What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Numbness in the Feet?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 40% of older adults may experience low blood vitamin B12 levels, a primary cause of neurological symptoms like numbness. Understanding what vitamin deficiency causes numbness in the feet is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathy.

Quick Summary

Numbness and tingling in the feet are common symptoms of nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy. This is often caused by a deficiency in B vitamins, most notably vitamin B12, which is critical for proper nerve function.

Key Points

Vitamin B12 is the most common cause: A deficiency in vitamin B12 is a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy, often presenting as numbness or tingling in the feet.
Other B vitamins can also be culprits: Deficiencies in vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B6 (Pyridoxine), and B9 (Folate) can also cause nerve damage and numbness.
Diet and malabsorption are key factors: Causes range from dietary restrictions (like veganism) to poor absorption due to aging, bariatric surgery, or digestive illnesses like Crohn's disease.
Excess B6 is also harmful: It is important to note that consuming too much vitamin B6 through supplements can lead to nerve toxicity and worsen symptoms.
Early diagnosis is crucial for recovery: Early detection through blood tests and prompt treatment with supplements can often reverse nerve damage, but if left untreated, some damage may become permanent.
Treatment options exist: A healthcare provider can recommend dietary changes, vitamin supplements (oral or injections), and in some cases, other medications to manage symptoms.

The Primary Culprit: Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is essential for a healthy nervous system. It plays a key role in producing myelin, the protective sheath that covers and insulates nerve fibers. When the body lacks sufficient B12, the myelin sheath can become damaged, impairing nerve signal transmission and leading to peripheral neuropathy.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency often begin subtly but can worsen over time. The feet are typically affected earlier than the hands. The resulting numbness may feel like a "pins and needles" sensation, burning, or a loss of feeling entirely. If left untreated, the nerve damage can become permanent. Beyond foot numbness, B12 deficiency can manifest with other symptoms such as:

Extreme fatigue and weakness
Difficulty with balance and walking
Irritability and depression
Memory problems and confusion
Anemia (characterized by abnormally large red blood cells)

Other B Vitamins and Nutrients That Cause Neuropathy

While B12 is the most well-known, several other vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also trigger nerve issues and cause numbness in the feet. A balanced intake of these nutrients is vital for overall neurological health.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Critical for nerve cell energy production, a thiamine deficiency can lead to weakness, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy, which includes numbness and tingling. Chronic alcohol misuse is a common cause of thiamine deficiency due to poor dietary choices and malabsorption.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Both a deficiency and an excess of vitamin B6 can cause neuropathy. While a deficiency can lead to anemia and dermatitis, an overdose from supplements can cause nerve damage, resulting in painful burning sensations and numbness in the feet.
Vitamin E: As an important antioxidant, vitamin E protects nerves from damage. A deficiency can cause numbness, muscle weakness, and poor coordination.
Copper: Though not a vitamin, a copper deficiency can also lead to a myeloneuropathy that mimics the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, including numbness and balance issues. Excess zinc intake can sometimes cause a secondary copper deficiency.

Common Causes of Nutritional Deficiency

Vitamin deficiencies don't always stem from a poor diet alone. Underlying health conditions and lifestyle factors can hinder nutrient absorption. Key factors include:

Dietary Restrictions: Vegans and strict vegetarians are particularly susceptible to B12 deficiency, as this vitamin is predominantly found in animal products.
Malabsorption Syndromes: Digestive disorders like Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, or atrophic gastritis can prevent proper nutrient absorption in the gut.
Bariatric Surgery: Gastric bypass or other stomach and intestinal surgeries can significantly impact the body's ability to absorb vital nutrients like B12.
Medications: Some drugs, including certain heartburn medications (proton pump inhibitors) and metformin for diabetes, can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption.
Alcohol Misuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can deplete thiamine (B1) and other B vitamins, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
Aging: As people age, their bodies may produce less stomach acid and intrinsic factor, both necessary for B12 absorption.

