Fatigue Symptoms

Fatigue is a common problem that can be caused by many factors. Depression, illness, poor diet, lack of exercise and even vitamin D deficiency can contribute to feelings of fatigue. Vitamin D has been shown to be able to reduce the feeling of fatigue in people with low levels.

Researchers have found that Vitamin D plays a role in the brain, which may help explain why it can prevent feelings of tiredness. This vitamin is known to activate neurotransmitters that increase energy and decrease fatigue. One of these neurotransmitters is serotonin, which is influenced by Vitamin D receptors (VDR) in brain tissue. Serotonin helps control sleep and mood, while enhancing physical performance and postural stability.

VDRs are also found in skeletal muscles, where they promote muscle strength and the production of inflammatory chemicals that protect against diseases such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and decreased power of the limbs, which can contribute to feelings of fatigue.

A study involving 171 patients found that the majority of patients who presented with fatigue had low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Patients were given ergocalciferol therapy to bring their levels up and then returned to complete fatigue assessment questionnaires again. The researchers found that after the correction of low vitamin D levels, patients experienced a significant improvement in their fatigue symptoms.