Having shaky or trembling hands can be caused by a number of different factors. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying neurological condition or disorder. However, shaky hands can also be caused by deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals.
What are some common causes of shaky hands?
Some of the most common causes of shaky hands include:
- Essential tremor – This is a nerve disorder characterized by uncontrollable shaking, most commonly in the hands. It is often hereditary.
- Parkinson’s disease – Shaking is one of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s, a progressive disorder of the nervous system.
- Alcohol withdrawal – Shakiness often occurs when someone stops drinking alcohol after chronic heavy use.
- Anxiety – Excess adrenaline from anxiety can cause tremors and shakiness.
- Fatigue – Extreme tiredness may manifest as shaky hands.
- Stress – Both acute and chronic stress can lead to hand tremors.
- Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid can cause tremors.
- Medication side effects – Some drugs, like mood stabilizers and antidepressants, can cause shakiness.
- Vitamin deficiencies – Lack of vitamins like B12 can contribute to hand tremors.
- Excessive caffeine – Too much caffeine stimulates the nervous system and may cause shaking.
- Low blood sugar – Hypoglycemia leads to shaky hands and tremors.
If you develop persistent, unexplained shaky hands, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. They can help determine if an underlying condition may be causing it.
How do vitamin deficiencies contribute to shaky hands?
Deficiencies in certain vitamins can directly impact nerve functioning and muscle control, leading to tremors or shakiness in the hands. The main vitamins connected to shaky hands include:
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the health of nerve cells and red blood cells. A severe vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which damages nerves in the body leading to tingling, numbness, and loss of motor control.
Because the nerves in the hands are sensitive and require B12 to function, a deficiency can manifest as tremors, twitching, lack of coordination, and shakiness in the hands and fingers. This is often one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of a B12 deficiency.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium, which is needed to conduct nerve impulses that control muscle movements. Without sufficient vitamin D, calcium regulation is impaired. This can disrupt neuromuscular functioning.
Studies have found links between vitamin D deficiency and impaired neuromuscular performance as well as an increased risk of tremors and shakiness. Supplementing with vitamin D may help reduce tremors in those who are deficient.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is important for nerve, muscle, and brain function. A severe deficiency can lead to a condition called beriberi, which is characterized by nerve damage, muscle weakness, paralysis, and involuntary twitching.
Because thiamine helps turn nutrients into energy for nerves and muscles, a deficiency can cause hands and limbs to shake uncontrollably. Even a mild deficiency can contribute to general shakiness and tremors in the hands.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin is another B vitamin that plays an important role in maintaining nerves and muscle tissue, including those in the hands. This vitamin helps regulate glutathione, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and mutation.
Low levels of riboflavin can reduce glutathione activity, leading to cell damage in the nerves and muscle tremors in the hands. Supplementing with B2 may help reduce shakes caused by a deficiency.
What are the risk factors for vitamin deficiencies that cause shaky hands?
Certain people carry a greater risk of vitamin deficiencies that can manifest as shaky hands. Risk factors include:
- Being over 60 years old – Absorption of vitamins decreases with age.
- GI disorders – Conditions affecting absorption like celiac and Crohn’s disease.
- Surgeries – Such as bariatric or weight loss surgery.
- Medications – Some drugs interfere with vitamin absorption.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Increased vitamin demand.
- Strict dieting – Restrictive diets may lack key nutrients.
- Vegetarians and vegans – May be at risk for B12 deficiency.
- Alcoholism – Alcohol impairs absorption and increases excretion of vitamins.
- Smoking – Can deplete vitamin levels over time.
- Chronic stress – Causes vitamin depletion.
People at higher risk may require supplements or increased intake from vitamin-rich foods to avoid deficiencies leading to shakiness and tremors.
What are the symptoms and complications of vitamin deficiencies that cause shaky hands?
