A recent study has identified a potential link between chronic fatigue and deficiencies in vitamins B12 and folate. Conducted by a team led by Professor Hiroaki Kanouchi from Osaka Metropolitan University, the research involved nearly 600 healthy adults in Japan. Participants were assessed for fatigue and motivation using the Chalder Fatigue Scale and a Visual Analog Scale, while their blood levels of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 were measured.
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The findings revealed that individuals with higher homocysteine levels generally exhibited lower levels of both vitamin B12 and folate, regardless of sex. Chronic fatigue has become prevalent in modern society, often attributed to stress and inadequate rest. However, this research suggests that nutritional factors may also play a critical role.
The researchers conducted separate analyses for men and women to assess how homocysteine levels affected fatigue and motivation differently. The results indicated that men with elevated homocysteine were more likely to report increased physical fatigue, while women showed lower motivation associated with higher homocysteine levels.
Professor Kanouchi noted that the relationship between these vitamin deficiencies and fatigue is the first of its kind reported. He highlighted the historical concern regarding elevated homocysteine levels and their links to cardiovascular diseases and dementia, urging for more attention to be paid to their potential impact on fatigue and motivation. To prevent increases in homocysteine, it is important to maintain sufficient levels of vitamins B12 and folate through a balanced diet.
This study emphasizes the overlooked role of nutrition in understanding fatigue and motivation levels in otherwise healthy individuals. The research was published in the journal Nutrients on March 16, 2026.