A persistent feeling of fatigue, shortness of breath, or difficulty concentrating could be an indicator of a hidden deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals, not just temporary exhaustion or the effects of aging, according to recent health reports.
Studies indicate that a deficiency in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and folate can silently affect energy levels, brain function, and nerve health, potentially making daily tasks more difficult.
Symptoms like constant tiredness, brain fog, and numbness in the hands or feet are often overlooked, but they may represent early warning signals from the body.
According to health reports, approximately 15 percent of people aged 15 to 29, and 20 percent of those over sixty, have low levels of certain nutrients. Even if not reaching the level of acute deficiency, these low levels are sufficient to cause bothersome symptoms.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a fundamental role in nerve signal transmission and nerve protection. Low levels can lead to memory and balance problems, which may increase the risk of falls in the elderly.
The likelihood of deficiency is higher in:
Vegetarians, as it is primarily found in animal products.
Older adults due to poor absorption.
Long-term users of stomach acid-reducing medications.
Some individuals in these groups may require supplements or injections to compensate for the deficiency.
Iron
Iron is a vital element for producing hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. When deficient, tissues with the highest energy consumption, such as the brain and nerves, are affected, causing dizziness, feeling cold, and rapid fatigue.
Folate (Folic Acid)
Folate contributes to cell growth and the formation of red blood cells. A decline in its levels has been recorded in recent years, particularly among teenagers. Women of childbearing age are also among the groups most at risk, as its deficiency increases the risk of birth defects early in pregnancy.
It can be obtained from leafy green vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, or through dietary supplements.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Blood tests are the most accurate means of diagnosing these deficiencies. Iron deficiency often requires medical supplements, while folate deficiency can be treated relatively easily through diet or supplements. For vitamin B12, some patients may require high doses or injections, depending on the cause.
Medical professionals warn that ignoring these deficiencies can lead to the persistence of symptoms and, in some cases, even permanent nerve damage. The good news, however, is that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment typically lead to noticeable improvement within weeks and a clear restoration of mental and physical activity.
vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is not a place or cultural site; it is an essential water-soluble vitamin crucial for neurological function and red blood cell formation. It was discovered in the 1920s through research into pernicious anemia, and its structure was fully elucidated in the 1950s.
iron
Iron is not a specific place or cultural site, but a chemical element. Historically, its discovery and the development of ironworking (the Iron Age) revolutionized toolmaking, construction, and warfare across many ancient civilizations. Today, it remains a fundamental material in global industry and infrastructure.
folate
Folate is not a place or cultural site; it is a B vitamin (B9) that occurs naturally in foods like leafy greens. Its synthetic form, folic acid, is commonly used in supplements and fortified foods to help prevent certain birth defects and support cell function.
folic acid
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin essential for cell growth and development. It was first synthesized in 1945 and is particularly crucial in preventing neural tube defects in developing fetuses, leading to public health initiatives like food fortification.
hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is not a place or cultural site; it is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Its discovery and study are part of the history of physiology and medicine, with key insights into its structure and function emerging in the 19th and 20th centuries.
blood
Blood is not a specific place or cultural site, but a vital bodily fluid. In a cultural context, references to “blood” often relate to historical sites of sacrifice or martyrdom, or to concepts of lineage and kinship within societies.
brain
The brain is the central organ of the human nervous system, responsible for thought, memory, emotion, and bodily control. Its complex structure has evolved over millions of years, with key developments in the cerebral cortex enabling higher cognitive functions in humans.
nerves
The term “nerves” does not refer to a specific place or cultural site. It is a biological term for the fibers that transmit signals throughout the nervous system, or a colloquial expression for anxiety or stress. Therefore, it has no historical significance as a location.
hands
The Hands sculpture, also known as “Mano del Desierto,” is a large concrete sculpture of a hand emerging from the ground in Chile’s Atacama Desert. It was created by Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal in 1992 and symbolizes human vulnerability, loneliness, and injustice. The remote and stark location has made it a notable landmark and tourist attraction.
feet
“Feet” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a part of the human body. In a cultural context, practices like foot binding in historical China or the veneration of footprints in religious traditions (such as the Buddha’s footprints) are significant. These historical practices often symbolized beauty, status, or sacred presence.
stomach
The term “stomach” does not refer to a specific place or cultural site. It is an internal organ in the human body responsible for digesting food.
leafy green vegetables
“Leafy green vegetables” are not a specific place or cultural site, but a category of food. Historically, many cultures, such as those in the Mediterranean and East Asia, have cultivated and incorporated greens like kale, spinach, and bok choy into their traditional diets for centuries due to their nutritional value.
legumes
“Legumes” refers to a category of edible plants, such as beans, lentils, and peas, which are cultivated worldwide and have been a staple food source for thousands of years. Their cultivation dates back to ancient civilizations in the Near East and the Americas, where they were among the first domesticated crops. Today, they remain culturally and nutritionally significant in many global cuisines and agricultural systems.
citrus fruits
Citrus fruits, which include oranges, lemons, and limes, are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia thousands of years ago. Their cultivation and trade spread through ancient networks, profoundly influencing the cuisines, agriculture, and economies of regions from the Mediterranean to the Americas.
dietary supplements
Dietary supplements are not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a broad category of products intended to provide nutrients that may be missing from a person’s diet. Their modern history in the United States is significantly shaped by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, which established a regulatory framework for their manufacture and sale.
blood tests
Blood tests are a medical diagnostic tool used to analyze components of a patient’s blood, such as cells, chemicals, and proteins. Their development accelerated in the early 20th century with advancements in hematology and laboratory automation, allowing for the detection of a wide range of diseases and conditions. Today, they are a fundamental and routine part of clinical assessment and preventive healthcare worldwide.
medical supplements
“Medical supplements” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a general term for products like vitamins and minerals used to complement the diet. The modern dietary supplement industry grew significantly in the 20th century with advancements in nutritional science and mass production.
