Hand tremors, whether random or frequent, can be alarming. It can be even more concerning when they impact your daily life and activities. While they’re mostly harmless, they can sometimes be a sign that something’s amiss in your body. In addition to neurological reasons, a deficiency in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, or vitamin D may also be at the root of the problem. This is because lack of these nutrients can sometimes affect muscle and nerve function.
Therefore, speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ajay Shah, Managing Director of Neuberg Ajay Shah Laboratory, Mumbai, shares the link between hand tremors and nutrient deficiencies and discusses ways to prevent them.
Also Read: Hand Tremors Aren't The Only Symptoms Of Parkinson's Disease: Here Are Other Signs To Watch Out For
Why Do Nutrient Deficiencies Cause Hand Tremors?
“Deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, and vitamin D can affect nerve and muscle function,” explains Dr Shah, adding that B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage, leading to tremors or tingling.
Because magnesium helps regulate muscle contractions and nerve signalling, low levels may cause muscle twitching or shaking.
Additionally, vitamin D plays a role in neuromuscular health, and its deficiency may lead to weakness or tremors. According to a 2020 study published in the journal Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements, many people with hyperkinetic movement disorders, a group that includes conditions like essential tremor and Huntington’s disease, have low vitamin D levels. This deficiency can contribute to muscle weakness and poor bone health, adding to movement problems and increasing the risk of falls.
Signs Of Vitamin B12, Magnesium, And Vitamin D Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies like vitamin B12, magnesium, and vitamin D deficiencies can affect the body in different ways. Some of the common signs associated with each of the deficiencies include:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Fatigue, numbness or tingling in hands/feet, memory issues, mood changes, and difficulty walking.
- Magnesium deficiency: muscle cramps, spasms, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, irritability.
- Vitamin D deficiency: bone pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, frequent infections, and mood disorders like depression.
How To Restore Adequate Levels Of Vitamin B12, Magnesium, And Vitamin D
According to Dr Shah, some of the best ways to increase vitamin B12, magnesium, and vitamin D levels are through diet and supplementation. However, sunlight exposure is the best source of vitamin D.
Diet: Include B12-rich foods, such as eggs, dairy, meat, fortified cereals, magnesium sources like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and vitamin D sources like fatty fish, fortified milk, and egg yolks.
Dr Shah shares, “Supplements may be prescribed if levels are significantly low. B12 can be taken orally or via injection; magnesium is available in pill or powder form; vitamin D supplements are often given in D3 form, especially if sun exposure is limited.
Tests To Confirm Nutrient Deficiency
Blood tests are the primary method for checking nutrient levels:
- Vitamin B12 test
- Serum magnesium level
- 25-hydroxy vitamin D test
Doctors may also order neurological exams, EMG (electromyography), or MRI scans if a more serious cause is suspected.
When Do Hand Tremors Signal Serious Conditions?
While hand tremors can result from nutrient deficiencies, they may also indicate neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, multiple sclerosis, or thyroid disorders. Parkinsonian tremors are typically slow and occur at rest, often accompanied by stiffness, slowness of movement, or balance issues.
Conclusion
While hand tremors are mostly harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of vitamin B12, magnesium, or vitamin D deficiency or even point toward a more serious condition. Staying vigilant, getting proper testing, and addressing any deficiencies through diet, supplementation, or lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference in improving symptoms and overall well-being. However, if tremors worsen or are accompanied by other health issues, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for a proper evaluation.