What deficiency causes fatigue and shortness of breath

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Deficiency-Related Causes of Fatigue and Shortness of Breath

Hemolytic Anemia and Triose Phosphate-Isomerase Deficiency

Triose phosphate-isomerase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that leads to hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are prematurely destroyed. This deficiency results in a shortage of red blood cells, which are crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Consequently, individuals with this condition experience extreme tiredness (fatigue) and shortness of breath due to the lack of sufficient oxygen supply . Additionally, the breakdown of red blood cells releases iron and bilirubin into the bloodstream, causing jaundice and further contributing to the symptoms .

Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often leads to anemia, particularly in its later stages. This anemia is primarily due to a relative deficit of erythropoietin, a hormone essential for red blood cell production. The lack of erythropoietin results in reduced red blood cell counts, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath . Iron deficiency is another significant factor in CKD-related anemia, exacerbated by chronic inflammation and impaired iron utilization . These combined factors contribute to the overall symptomatology of fatigue and shortness of breath in CKD patients .

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting about 20% of the global population. Iron is vital for the production of red blood cells and various metabolic processes. A lack of iron leads to a decrease in red blood cell production, causing symptoms like unusual tiredness and shortness of breath . This deficiency can be particularly prevalent in individuals with plant-based diets, which often contain low levels of bioavailable iron . Addressing iron deficiency through supplementation and dietary strategies is crucial for alleviating these symptoms .

Vitamin D Deficiency and Long COVID-19

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the severity and mortality of COVID-19 cases. Post-COVID-19, many individuals suffer from "long COVID-19," which includes symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath . Vitamin D plays a role in modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation, which can help in the recovery process. However, there is currently no direct evidence that vitamin D supplementation affects post-COVID-19 symptoms, although its role in overall respiratory health is well-documented .

Zinc Toxicity and Copper Deficiency

Zinc toxicity can lead to severe health issues, including copper deficiency, which in turn can cause anemia. A case study highlighted a patient with zinc toxicity who presented with progressive fatigue and shortness of breath due to aplastic anemia with ringed sideroblasts . The imbalance caused by excessive zinc and deficient copper levels disrupts normal red blood cell production, leading to these debilitating symptoms .

Conclusion

Fatigue and shortness of breath can result from various deficiencies, including triose phosphate-isomerase deficiency, iron deficiency, and conditions related to chronic kidney disease. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency and zinc toxicity with associated copper deficiency can also contribute to these symptoms. Addressing these deficiencies through appropriate medical interventions and dietary adjustments is essential for alleviating these symptoms and improving overall health.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Triose phosphate-isomerase deficiency

Triose phosphate-isomerase deficiency causes anemia in infancy, leading to fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath, with excess bilirubin causing jaundice.

2020·

17citations

Update on Anemia in ESRD and Earlier Stages of CKD: Core Curriculum 2018.

Anemia in chronic kidney disease is a complex issue involving erythropoietin deficits and iron deficiency, with new insights into the role of chronic inflammation and hepcidin in iron metabolism.

Highly Cited

2018·

229citations

·S. Fishbane et al.

Iron deficiency and iron fortified foods—a review

Iron fortified foods can effectively combat iron deficiency in developing countries by maximizing bioavailability and dietary strategies.

Highly Cited

2002·

171citations

·N. Martínez‐Navarrete et al.

Vitamin D: A Role Also in Long COVID-19?

Vitamin D supplementation may play a role in reducing long COVID-19 symptoms and improving lung tissue healing, but current studies show no significant effect on post-symptoms or biomarkers.

Literature ReviewVery Rigorous Journal

2022·

61citations

·L. Barrea et al.

CNS demyelination from zinc toxicity?

CNS demyelination from zinc toxicity can occur, with severe pancytopenia, aplastic anemia, and copper deficiency.

Case Report

2000·

25citations

·C. Prodan et al.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia. A community survey.

Anaemia is usually defined in terms of a reduction in the concentration ofhaemoglobin or the number of red cells in the peripheral blood. In the community at large, iron deficiency is by far the most common cause of anaemia. The symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia are said to depend on three factors: the causative disorder, the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and the disturbances of cell function consequent upon anoxia (Wintrobe, 1961). In chronic anaemia, certain physiological compensations occur in the circulatory system; cardiac output is usually increased and the circulation time may be diminished. Subjects may become aware of this as palpitations. Shortness of breath, if it occurs, is usually related to exercise. Anginal pain may also be precipitated by exercise during which the oxygen demands of the myocardium cannot be fully met. Deficient cerebral oxygenation may result in symptoms such as fatigue, faintness, and lack of concentration. It has been suggested recently, that

1966·

49citations

·M. M. Wood et al.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can cause lung disease, with symptoms typically appearing between ages 20 and 50, and can be accelerated by tobacco smoke exposure.

2023·

0citations

Iron and Orange Extract on Hemoglobin among Anemic Pregnant Women in Nusa Tenggara Barat in 2018

Consuming iron and orange extract together significantly increases hemoglobin levels in anemic pregnant women.

RCT

2020·

9citations

·Shinta Novelia et al.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare genetic condition that causes lung disease and emphysema, with symptoms appearing between ages 20 and 50.

2018·

1citation

[Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency].

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can cause lung disease, including emphysema, and smoking accelerates its development.

1978·

16citations

·K. Mölleken et al.

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