Vitamins for tiredness
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Vitamins for Tiredness: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Fatigue and Nutrient Therapy
Fatigue, characterized by a lack of energy, mental exhaustion, and poor muscle endurance, is a common symptom in various conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Vitamins and minerals play essential roles in metabolic pathways that support cellular functions, potentially mitigating physical and mental fatigue1.
Vitamin C and Fatigue Reduction
Vitamin C has shown promise in reducing fatigue, particularly in post-viral conditions like long COVID. High-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C has been observed to significantly decrease fatigue scores in several clinical studies. Additionally, it alleviates attendant symptoms such as sleep disturbances, lack of concentration, depression, and pain. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of vitamin C make it a suitable treatment option for fatigue2. Furthermore, vitamin C supplementation can reduce muscle soreness and oxidative stress following eccentric exercise, although it has limited impact on muscle function loss7.
B Vitamins and Energy Metabolism
B vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, acting as cofactors in various metabolic processes. Supplementation with B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, and B12, has been shown to enhance physical performance and reduce physical fatigue. A 28-day supplementation period significantly improved exercise endurance and reduced biochemical markers of exercise fatigue4. Additionally, professional athletes reported reduced fatigue symptoms, improved sleep quality, and decreased muscle damage after three months of daily B vitamin complex supplementation9.
Multivitamin/Mineral Supplementation
Multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplementation has been associated with increased energy expenditure and reduced subjective tiredness. Studies have demonstrated that MVM can modulate energy metabolism and alleviate mental and physical fatigue, with differential effects observed between males and females. These findings suggest that MVM supplementation can provide acute and chronic benefits in reducing fatigue5.
Vitamin D and Fatigue in Chronic Conditions
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased fatigue, particularly in patients with advanced cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS). In men with cancer, higher vitamin D levels were associated with less fatigue, although this correlation was not observed in women6. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicated that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces fatigue in individuals with MS, highlighting its potential therapeutic use10.
Conclusion
Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in mitigating fatigue across various populations. Vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamin D have shown significant benefits in reducing fatigue and improving overall well-being. Multivitamin/mineral supplementation also offers promising results in enhancing energy metabolism and reducing tiredness. Further research is needed to explore these therapies as both adjunctive treatments and sole interventions for fatigue management.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Nutrient Therapy for the Improvement of Fatigue Symptoms
Vitamin and mineral supplementation shows potential benefits in reducing fatigue symptoms in both healthy individuals and those with chronic illnesses, both orally and parenterally.
Systematic ReviewFeasibility of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Post Viral Fatigue with Focus on Long COVID, Based on a Systematic Review of IV Vitamin C on Fatigue
High-dose IV vitamin C may be a suitable treatment option for post-viral fatigue, particularly in long COVID, due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, endothelial-restoring, and immunomodulatory effects.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalVitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence
B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and zinc play crucial roles in cognitive and psychological processes, and their deficiency can lead to fatigue and mental symptoms.
Literature ReviewVery Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedA functional evaluation of anti-fatigue and exercise performance improvement following vitamin B complex supplementation in healthy humans, a randomized double-blind trial
A 28-day vitamin B complex supplementation significantly improved exercise endurance performance and reduced exercise fatigue biochemical metabolites in healthy individuals without causing adverse effects.
RCTAcute and chronic effects of multivitamin/mineral supplementation on objective and subjective energy measures
Multivitamin/mineral supplementation increases energy expenditure and reduces subjective tiredness during cognitive tasks, with greater effects in males.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalVitamin D and Fatigue in Palliative Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study of Sex Difference in Baseline Data from the Palliative D Cohort.
Low vitamin D levels are associated with more fatigue in men but not in women, highlighting the need for subgroup analysis in clinical trials.
RCT
Large Human TrialEffect of high dose vitamin C supplementation on muscle soreness, damage, function, and oxidative stress to eccentric exercise.
High dose vitamin C supplementation before and after eccentric exercise can reduce muscle soreness, delay creatine kinase increase, and prevent blood glutathione oxidation without significantly affecting muscle function loss.
RCTHighly CitedA pilot study of vitamin B12 in the treatment of tiredness
Vitamin B12 injections can improve general well-being and happiness in patients with tiredness, with effects persisting for at least 4 weeks.
RCTA-044 Using ID-Vit Test Systems to Assess the Effect of Vitamin B Supplementation on Fatigue Symptoms in Professional Athletes
Vitamin B complex supplementation significantly reduces fatigue symptoms in professional athletes, as measured by bioavailable vitamin levels using ID-Vit test systems.
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis, but its use should be under medical prescription due to lack of agreement on doses.
Meta-Analysis