune system function.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Case reports have highlighted a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and chronic urticaria. Addressing the deficiency has led to symptom resolution in some cases.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Studies show a high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic urticaria. Correcting low iron levels has been associated with remission or improvement of urticaria symptoms in many patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Comparison of Key Nutritional Deficiencies and Chronic Hives


Feature	Vitamin D Deficiency	Vitamin B12 Deficiency	Iron Deficiency Anemia
Immune Impact	Impairs immune regulation, increases inflammation.	Associated with systemic imbalances and potential immune dysregulation.	Critical for immune function, deficiency contributes to inflammatory processes.
Evidence	Strong association found in numerous studies and systematic reviews.	Primarily case reports and smaller studies linking deficiency to resolution of symptoms.	Observational studies show high prevalence in chronic urticaria patients.
Mechanism	Modulates mast cell stability and reduces inflammatory cytokines.	May involve vascular or immune dysregulation; elevated homocysteine.	Modulation of inflammatory cells is hypothesized.
Patient Group	Common across various patient groups, especially those with low sun exposure.	Patients on restrictive diets (e.g., vegan) are at higher risk.	Often prevalent in women of pre-menopausal age due to menstrual blood loss.

How to Address Suspected Nutritional Deficiencies

If you suspect a vitamin deficiency might be contributing to your chronic hives, consider these steps:

Consult a Healthcare Provider: Talk to a doctor or dermatologist about your concerns. They can order blood tests for vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron to confirm a deficiency.
Targeted Supplementation: If tests confirm a deficiency, your doctor may recommend specific supplements, which have shown promising results in some patients.
Dietary Modifications: Improve your diet to include foods rich in the identified vitamins.
Underlying Cause Investigation: Your doctor should also investigate other potential causes for the deficiency.

Conclusion

Growing evidence confirms that specific nutritional deficiencies, particularly low levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron, can play a significant role in chronic hives. Correcting these deficiencies, guided by medical testing, may offer a safe and effective adjunctive therapy to manage symptoms. Work with a healthcare professional to identify and address any underlying nutritional issues. For further research on vitamin D and chronic hives, refer to {Link: eurjmedres.biomedcentral.com https://eurjmedres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40001-025-02852-5}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, numerous studies have found a significant association between low vitamin D levels and chronic urticaria. Vitamin D is known to have immunomodulatory effects, and its deficiency can lead to immune dysregulation that is a factor in this condition.

Clinical studies and systematic reviews have shown that patients with chronic urticaria tend to have lower serum vitamin D levels than healthy individuals. Furthermore, some studies have demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation can lead to a reduction in urticaria activity scores and symptom severity.

While less common than vitamin D, some case reports show a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and chronic hives, with symptoms improving after supplementation. This is sometimes seen in people on restrictive diets like veganism.

Yes, some studies have found a high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic urticaria. In some of these patients, oral iron therapy was associated with remission or improvement of their hives.

Correcting an underlying vitamin deficiency may significantly help in managing and reducing the severity of chronic hives, but it is not a guaranteed cure. It is often used as an adjunct therapy alongside standard treatments like antihistamines.

Given the observed associations, it may be prudent to discuss vitamin testing with your healthcare provider. A doctor can order blood tests to check your levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron, and then recommend an appropriate course of action.

In some rare cases, an allergic reaction to a vitamin supplement itself, rather than a deficiency, can cause hives. For instance, some people may have an allergic reaction to folic acid or vitamin C supplements. It is important to distinguish between a deficiency-related issue and a hypersensitivity reaction.