- A Japanese study found that higher homocysteine levels, which can reflect low vitamin B12 and folate status, were linked with fatigue-related symptoms.
- In men, higher homocysteine was linked with greater physical fatigue, while in women it was linked with lower motivation.
- The study does not prove vitamin deficiency causes chronic fatigue, but it suggests nutrition may be worth checking in people who feel persistently drained.
Persistent tiredness is often blamed on stress, poor sleep or overwork.
Those factors matter, but a new study suggests vitamin status may also play a role.
Researchers in Japan looked at around 600 healthy adults and measured levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate.
Homocysteine tends to rise when B12 or folate levels are low.
Participants also completed questionnaires assessing fatigue and motivation.
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The researchers found that people with higher homocysteine generally had lower B12 and folate levels.
They then looked at fatigue outcomes in men and women separately.
In men, higher homocysteine was linked with greater physical fatigue.
In women, it was linked with lower motivation.
The analysis accounted for several factors that could affect fatigue, including age, sleep duration, workload and eating habits.
That makes the findings more useful, although they are still observational.
The study does not prove that low B12 or folate directly caused the symptoms.
But it does suggest these nutrients should not be ignored.
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B12 and folate are involved in nerve function, red blood cell production and metabolism.
If levels are low, it is not surprising that energy and motivation may suffer.
The practical message is sensible.
If someone feels constantly tired, diet should be part of the picture, especially if they follow a restricted diet or have risk factors for deficiency.
It is not the only explanation, but it is one worth checking.
