Fatigue is a common symptom of deficiencies in iron, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D, but also B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6), magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin C. These nutrients are crucial for energy production, oxygen transport (iron), red blood cell formation (B12), and nerve function, so a lack can lead to feeling constantly tired, weak, or having trouble concentrating, often resolved with a balanced diet or supplements after medical consultation.
Vitamin B12 and folate perform several important functions in the body, including keeping the nervous system healthy. A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause a wide range of problems, including: extreme tiredness. a lack of energy.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 helps make your DNA, produce red blood cells and protect your nervous system. “Red blood cells transport oxygen through your body,” explained Dr. Shah. “So, when you don't have enough B12 to produce red blood cells, oxygen doesn't get transported to your cells, which leaves you feeling tired.”
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia
Vitamins B12 and folic acid both contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, as does the mineral iron. Vitamins that help to support energy release can also help with tiredness and fatigue, including a number of B vitamins: B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamin).
Including more food sources of B12 in your diet or taking supplements may help to reduce fatigue caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. One of the health benefits of vitamin B12 is its support of your natural energy levels. B12 can help you raise your energy levels naturally through its role within red blood cell formation.
Fatigue: Feeling exhausted often or constantly is possible with vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). It can also happen if you have anemia from a lack of vitamins B6, B9 and B12. Skin, hair and nail changes: Rashes and many types of dermatitis can happen with deficiencies of vitamins A, B2, B3 and B6.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
The Boots Vitamin B12 Blood Test Kit checks your vitamin B12 levels, using a finger-prick blood sample. Use of this kit requires internet access. All personal data in relation to this product, services and online platforms are collected and processed by MyHealthChecked.
If you lead an active lifestyle, or you just need an energy boost, both Vitamin B12 and Iron can help reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue. Or if you need to sustain your mental alertness and concentration, Ginseng can support your mental wellbeing.
Vitamin B12 and magnesium affect energy levels in other ways as well: Vitamin B12 supports the formation of red blood cells, which helps deliver oxygen to the brain and muscles, thereby reducing fatigue. 3. Magnesium promotes relaxation and sleep, boosting energy, while low levels may impair thinking and cause fatigue.
If you have low energy, certain vitamins and supplements may help improve your symptoms. Low levels of B vitamins, vitamin D, and iron can cause fatigue. But taking these vitamins is only likely to improve your energy if your levels are low. Ginseng, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and ashwagandha may all help increase energy.
Here are 10 unexpected signs of a vitamin D deficiency that may surprise you.
Self-help tips to fight tiredness
Vitamin B12 is abundant in animal products like meat (especially liver), fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), poultry, eggs, and dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), with fortified foods such as cereals, nutritional yeast, and plant milks offering options for vegetarians and vegans, as plants don't naturally contain B12.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms develop gradually and include extreme fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, headaches, and nerve issues like numbness or tingling in hands/feet, plus cognitive problems such as memory loss and confusion, often linked to anemia but also affecting nerves and brain function, requiring medical diagnosis and treatment.
People need vitamin B-12 for the brain to work well. If not treated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to issues with the nerves, brain or spinal cord. These might include lasting tingling in the hands and feet or trouble with balance.
To quickly increase B12, focus on animal products (meat, fish, dairy, eggs) and fortified foods (cereals, plant milks, nutritional yeast), but for a significant deficiency or rapid boost, especially if dietary changes aren't enough, consult a doctor for high-dose supplements or B12 injections, as severe cases require medical intervention for proper absorption and treatment, note NHS and Healthline.
Foods or drinks to avoid
The Welzo Home Health Test for Vitamin Deficiency offers a simple and convenient way to check your vitamin levels at home. This test screens for key vitamins like D, B12, and folate, which are essential for energy, immune function, bone health, and mental clarity.
Any currently treated or untreated nutrient deficiency or disease. These include, but are not limited to, Protein Energy Malnutrition, Scurvy, Rickets, Beriberi, Hypocalcemia, Osteomalacia, Vitamin K Deficiency, Pellagra, Xerophthalmia, and Iron Deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms that affect your brain and nervous system (neurological symptoms), including: numbness. muscle weakness. psychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety, to confusion and dementia.