Comparison of Vitamin Deficiencies Causing Neuropathy


Feature	Vitamin B12 Deficiency	Vitamin B1 Deficiency	Vitamin B6 Deficiency/Excess	Vitamin E Deficiency
Mechanism	Damages myelin sheath of nerves.	Impairs nerve cell energy production.	Either impairs neurotransmitter function (deficiency) or is directly toxic (excess).	Acts as an antioxidant, protecting nerves from oxidative stress.
Key Symptoms	Tingling, numbness (feet first), balance issues, weakness, confusion.	Weakness, fatigue, tingling, memory issues.	Numbness, burning sensations, coordination issues (excess); anemia (deficiency).	Numbness, weak reflexes, impaired sensation, poor coordination.
Associated Conditions	Pernicious anemia, vegan diet, malabsorption, metformin use.	Beriberi, alcoholism, malnutrition.	Inadequate intake, or excessive supplement use.	Malabsorption issues, genetic disorders.
Treatment Approach	Injections initially, then oral supplements or ongoing injections.	Thiamine supplements (often with other B vitamins).	Correct dose (if deficient) or stop supplementation (if excess).	Vitamin E supplementation.

Treatment and Importance of Early Diagnosis

Treating neuropathy caused by a vitamin deficiency involves addressing the underlying cause. Once a healthcare provider determines the specific deficiency through blood tests, a treatment plan is created. This may include a combination of:

Vitamin Supplements: This is the most direct approach. For B12 deficiency, treatment often begins with high-dose injections followed by oral supplements or less frequent injections. For other deficiencies, oral supplements are typically sufficient.
Dietary Adjustments: Eating a balanced diet rich in the deficient vitamins is crucial. For example, individuals with B12 deficiency should consume more meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, while vegans should use fortified foods or reliable supplements.
Addressing Underlying Conditions: Managing conditions like Celiac disease or alcoholism is necessary for long-term recovery and preventing recurrence.
Neuropathy Medications: In some cases, nerve pain medications may be prescribed to manage severe symptoms.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for the best outcome. While vitamin replacement can often reverse nerve damage, if left untreated for an extended period, some neurological damage may become irreversible. A timely visit to a healthcare provider is essential for anyone experiencing persistent numbness or tingling in their feet.

Conclusion: Take Numbness Seriously

Persistent numbness in the feet is not a normal sign of aging and should not be ignored. It is often a warning sign of an underlying issue, with vitamin deficiency, particularly vitamin B12, being a significant and treatable cause. By identifying the root cause through a proper diagnosis, you can take effective steps to replenish your body's nutrient stores and protect your nervous system. Prioritizing nerve health through proper nutrition and addressing any malabsorption issues is key to preventing long-term damage and maintaining quality of life. For more information on causes and treatments for neuropathy, visit the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vitamin B12 is vital for producing myelin, a protective sheath around nerve fibers. A deficiency damages this sheath, disrupting nerve signal transmission and resulting in numbness and tingling sensations in the extremities, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy.

A B-complex supplement can be beneficial, especially if multiple B vitamins are deficient. However, it's crucial to consult a doctor first, as excessive intake of certain B vitamins, particularly B6, can cause nerve damage.

Beyond numbness and tingling, common symptoms include fatigue, balance problems, muscle weakness, mood changes (irritability, depression), and memory issues. Anemia can also develop over time.

Yes, older adults are at a higher risk. As people age, their bodies may produce less stomach acid and intrinsic factor, a protein needed to absorb vitamin B12 effectively.

Yes. Since vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, those following a vegan diet are at a higher risk of developing a deficiency. This can lead to nerve damage and associated symptoms like foot numbness if not managed with supplements or fortified foods.

If a vitamin deficiency is diagnosed and treated early, the nerve damage is often reversible. However, if left untreated for a long period, especially with severe deficiency, some neurological damage can become permanent.

Many conditions can cause neuropathy, including diabetes, alcohol misuse, autoimmune diseases (like lupus), infections (like shingles or HIV), kidney or liver disease, and certain medications.

A healthcare provider typically diagnoses a vitamin deficiency through blood tests that measure the levels of specific vitamins like B12, B1, and B6. They will also evaluate your symptoms and medical history.