The best-documented deficiency associated with sensory disturbances is vitamin B12 deficiency. It can lead to damage to the nerves and the spinal cord, and one of the possible symptoms is a tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. Neurological symptoms may also occur without anaemia. A deficiency is more likely to occur, for example, in a diet that excludes animal products without adequate supplementation, in cases of malabsorption, following certain gastrointestinal operations, and whilst taking certain medicines that affect the absorption of vitamin B12 (e.g. those used in chemotherapy, such as metronidazole, nitrofurantoin, isoniazid, amiodarone).
Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is also important for the functioning of the nervous system. A severe deficiency of this vitamin may be associated with peripheral neuropathy and is more commonly seen, for example, in cases of malnutrition, chronic alcohol abuse or malabsorption disorders. Amongst minerals, copper is of particular importance. A severe deficiency can lead to damage to the spinal cord and nerves, and the neurological presentation may partly resemble that of vitamin B12 deficiency. However, mineral metabolism disorders are not a typical cause of chronic numbness limited to a few fingers.
EU Register of Health Claims
The EU Register of Health Claims has authorised claims stating that vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, magnesium, potassium and copper contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system. For calcium, on the other hand, a claim has been authorised stating that it contributes to normal nerve transmission. These are claims relating to the body’s normal physiological functions, not to the treatment of numbness or tingling.
"Tingling and numbness in the fingers do not automatically indicate a vitamin or mineral deficiency. The cause may be compression of a specific nerve, a systemic disease or a deficiency in nutrients important for the nervous system – particularly vitamin B12. Therefore, in the case of recurring or persistent symptoms, it is most important to determine their cause." Łukasz Domeracki – Dietitian and Personal Trainer
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Which vitamins might be lacking if you experience tingling and numbness in your hands?
The link with vitamin B12 deficiency is the best documented. A significant vitamin B1 deficiency can also lead to peripheral neuropathy.
Can a vitamin B12 deficiency cause numbness in the fingers?
Yes. A B12 deficiency can lead to neurological disorders, including tingling and numbness in the hands or feet. Importantly, neurological symptoms may also occur without anaemia.
Can a mineral deficiency cause tingling?
This possibility has been described, for example, in cases of severe copper deficiency. Copper is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system; however, deficiencies are neither the only nor the typical cause of numbness limited to a few specific fingers.
Does magnesium help with numbness and tingling in the hands?
Magnesium contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous system, but this does not mean that taking magnesium supplements is a treatment for every case of tingling. It is worth establishing the cause of the symptoms first.
Why do the thumb, index finger and middle finger go numb?
This pattern of symptoms may occur when the median nerve is compressed, for example in carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the pattern of symptoms alone is not sufficient to make a diagnosis.
What might numbness in the little finger and ring finger indicate?
It may be linked to irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, for example, in the elbow area. If the problem recurs frequently or worsens, it is worth consulting a specialist.
When does numbness in the hand require urgent medical attention?
Sudden numbness on one side of the body, accompanied by symptoms such as weakness in the arm or leg, a drooping corner of the mouth or speech difficulties, requires urgent medical assessment.
Sources:
- Gwathmey, K. G., & Grogan, J. (2020). Nutritional neuropathies. Muscle & nerve, 62(1), 13–29. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.26783
- Alvarez, M., Poveda, S., Cisneros, A., Parra, D., Luna, M., Rincón, O., & Guzman, I. (2026). B Vitamin Deficiencies and Associated Neuropathies. Current nutrition reports, 15(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00723-3
- Wipperman, J., & Penny, M. L. (2024). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Rapid Evidence Review. American family physician, 110(1), 52–57.