Feeling constantly tired or lethargic may not be just due to poor sleep or working too hard or taking on too much stress.
Researchers in Japan found that low levels of key vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 and folate, may quietly contribute to fatigue and lack of motivation, even in healthy people.
Scientists have revealed that vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are linked to chronic fatigue, as can your diet silently draining your energy.
Chronic fatigue has become increasingly common in modern life as people face heavier workloads and less downtime.
While fatigue is often attributed to stress or lack of sleep, researchers say poor nutrition may also play an important role.
Even healthy people with high levels of blood markers associated with these deficiencies were more likely to feel tired or unmotivated.
To investigate this fact, a research team led by Professor Hiroki Kanouchi of the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, Osaka Metropolitan University, investigated whether deficiencies in certain vitamins could be associated with fatigue and motivation levels.
The findings suggest that scientists focused more on folate B9 and vitamin B12, two nutrients that help regulate homocysteine ​​(HCY), a substance in the blood that increases when these vitamins are deficient.
The study involved nearly 600 healthy Japanese adults. The 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.
Additionally, researchers focused closely on how homocysteine ​​levels relate to fatigue differently in men and women.
The team found that participants with higher homocysteine ​​levels generally had lower levels of folate and vitamin B12, regardless of sex or gender.
The results showed that elevated homocysteine ​​levels in women were associated with less motivation, while men with higher homocysteine ​​levels were more likely to report greater physical fatigue.
Additionally, the analysis also took into account factors that can influence fatigue, including age, sleep duration, workload and eating habits.
Researchers associated with the study advised, “To prevent an increase in homocysteine ​​levels, it is important to avoid vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Maintaining a balanced diet on a daily basis is essential.”
Materials were provided by Osaka Metropolitan University while the findings were published in the journal Nutrients.
Researchers also suggest that although fatigue is not a chronic disease or a fatal health problem, it can still affect our everyday functions and reduce our quality of life.
We should pay more attention to healthy and important nutrients for our body or consume a balanced diet to boost energy and maintain good health and active lifestyle.
