Study links low B12 and folate to fatigue in healthy adults

A new study suggests that nutritional deficiencies, specifically low levels of vitamins B12 and folate, may be a significant contributor to feelings of fatigue and low motivation in otherwise healthy individuals. The research, conducted by a team at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan and published in the journal Nutrients, indicates that these deficiencies could be an overlooked factor in the widespread experience of chronic tiredness.

The study focused on approximately 600 healthy adults in Japan. Researchers measured blood levels of homocysteine, a substance known to rise when the body lacks sufficient folate or vitamin B12. Participants also completed standardized questionnaires to assess their physical fatigue and motivation levels. The analysis accounted for other potential influences on energy, including age, sleep duration, workload, and dietary habits.

The initial findings confirmed an established biochemical relationship: higher homocysteine levels correlated with lower levels of both vitamin B12 and folate. When examining the link to fatigue, the researchers discovered a notable difference between men and women. Among men, higher homocysteine levels were associated...