Shaky hands and tremors may be one of the first noticeable symptoms of certain vitamin deficiencies. Other signs and complications can include:
Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Pale skin
- Jaundice
- Glossitis (swollen tongue)
- Mouth ulcers
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Heart palpitations
- Breathlessness
- Impaired brain function
- Depression or other mood changes
- Poor memory and cognition
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Balance problems
- Vision changes
Vitamin D deficiency
- Muscle weakness
- Bone pain
- Mood changes
- Impaired wound healing
- Bone loss
- Hair loss
- Increased infections
- Severe fatigue
- Joint pain
- Rickets (in children)
Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Short-term memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Enlarged heart
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Psychosis
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency
- Cracks or sores on lips and mouth
- Swollen, magenta-colored tongue
- Itchy, flaky skin
- Hair loss
- Reproductive problems
- Cataracts
- Migraines
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Slowed growth (in children)
Without treatment, vitamin deficiencies can cause permanent neurologic and psychotic disorders in severe cases. Prompt diagnosis and supplementation is key.
How are vitamin deficiencies diagnosed?
If shaky hands and tremors are believed to be caused by a vitamin deficiency, a physician will perform diagnostic testing including:
- Medical history – Discussion of symptoms, family history, medications, and risk factors.
- Physical exam – Assessment of neurological function, muscle strength and tone, gait, reflexes.
- Blood tests – To check levels of vitamins B12, D, B1, B2, and other nutrients.
- Nerve conduction studies – Measures how well nerves transmit signals.
- Electromyography – Records muscle electrical activity.
- MRI – Provides images of brain and nerves.
These tests help pinpoint which vitamin deficiency may be responsible for tremors and nerve dysfunction leading to shaky hands.
What is the treatment for vitamin deficiencies causing shaky hands?
Treating an underlying vitamin deficiency is key to resolving shaky hands. Treatment approaches may include:
- Supplements – Vitamin B12, D, B1 and B2 supplements to restore healthy levels.
- Dietary changes – Eating more vitamin-rich foods.
- Intramuscular injections – For a rapid boost in vitamin B12 levels.
- Addressing risk factors – May require lifestyle changes to improve absorption.
- Prescription medication – If an underlying condition is causing malabsorption.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to reduce abnormal nerve activity and trembling as well. With prompt treatment of the vitamin deficiency, shaky hands usually resolve within a few weeks to months.
What foods are rich in vitamins that prevent shaky hands?
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of the following foods can help prevent vitamin deficiencies that cause shaky hands:
Vitamin B12
- Shellfish
- Red meat and liver
- Fortified cereals
- Milk and yogurt
- Eggs
- Nutritional yeast
Vitamin D
- Salmon
- Mushrooms
- Fortified milk and orange juice
- Egg yolks
- Beef liver
- Fortified cereals
Thiamine (vitamin B1)
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean pork
- Oranges
- Green peas
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Dairy products
- Meats
- Green vegetables
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
- Almonds
Taking a balanced multivitamin can help prevent nutrient deficiencies leading to neurological symptoms like shaky hands as well.
What lifestyle changes help manage vitamin deficiency-related shakiness?
Making certain lifestyle adjustments may also help reduce shaky hands caused by vitamin deficiencies:
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol – Both deplete vitamins.
- Reduce caffeine – Too much caffeine worsens tremors.
- Manage stress – Chronic stress causes vitamin depletion.
- Exercise regularly – Helps improve motor control.
- Get enough sleep – Fatigue makes shaking worse.
- Drink less sugary drinks – They can lower blood sugar and worsen tremors.
- Use vitamin patches – May improve absorption in some cases.
- Consider supplements – If diet alone doesn’t restore levels.
When to see a doctor
You should make an appointment with your doctor if:
- Shakiness or tremors persist for more than a few days.
- Hand tremors disrupt your daily activities.
- Shaking is accompanied by muscle weakness.
- You have other potential symptoms of vitamin deficiencies.
- You have risk factors for nutrient deficiencies.
- Your diet is very restrictive or unhealthy.
- You use alcohol or drugs excessively.
- Shaking only occurs on one side of your body.
Sudden, unexplained shaking or tremors in the hands should be evaluated promptly to identify any underlying neurological conditions and treat any nutritional deficiencies.
Conclusion
Shaky hands or tremors can stem from vitamin deficiencies in B12, D, B1, and B2. These vitamins all play important roles in nerve and muscle control. Without adequate levels, neurological symptoms like shakiness in the hands may develop.
Eating a nutrient-rich diet can help prevent deficiencies. Those at higher risk may need supplements or injections to correct a deficiency and stop associated trembling. Addressing the underlying vitamin need is key to managing deficiency-related shaky hands.