Chronic fatigue has become increasingly common in modern society, where many people face growing workloads and limited time for rest. Beyond reducing quality of life, fatigue can also affect productivity, workplace performance, and safety.
While fatigue is often linked to insufficient rest, nutritional deficiencies may also play an important role. Researchers led by Professor Hiroaki Kanouchi at Osaka Metropolitan University investigated whether deficiencies in key nutrients could contribute to fatigue among otherwise healthy individuals.
The study focused on folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12, two nutrients that are often lacking in unbalanced diets. The researchers examined homocysteine (Hcy), a blood biomarker that tends to rise when levels of these vitamins are low.
Blood samples from approximately 600 healthy Japanese adults were analysed for homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels. Participants also completed assessments of fatigue and motivation using established measurement scales.
Initial findings showed that individuals with higher homocysteine levels generally had lower levels of folate and vitamin B12, regardless of sex. After accounting for factors such as age, sleep duration, workload, and dietary habits, higher homocysteine levels were associated with greater physical fatigue in men and lower motivation in women.
According to Professor Kanouchi, this may be the first study to identify a relationship between vitamin B12, folate, and fatigue in healthy individuals. The findings suggest that, in addition to its established links with cardiovascular disease, dementia, and fractures, elevated homocysteine may also be associated with fatigue and motivation. Maintaining adequate vitamin B12 and folate levels through a balanced diet may therefore help support energy and overall well-being.
More information: Hiroaki Kanouchi et al, Associations of Plasma Homocysteine Reflecting Vitamin B12 and Folate Status with Fatigue-Related Outcomes in Healthy Adults, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu18060941
Journal information: Nutrients Provided by Osaka Metropolitan University
