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Could nutrient deficiency cause vomiting and thumb curling?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello, Doctor,

The patient is a 35-year-old male patient, measuring between 5’11” and 6’ in height, with an approximate body weight of about 176.37 lbs.

The patient has been suffering from severe vomiting along with a lack of or impaired sense of taste, thus not being able to taste the foods properly. Other symptoms he has been having include numbness and tingling feelings all over the body, involuntary curving of thumbs, weakness, abdominal pains, episodes of fast heartbeat (even sometimes for no reason at all), and secretion of phlegm. The patient also has been experiencing cold sweat, fever, and body aches.

All of the above-mentioned symptoms seem to get worse under conditions of temperatures of around 30 to 34 degrees Celsius.

This patient claims that he has not been exposed to the sun for the last ten years, and he has been maintaining a diet that is severely restrictive and nutritionally unbalanced. He consumes mainly fried chicken, potatoes, rice dishes, wheat bread/roti, and some fruits like lemon, tomato, cucumber, coriander, and mint, usually prepared in chutney form.

Please help.

Thank you for your guidance.

Answered by Dr. Raveendran S R

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Raveendran S R is a dedicated diabetes specialist and sexual medicine expert committed to providing evidence-based, confidential, and patient-centered care. With strong clinical and academic experience, he specializes in managing diabetes, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, performance concerns, and other men’s health conditions through structured and scientifically guided treatment approaches. Dr. Raveendran focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term health improvement while ensuring patient comfort and privacy. Known for his compassionate and professional approach, he believes in clear communication and helping patients make informed decisions to improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

Thank you so much for sharing your concern with me.

The sole cause of the combination of recurrent vomiting, weakness, numbness and tingling, reduced sense of taste, muscle spasms causing the thumbs to curl inward, rapid pulse, cold sweats, abdominal pain, and worsening symptoms during warmer weather should not be identified as heat exposure.

Given the history of extremely limited sunlight exposure for nearly 10 years, along with a highly restricted and nutritionally unbalanced diet, significant nutritional deficiencies are a major concern. Deficiencies in Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, magnesium, calcium, and other essential nutrients can contribute to many of the symptoms described. The reported improvement after consuming fruits or supplements such as Surbex-Z may further support this possibility.

A complete medical evaluation is necessary. I suggest you do the following tests:

  • Complete blood count (CBC).

  • Blood glucose level.

  • Renal function tests.

  • Liver function tests.

  • Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium).

  • Vitamin D levels.

  • Vitamin B12 levels.

  • Thyroid function profile.

The tingling sensation, the curling of the thumb, the overall numbness, and the periods of rapid heartbeat are very relevant signs. They might suggest an electrolyte deficiency such as that of calcium or magnesium.

As these symptoms have been occurring repeatedly and for quite some time and are affecting both the nervous system and the gastrointestinal system, it would not be wise to depend only on OTC medicines or supplements.

Have any blood tests been done to determine if there is a deficiency of vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, or a thyroid disorder?

I hope this clarifies your queries.

You can contact me at any time you like.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 1, 2026
Reviewed At July 13, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Raveendran S R is a dedicated diabetes specialist and sexual medicine expert committed to providing evidence-based, confidential, and patient-centered care. With strong clinical and academic experience, he specializes in managing diabetes, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, performance concerns, and other men’s health conditions through structured and scientifically guided treatment approaches. Dr. Raveendran focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term health improvement while ensuring patient comfort and privacy. Known for his compassionate and professional approach, he believes in clear communication and helping patients make informed decisions to improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Raveendran S R is a dedicated diabetes specialist and sexual medicine expert committed to providing evidence-based, confidential, and patient-centered care. With strong clinical and academic experience, he specializes in managing diabetes, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, performance concerns, and other men’s health conditions through structured and scientifically guided treatment approaches. Dr. Raveendran focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term health improvement while ensuring patient comfort and privacy. Known for his compassionate and professional approach, he believes in clear communication and helping patients make informed decisions to improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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