Don't panic too soon, there are some simple explanations for numbness and tingling sensations in the hands and the feet, commonly known as 'pins and needles.' Multiple sclerosis can start with these symptoms but they vary differently from the numbness felt in a deficiency.
Vitamin B5 Deficiency (Pantothenic acid)
It has been shown that a deficiency in Vitamin B5 can cause symptoms such as cold hands and feet, numbness, tingling (pins and needles) and muscle weakness.
Vitamin B5 is found in foods such as meat, vegetables, grains, milk and lentils. The daily intake should be approximately 5-10mg per day.
Vitamin B1 Deficiency (Thiamine)
A deficiency in Vitamin B1 can also cause symptoms such as cold hands and feet, poor circulation, debilitating weakness and fatigue. The daily intake of B1 is 1.4mg per day.
Vitamin B1 can be found in seeds nuts and grains.
Vitamin B2 Deficiency (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin deficiency causes peripheral nerve inflammation. This will show as pain and numbness alternating in the hands, fingers, feet and toes.
Daily recommended dose is between 1-4mg per day. B2 can be found in wheatgrass juice, wholegrains, wheatgerm, liver and kidney.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency (Pyridoxine)
A deficiency in this vitamin will cause peripheral problems. This means you may suffer from numbness in the hands and feet, fingers and toes.
The daily recommended dose is 2- 25mg per day but in special circumstances, this dose needs to be raised to fulfill a deficiency.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency (Cyanocobalamin)
Like the other B vitamins, B12 when deficient can cause numbness in the hands and feet, fingers and toes.
B12 is essential in producing the myelin which protects our nervous system. That is why a deficiency in B12 can cause symptoms similar to those seen in multiple sclerosis.
Food sources of B12 include most meats, red and white and mushrooms. The adult recommended dosage is 2.4mcg per day.
As you can see, all of these B Vitamins can cause numbness in hands and feet and tingling sensations similar to poor circulation.
Don't be afraid to ask your GP to be tested for vitamin deficiencies. Most deficiencies are diagnosed by assessing the diet and checking signs and symptoms.
Athough individually these B Vitamins all have a specific role, they are best ingested as a B Complex that contains all of the B Vitamins. The reason for this is that when taken individually, one B Vitamin can deplete another. If taken altogether, this will prevent any further deficiency of a particular B Vitamin.
