Always tires? study finds chronic fatigue linked to vitamin B12 deficiency

Feeling constantly drained or lethargic might not just be about poor sleep, working too hard, or taking too much stress.

Researchers in Japan found that low levels of key vitamins, especially vitamin B12 and folate, may quietly contribute to fatigue and lack of motivation, even in otherwise healthy people.

They revealed vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are linked to chronic fatigue, as it could be your diet quietly draining your energy.

Fatigue is a medical term for extreme tiredness or lack of energy that is not relieved by normal rest or sleep. In simple terms, it means your body and mind feel unusually and persistently tired, even when you rest.

Chronic fatigue has become increasingly common in modern life as people juggle heavier workloads and less downtime. 

While exhaustion is often blamed on stress or lack of sleep, researchers say poor nutrition may also play an important role.

A study found even healthy people with higher levels of a blood marker linked to these deficiencies were more likely to feel exhausted or unmotivated.

To examine the fact, a research team led by Professor Hiroaki Kanouchi from Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology investigated whether deficiencies in certain vitamins could be connected to fatigue and motivation levels.

The findings suggest that the scientists focused more on two nutrients, folate (B9) and vitamin B12, that help regulate homocysteine (Hcy), a substance in the blood that tends to rise when these vitamins are lacking.

The study included around 600 healthy Japanese adults. Researchers measured blood levels of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12, then evaluated participants' fatigue and motivation using the Chalder Fatigue Scale questionnaire and a Visual Analog Scale.

Moreover, the researchers focused closely on how homocysteine levels related to fatigue in men and women separately.

The team found that participants with higher homocysteine levels generally had lower levels of folate and vitamin B12, regardless of sex or gender.

Furthermore, results showed that elevated homocysteine levels in women were linked to lower motivation, while men with higher homocysteine levels were more likely to report greater physical fatigue.

Additionally, the analysis also accounted for factors that could influence fatigue, including age, sleep duration, workload, and eating habits.

"To prevent an increase in homocysteine levels, it is important to avoid deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate. Maintaining a well-balanced diet on a daily basis is essential," advised researchers linked to the study.

Research materials were provided by Osaka Metropolitan University, while the findings were published in the journal Nutrients.

Researchers also suggest that although fatigue isn't a chronic illness or any fatal health issue itself, it still can affect our everyday tasks and depreciate our quality of life.

We should focus more on healthy and vital nutrients for our bodies or consume a balanced diet to boost energy and maintain good health and an active lifestyle.