Study links low vitamin B12, folate to fatigue and motivation decline
A study from Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan suggests that deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate may contribute to chronic fatigue and reduced motivation in otherwise healthy individuals. Researchers measured blood levels of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 in approximately 600 healthy Japanese adults and assessed their fatigue and motivation using standardized questionnaires. The team found that higher homocysteine levels were associated with lower levels of both vitamins, regardless of sex. Among men, elevated homocysteine was linked to greater physical fatigue, while in women it was linked to lower motivation. Professor Hiroaki Kanouchi, who led the research, stated that this may be the first report of its kind linking these vitamins to fatigue in healthy individuals. The findings were published in the journal Nutrients.
What’s reported
Study conducted by Osaka Metropolitan University, led by Professor Hiroaki Kanouchi from the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology.
Included approximately 600 healthy Japanese adults.
Measured blood levels of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12.
Higher homocysteine levels corresponded to lower folate and vitamin B12 levels.
In men, higher homocysteine was associated with greater physical fatigue.
In women, higher homocysteine was associated with lower motivation.
Published in the journal Nutrients.
Open questions
The study does not specify the exact age range or other demographic breakdown of participants beyond “healthy Japanese adults.” It also does not quantify the magnitude of fatigue or motivation changes associated with homocysteine levels.
Key figures
Professor Hiroaki Kanouchi – lead researcher, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology.
Sources: ScienceDaily
