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Vitamin B12, Folate Deficiencies Linked to Chronic Fatigue: Study

Researchers in Japan found that among 600 adults, those with low levels of these homocysteine-regulating nutrients had lower self-reported motivation and energy levels.

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By: Mike Montemarano

Associate Editor, Nutraceuticals World

Photo: Fxquadro | Adobe Stock

Deficiencies in two essential nutrients, folate and vitamin B12, were found to have a link to chronic fatigue in a recent study conducted by a team of researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University.

While exhaustion is often blamed on stress or poor sleep, the team of researchers noted that nutrition is often an underestimated culprit.

In the study, the team recruited 600 healthy adults and evaluated their blood concentrations of folate and vitamin B12, along with their levels of homocysteine, a substance that tends to rise when these two vitamins are lacking. To assess these outcomes against levels of chronic fatigue, the population participated in the Chalder Fatigue Scale questionnaire and the Visual Analog Scale. Cofounding factors like age, sleep duration, workload, and overall diet were also accounted for.

Across the entire population, high homocysteine levels were consistently tied to low levels of vitamin B12 and folate. In men, high homocysteine levels were associated with an increase in self-reported physical fatigue, while, in women, high homocysteine levels were associated with lower self-reported motivation.

“This suggested relationship between vitamin B12, folate, and fatigue in healthy individuals may represent the first report of its kind,” said Professor Hiroaki Kanouchi, lead author. “Blood homocysteine levels have traditionally raised concerns in relation to cardiovascular disease, dementia, and fractures. However, our current findings suggest that attention should also be paid to fatigue and motivation in the future. 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.”

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