Of course, fatigue can be inevitable at certain stages of life, such as after having a baby or during a stressful exam period. However, daily exhaustion may indicate not only a lack of sleep but also a health disorder worth investigating, writes “Parade.”
Read more Commander of Ukraine’s drone forces: strikes in Crimea could be seven times more numerous
“PrimaryMD” chief medical officer Dr. Michael Billington states that when a patient complains of fatigue, it is first important to rule out the most dangerous possible causes.
“If a person loses weight without a clear reason, has a fever or sweats heavily at night, experiences shortness of breath, chest pain, notices unusual bleeding, including very heavy menstruation or blood in stools, or enlarged lymph nodes, they must be examined as soon as possible,” the doctor emphasized.
However, the cause of fatigue is usually not so dangerous. Three primary care doctors indicated that people often lack certain nutrients.
First, it is important to assess sleep and nutrition
Dr. Alexander Acosta emphasized that fatigue can accompany many different conditions, so conclusions cannot be drawn based on this symptom alone.
First, the doctor asks patients how they sleep. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep is one of the most obvious causes of energy deficiency. It is also important to assess nutrition and stress levels, as both factors are closely related to a person’s well-being.
According to doctors, when determining the cause of fatigue, it is useful to perform general blood tests and check whether the body lacks important substances. Persistent energy deficiency is especially often caused by iron or vitamin B12 deficiency.
Family doctor Alexa Mieses Malchuk indicated that people in the USA often lack iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, and magnesium.
Iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies are more often found in people who mostly eat plant-based foods. Menstruating women also have a higher risk of iron deficiency.
According to A. Acosta, some people may simultaneously lack iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. Such multiple nutrient deficiencies can significantly increase fatigue.
Why does vitamin B12 deficiency drain energy?
Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen throughout the body, so when their function is impaired, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and muscle weakness may occur.
“Vitamin B12 also helps maintain a healthy myelin sheath that covers nerves. If its level remains too low for a long time, symptoms are not limited to fatigue and may begin to affect the nervous system,” explained A. Acosta.
Even vitamin B12 levels at the lower limit of normal can be associated with fatigue and exhaustion. Iron deficiency can also impair the ability to concentrate.
What to eat?
If tests reveal iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, the first step can be to review one’s diet. M. Billington explained that vitamin B12 is produced only by bacteria. It usually reaches the human body by eating animal-based foods.
To get more vitamin B12 and iron, the doctor recommends eating eggs, seafood such as mollusks, mussels, and oysters, as well as fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines. These nutrients are also found in beef.
For people who eat vegetarian or vegan diets, products fortified with vitamins and minerals are especially important. These can include fortified breakfast cereals, soy or almond drinks, meat substitutes, and nutritional yeast.
Read more Man detained for murder injured himself in Klaipėda detention center
However, the doctor warned that fermented products such as miso, kimchi, or sauerkraut do not contain enough vitamin B12 to significantly replenish its reserves. Despite frequent advertising claims, spirulina is also considered an insufficient source of this vitamin.
People who choose a plant-based diet can get more iron by eating dark green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, and tomatoes.
When diet alone may not be enough?
When a significant nutrient deficiency has already been identified in the body, changing the diet alone may not be sufficient.
“Sometimes, when nutrient levels are already too low, food alone does not help restore them quickly enough. In such cases, supplements may be a more convenient way to replenish reserves,” said A. Acosta.
However, it is important to find out why the deficiency occurred. If the body cannot absorb vitamin B12, dietary changes will not solve the problem.
People who have undergone stomach reduction surgery or suffer from certain autoimmune diseases may experience absorption disorders.
Vegetarians and vegans may need iron or vitamin B12 supplements when blood tests confirm their deficiency.
Dr. M. Billington also recommends testing for people who have been taking metformin, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 receptor blockers for a long time. Lower vitamin B12 or iron levels may also be associated with some other medications, such as colchicine, cholestyramine, or oral contraceptives.
Risk increases with age
According to A. Acosta, vitamin B12 absorption may worsen in people over 50 years old. With age, the stomach produces less acid and substances necessary for vitamin B12 absorption from food.
For this reason, deficiency may occur even when regularly eating animal products. In such cases, sublingual tablets or vitamin B12 injections may be prescribed.
Dr. A. Mieses Malchuk reminded that dietary supplements should be chosen responsibly and purchased from products tested by independent laboratories. This way, it is easier to be sure that the preparation contains the stated dose and no unwanted impurities.
However, supplements should not be started just because of feeling fatigued. M. Billington emphasized that vitamin B12 supplements will not provide more energy to a person who does not lack this vitamin.
Fatigue should not be attributed to age
Doctors note that people sometimes ignore fatigue for months or even years because they think it is related to stress, aging, or a heavy workload.
“Patients get used to fatigue and do not get checked for a long time. They think stress or age is to blame for everything and do not even consider a possible nutrient deficiency,” said A. Acosta.
According to him, blood tests should be done first because fatigue can also be caused by other health problems. Starting supplements on one’s own can temporarily change test results or mask the true cause of the ailment.
Read more Support for farmers due to increased fuel prices raised to nearly 20 million euros
