Is Feeling Cold All The Time Normal?

Some people naturally feel colder than others. However, if being cold is a chronic problem, there could be an underlying health condition at play. For example, being cold all the time could be a symptom of a nutrient deficiency. Consider these additional symptoms of nutrient deficiencies.

What are nutrient deficiencies?

Vitamins and minerals are crucial for both development and disease prevention. Because vitamins aren’t produced naturally in the body, people must get these minerals through dietary choices or supplements. However, deficiency occurs when a person either doesn’t get enough of the nutrient to begin with, or the body doesn’t absorb the nutrient properly.

Understanding anemia

Feeling cold all the time is a common symptom of anemia or low iron. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and is typically due to low absorption. In other cases, someone might experience vitamin-deficiency anemia caused by low vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. Besides feeling cold all the time, anemia can lead to weakness, dizziness, trouble breathing, headaches, and increased heart rate.

Can’t fight infection?

People who catch colds often may be dealing with a weak immune system. Often, nutrient deficiencies can impact the immune system. For example, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D are all essential for immune health. People who get sick easily should speak with a healthcare provider about boosting the immune system.

Feeling tired all the time

Chronic fatigue is another telltale sign of a vitamin deficiency. One of the most common deficiencies is in the B12 vitamin. B12 is crucial for helping people make healthy red blood cells. People who don’t have enough of this nutrient might experience chronic fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, or nausea. When a B12 deficiency isn’t addressed, people might experience worsening symptoms, such as muscle weakness, depression, memory loss, or even difficulty walking.

Weak bones

Higher bone fracture rates, particularly in older women, often link directly to calcium or vitamin D deficiency. Typically, calcium deficiency won’t show early symptoms. However, left untreated, inadequate calcium intake can lead to low bone mass and even osteoporosis.

What causes nutrient deficiencies?

Besides not eating the right foods or taking the right supplements, some specific health conditions can increase a person’s risk of nutrient deficiencies. Any condition that affects digestion and absorption can have an impact, including colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease. For more information about identifying and correcting nutrient deficiencies, speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist.