Can vitamin or mineral deficiencies cause eye twitching in women?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Eye twitching in women can be caused by deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals, most commonly magnesium and vitamin B12. Low levels of these nutrients disrupt normal nerve and muscle function, leading to involuntary eyelid spasms (myokymia). Other contributors include low vitamin D, calcium, and potassium, as well as dehydration, stress, and caffeine.

Because eye twitching can stem from a range of underlying causes—from simple nutrient gaps to neurological conditions—it's important to identify what's driving your symptoms before choosing a treatment. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you pinpoint likely causes based on your unique health profile and guide your next steps, whether that's adjusting your diet, hydrating more, or consulting a doctor. It only takes a few minutes and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary trial and error.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if eye twitching needs care today Discover likely causes of eye twitching See if eye twitching could be serious Find OTC relief for eye twitching Find eye doctors for twitching symptoms Understand home remedies for eye twitching Check what causes your eye twitching

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Explanation

Eye twitching can be annoying and sometimes is linked to vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Magnesium is a mineral that helps with many body functions, and a lack of it can affect the eyes, as seen in studies on optic nerve health. Vitamin B12 is another important nutrient, and not having enough of it can lead to involuntary movements, including eye twitching.

Here are some key points:

Magnesium Deficiency: A lack of magnesium, known as hypomagnesemia, can influence the optic nerve, leading to issues like eye twitching.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This vitamin is crucial for nerve health, and its deficiency can cause involuntary movements, which might include eye twitching.

It's important to have a balanced diet to avoid these deficiencies. If you experience persistent eye twitching, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should consult with a healthcare provider about possible vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

(References)

Ugurlu A, & Yılmaz H. (2021). Influences of Hypomagnesemia on Optic Nerve and .... Current eye research, 33259256.
Gunes IB. (2024). Association Between Eyelid Twitching and Digital Screen .... Cureus, 39282492.
de Souza A, & Moloi MW. (2014). Involuntary movements due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Neurological research, 24852503.

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