What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Nerve Pain in the Arm? And How to Fix It

October 18, 2025 •

3 min read

Millions of people experience tingling, numbness, or pain in their arms and other extremities, often related to peripheral neuropathy. Understanding what vitamin deficiency causes nerve pain in the arm is crucial, as identifying and correcting the underlying nutritional issue can significantly improve symptoms and overall nerve health.

Quick Summary

Peripheral neuropathy, which causes nerve pain in the arm, is often linked to deficiencies in certain B vitamins, particularly B12, B1, and B6. Poor diet, malabsorption, and other medical conditions can lead to these deficiencies, causing nerve damage. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet and, in some cases, supplements can help manage symptoms and support nerve repair.

Key Points

B Vitamin Deficiency: A lack of B vitamins, especially B12, B1, and B6, is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, which can manifest as nerve pain in the arm.
Vitamin B12's Role: Vitamin B12 is essential for producing the myelin sheath that protects nerves, and its deficiency can lead to nerve demyelination and damage.
Thiamine's Importance: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is necessary for nerve cell energy production, and its deficiency can cause beriberi, which includes neurological symptoms like nerve pain.
B6 Caution: While crucial for nerve health, excessive intake of vitamin B6 from supplements can also cause nerve damage and neuropathy, emphasizing the need for balance.
Dietary Management: A balanced diet rich in B vitamins, omega-3s, and antioxidants can help manage nerve pain by reducing inflammation and supporting nerve repair.
Seek Medical Advice: It is vital to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis of any vitamin deficiency before self-treating with supplements, as dosages must be carefully managed.

The Vitals for Nerve Function: Understanding the B Vitamins

Nerve function relies on specific micronutrients known as neurotropic B vitamins. When these are lacking, the nervous system can malfunction, potentially causing peripheral neuropathy and nerve pain in the arms, often felt as tingling, burning, or numbness.

Vitamin B12: The Myelin Master

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is vital for nerve health, playing a key role in producing myelin, the protective nerve covering. A B12 deficiency can cause myelin breakdown, disrupting nerve signal transmission and leading to nerve damage and neurological symptoms, including tingling or numbness in the extremities. Deficiencies are more common in older adults and those following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Vitamin B1: The Nerve Energizer

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is crucial for providing energy to nerve cells by converting carbohydrates. Thiamine deficiency, often linked to chronic alcoholism or poor nutrition, can starve nerves of energy, leading to conditions like beriberi, which includes peripheral neuropathy symptoms such as burning feet and pain that can extend to the arms.

Vitamin B6: The Neurotransmitter Conductor

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is important for creating neurotransmitters, enabling nerve cell communication. A deficiency can disrupt these signals, causing nerve inflammation and symptoms like pain, tingling, and burning. However, it's crucial to note that excessive B6 supplementation can also cause nerve damage.

The Role of Minerals and Other Nutrients

Besides B vitamins, other nutrient deficiencies can contribute to nerve pain. A balanced diet is key.

Copper Deficiency

A copper deficiency, though less common, can result in nerve damage and myelopathy, mimicking B12 deficiency symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. High zinc intake can hinder copper absorption.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet can prevent and manage nerve pain. Anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial.

Foods rich in B vitamins: Include leafy greens, lean meats, eggs, low-fat dairy, and fortified cereals.
Antioxidant-packed foods: Berries, nuts, and dark leafy vegetables help fight free radical damage.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts are good sources with anti-inflammatory properties.

Nutritional Comparison for Nerve Health


Nutrient	Key Function for Nerve Health	Good Dietary Sources
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	Maintains the myelin sheath; regenerates nerve fibers.	Fish, meat, eggs, dairy, fortified cereals.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	Provides energy to nerve cells by metabolizing carbohydrates.	Lentils, whole grains, seeds, beans.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	Helps produce neurotransmitters; balances nerve signals.	Salmon, chicken, spinach, chickpeas.
Copper	Essential for neurological function; deficiency can damage nerves.	Shellfish, nuts, seeds, whole grains.

Lifestyle and Dietary Strategies to Minimize Nerve Pain

Combining dietary changes with healthy habits can help manage nerve pain.

What to Incorporate:

Leafy greens: Provide B vitamins and nutrients for nerve repair.
Whole grains: Offer energy and minerals like potassium for nerve transmission.
Ginger: Contains gingerols that may help relieve nerve pain.
Hydration: Water is important for circulation and reducing inflammation.

What to Avoid:

Excessive alcohol: Can damage nerves and deplete B vitamins.
High-sugar foods: Can cause blood sugar spikes that damage nerves.
Refined carbohydrates: May fuel inflammation.
Excessive vitamin B6 supplements: Over 200mg/day can be toxic and cause nerve damage.

Conclusion: Prioritize Nutrition for Nerve Health

Nerve pain in the arm can stem from nutritional deficiencies, particularly in B vitamins like B12, B1, and B6, which are vital for nerve function. While B12 deficiency is a significant cause, thiamine deficiency and even copper deficiency can also be responsible. A diet rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods can improve nerve health and reduce pain. Because both deficiency and excessive intake (especially of B6) can cause problems, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis before using supplements. A balanced diet and professional guidance are key to managing nerve pain related to nutrient imbalances.

For more information on nutritional strategies for managing peripheral neuropathy, you can explore resources from the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vitamin B12 deficiency is a major cause of peripheral neuropathy, which can lead to nerve damage and cause symptoms like tingling, numbness, or pain in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.

Yes, deficiencies in other B vitamins, such as B1 (thiamine) and B6 (pyridoxine), can also cause nerve problems. B1 is crucial for nerve energy, while B6 helps with neurotransmitter function.

Yes, high doses of vitamin B6 from supplements, particularly exceeding 200mg per day over a long period, can be toxic and lead to nerve damage and neuropathy.

Nerve pain in the arm can also be caused by diabetes, excessive alcohol use, autoimmune disorders, medications like chemotherapy, or physical injury.

For nerve health, focus on a diet rich in B vitamins (found in lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, leafy greens), omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, flaxseeds), and antioxidants (berries, vegetables).

It is best to limit or avoid highly processed foods, foods high in refined sugars, excessive alcohol, and excess sodium, as these can contribute to inflammation and potentially worsen nerve pain.

Yes, although it is less common, a copper deficiency can cause neurological problems, including peripheral neuropathy. Excessive zinc intake can also contribute to copper deficiency.