The gene linked to better cold tolerance is ACTN3, where a lack of its protein (α-actinin-3) helps people maintain core body temperature in the cold by shifting muscle use, but other genes (like < IFIH1 for immune response to cold viruses) and factors like fat/metabolism also play roles, while diseases like hypothyroidism can make you feel cold.
A common mutation or genetic variant found in the skeletal muscle gene called ACTN3 (alpha-actinin-3) makes it easier for people to tolerate cold temperatures. The ACTN3 gene produces a protein of the same name.
There are multiple reasons you might feel abnormally cold, from vitamin deficiencies to circulation problems. Here are the most common reasons you can't warm up: Age: As you get older, changes in your blood vessels make cold intolerance more likely. Anxiety: Stress and anxiety make you feel cold.
Estrogens have multiple influences that contribute to heat dissipation and a lower body temperature, while the influence of progesterone appears to primarily increase body temperature. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone across the menstrual cycle can alter the level at which body temperature is regulated.
Feeling cold can stem from deficiencies in iron, Vitamin B12, and sometimes folate, which often lead to anemia, impairing oxygen and heat transport; other causes include issues with thyroid function (linked to iron/zinc), poor circulation from deficiencies like magnesium or Omega-3, and dehydration. These deficiencies reduce your body's ability to generate and distribute heat, commonly causing cold hands and feet.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Vitamin B12
Individuals with a B12 deficiency can also develop megaloblastic anaemia and cold sensitivity due to the lower red blood cell count. Anaemia compromises oxygen delivery throughout the bloodstream, which directly impacts your body's ability to stay warm.
Body composition and size have a lot to do with cold perception, too. Compared to men, women have less muscle, which is a natural heat producer. They also have 6 to 11 percent more body fat than men, which keeps the inner organs toasty, but blocks the flow of blood carrying heat to the skin and extremities.
Hormonal imbalances show up as symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, irregular periods, skin issues (acne), hair changes, sleep problems, brain fog, low libido, digestive issues, and temperature sensitivity, affecting energy, body functions, and mental well-being, often linked to stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.
Releasing thyroid hormones from the hypothalamus causes an increased metabolic rate and subsequent heat production. Activating the primary motor center in the posterior hypothalamus causes skeletal muscle contraction and shivering, leading to increased heat production.
Feeling cold can stem from deficiencies in iron, Vitamin B12, and sometimes folate, which often lead to anemia, impairing oxygen and heat transport; other causes include issues with thyroid function (linked to iron/zinc), poor circulation from deficiencies like magnesium or Omega-3, and dehydration. These deficiencies reduce your body's ability to generate and distribute heat, commonly causing cold hands and feet.
Fat provides insulation for your body, and muscles generate heat, helping keep you warm. With a low BMI, you might not have enough fat and muscle to keep you warm, making you more likely to feel cold. Having a low BMI, of less than 18.5, can also stop your body from working as well as it should.
Persistent coldness may be associated with poor circulation, anemia, or thyroid problems: Individuals with circulatory issues may experience difficulties in distributing blood effectively, leading to a sensation of coldness, especially in the extremities.
The XX genotype frequency differs across ethnic groups, with approximately 25% of Asians, 18% of Caucasians, 11% of Ethiopians, 3% of Jamaican and US African Americans, and 1% of Kenyans and Nigerians possessing the XX genotype (Yang et al., 2007; MacArthur et al., 2008; Scott et al., 2010).
Although not fully proven, large doses of vitamin C may help reduce how long a cold lasts. Large doses of vitamin C do not protect against getting a cold. Vitamin C may also be helpful for those exposed to brief periods of severe or extreme physical activity.
Listen to your body — it's trying to tell you something
What are the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
Chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, which are in charge of sending impulses between nerve cells, are the main hormones linked to depression and sadness. In specifically, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are three neurotransmitters that are vital.
Hypothyroidism
“This is one of the most common reasons people always feel cold,” Wilson said. “The thyroid drives metabolism. With a low-functioning thyroid gland, metabolism is slowed and the body can't generate an adequate amount of heat to maintain core body temperature.”
However, with so many potential culprits, it can be hard to know what vitamin deficiency causes you to feel cold. Typically, it's a lack of vitamin B12 or iron. Iron deficiency can slow down thyroid function, which can lead to a condition called hypothyroidism, making you feel cold.
Declining estrogen levels make the hypothalamus less effective at maintaining stable body temperature, increasing sensitivity to cold. Unlike illness-related chills, menopausal cold sensations aren't accompanied by fever and are part of normal hormonal changes.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
Magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, spasms, and poor circulation, which may contribute to cold extremities. Consuming magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables or taking magnesium supplements can help alleviate these symptoms.
Feeling cold all the time. Iron is needed for proper functioning of the thyroid, which regulates body temperature. Easily feeling short of breath. Increased anxiety or irritability.