Most people consider their hectic lives as the source of their fatigue. With school, work, family, friends, and stress, most people feel tired at the end of the day. But, what if the fatigue is persistent or doesn’t seem to improve with sleep. While many health conditions can cause fatigue and it is important that you see your doctor if you have fatigue that is causing significant impairment to your life, there are two vitamins that might be contributing to this lack of energy – vitamin D and vitamin B-12.
Vitamin D
Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is synthesized when the sun’s energy turns a chemical in your skin into vitamin D3, which is then activated by the kidneys. While vitamin D is probably best known for its role for bone health, it also helps to regulate the immune system and can affect mood, since people with deficiencies often feel tired or depressed. While there is some debate about what “deficient’ is with vitamin D, most experts agree that levels below 20 ng/ml demonstrate an inadequate amount of vitamin D, but some suggest that 20-30 ng/ml suggests a borderline deficiency. There are several groups that are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency and they include:
Older adults
People who spend more time indoors (due to illness, injury, etc.)
People who have just taken a course of antibiotics
Pregnant women
People in later stages of kidney disease
People who might have poor absorption of vitamin D due to a medication (such as phenytoin, Pepcid, steroids, or phenobarbital) or a disease such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Chron’s disease.
People with hyperparathyroidism
These groups may also require a higher dose of vitamin D for supplementation. It is suggested that adults who do not have regular, effective sun exposure year round take 600 to 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 daily. Vitamin D3 (rather than D2) is suggested because it is closest to the active form that vitamin D uses in the body and is generally suggested for supplementation.
If you experiencing:
Tiredness
Bone pain
Muscle weakness
Muscle aches or cramps
Mood changes like depression
You should consult with your doctor to have lab tests done to determine if you are experiencing a vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin B-12
Another vitamin deficiency that might may be causing you to feel sluggish is vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12, interestingly enough, is only made by certain bacteria and other microorganisms known as archaea which make up the microbiome of other plants and animals. Vitamin B-12 accumulates in animal tissues, which is why meats and milks of animals like cows are rich sources of this vitamin. This is also why vegetarians and vegans should probably supplement vitamin B-12 as they may not be getting a sufficient supply in their diet.
Vitamin B-12 serves several key functions in the body. It makes myelin, a substance that covers nerves and helps the brain function properly by allowing signals to move easily between nerves. It also helps red blood cells mature as well as process protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the body.
Signs and symptoms a potential vitamin B-12 deficiency include:
Feeling tired
Tingling fingers or toes
Feeling depressed or confused
Memory loss
Bruising easily
Rashes or sensitive skin
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Older adults, vegetarians, vegans, people with certain intestinal disorders, and patients taking:
Metformin
Acid reflux medications like Pepcid (famotidine) or Nexium (esomeprazole)
Antibiotics
Colcrys (colchicine)
Birth control
May be at risk for a Vitamin B-12 deficiency. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or fall into any of the above groups, consult your doctor about a possible nutritional deficiency.
Harbor Town Pharmacy is Here to Help
As an independent pharmacy, we offer a wide range of supplements including Pure Encapsulations and Nature’s Truth vitamins. Since we pride ourselves on personalized care if there is a particular supplement you’re looking for, we can look into ordering it from one of our suppliers just for you. Come to us with any questions or concerns you might have regarding supplements, and we’ll gladly answer them.
If you are unsure if you are deficient in Vitamin B12 or D, you can order a lab test and get your blood drawn at a local patient service center. If you need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us.
Written by Brittany Tipton, PharmD Candidate 2023
Reviewed by Kelsey Newell, PharmD
Sources:
Watanabe F, Bito T. Vitamin B12 Sources and Microbial Interaction. Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood). 2018 Jan.
“Treatment of vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiencies” https://www-uptodate-com.ezproxy.uthsc.edu/contents/treatment-of-vitamin-b12-and-folate-deficiencies?search=vitamin%20b12&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~149&usage_type=default&display_rank=1. 2 June 2021.
“Vitamin D deficiency in adults: Definition, clinical manifestations, and treatment” https://www-uptodate-com.ezproxy.uthsc.edu/contents/vitamin-d-deficiency-in-adults-definition-clinical-manifestations-and-treatment?search=vitamin%20d%20deficiency%20treatment&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
Pelton, Ross and James LaValle. Nutritional Cost of Drugs, 2nd Edition. Morton Publishing. 2004.
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