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Major Fatigue - Vitamins?

meganmorsey
meganmorsey Posts: 75
edited October 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I am having serious problems with fatigue despite sleeping 8-9 hours a night and exercising 5-6 days a week. I have a history of anemia so I suspect that may be a part of the problem. I don't take any vitamins right now. I should probably start taking an iron supplement. What other supplements are good for fighting fatigue? B12? What else can I do?

I'm so tired right now I could fall asleep at my desk, which is bad because 25 smiling freshman are about to enter my classroom.

Replies

  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,360 Member
    I didn't have time to go too far back in your food diary, but three things stand out to me. First, you need to eat all your calories including the ones you burn off with exercise. There are too many days when you are well below them. Second, you need to eat more protein. I didn't believe this until one of my friends here suggested it. I started to eat more, and felt much better. Third, you need to eat more veggies, they are there, but not a lot of them.

    You may well be anemic as well, so get on an iron supplement as well.
  • therealkittymao
    therealkittymao Posts: 194 Member
    I have been sleepy since I started working out, too! Sometimes I don't get enough sleep, true, but sometimes I think it's just because my body isn't used to pushing itself!! I have definitely felt a difference, though, when I get protein! It's not even about the amount of calories, just the protein content. Beans, eggs and chicken are my friends. Maybe that would help you, too?
  • trud72
    trud72 Posts: 1,912 Member
    more protein my love x
  • koosdel
    koosdel Posts: 3,317 Member
    I didn't have time to go too far back in your food diary, but three things stand out to me. First, you need to eat all your calories including the ones you burn off with exercise. There are too many days when you are well below them. Second, you need to eat more protein. I didn't believe this until one of my friends here suggested it. I started to eat more, and felt much better. Third, you need to eat more veggies, they are there, but not a lot of them.

    You may well be anemic as well, so get on an iron supplement as well.

    Calories= energy
  • Radcliffe83
    Radcliffe83 Posts: 82
    eat and eat well. Vitamins are important if you are exercising so get a supplementotherwise colds will follow.
  • vanessaclarkgbr
    vanessaclarkgbr Posts: 731 Member
    Might be time for a blood test, to check your iron levels again - possibly your thyroid function too. I've been to the Dr's this week for exactly the same and this is the route they've started with me.
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    MFP can't diagnose you. See a doctor.
  • Tujitsu56
    Tujitsu56 Posts: 392 Member
    I agree that you may want to see a doctor, but you can try a multi-vitamin in the mean time. You should also make sure you are eating enough. There are many people here who tend to eat below the required amount of calories. It can be detrimental to your health, so make sure you are eating back your exercise calories and fueling your body properly.
  • Justjoshin
    Justjoshin Posts: 999 Member
    MFP can't diagnose you. See a doctor.

    Oh don't be silly, didn't you know each MFP account comes with a Medical degree as well as a Phd in Psychology?
  • J_Lopez
    J_Lopez Posts: 23
    Get blood work done as well as everything else suggested here. I was feeling a bit out of it too, and found out I had a vitamin D deficiency.
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    well since your question wasn't about "whats wrong with you" or about what you're eating, your question was "what other supplements help fatigue" I will just answer that one.....Vitamin D and Bs
  • MarieAnneN
    MarieAnneN Posts: 205
    MFP can't diagnose you. See a doctor.

    Yep, I agree. Also, November is a "tired to be" month. Less sun hours, less vitamin D you get...
  • DisneyAddictRW
    DisneyAddictRW Posts: 800 Member
    MFP can't diagnose you. See a doctor.

    Oh don't be silly, didn't you know each MFP account comes with a Medical degree as well as a Phd in Psychology?

    :laugh:
  • meganmorsey
    meganmorsey Posts: 75
    MFP can't diagnose you. See a doctor.

    Wasn't asking for a diagnosis, just some advice from others who may have had similar problems in the past that were resolved through eating and supplements. I realize I can't expect medical advice here. Thanks for your oh so helpful advice though.

    I will probably go get bloodwork done again anyway since it's been over a year since I've had it done. I'm not losing weight either, so I'm going to eat more and try to include more protein.
  • DisneyAddictRW
    DisneyAddictRW Posts: 800 Member
    MFP can't diagnose you. See a doctor.

    Wasn't asking for a diagnosis, just some advice from others who may have had similar problems in the past that were resolved through eating and supplements. I realize I can't expect medical advice here. Thanks for your oh so helpful advice though.

    I will probably go get bloodwork done again anyway since it's been over a year since I've had it done. I'm not losing weight either, so I'm going to eat more and try to include more protein.

    I don't take much for things over the counter but I noticed by using a protein shake for breakfast that helps for me! I also have issues with iron. I try to take that and that keeps a lot for me personally. I have had things checked with a dr when I go annually but everything is always fine! Other than the iron issue but not low enough for doc to give me anything. Probably comes from not eating much red meat according to him but I hate meat! Eggs and peanut butter for me!

    Good luck and hope you can find a trick that works for you I think it's a trial and error thing for me.
  • mahidac
    mahidac Posts: 126 Member
    I am having serious problems with fatigue despite sleeping 8-9 hours a night and exercising 5-6 days a week. I have a history of anemia so I suspect that may be a part of the problem. I don't take any vitamins right now. I should probably start taking an iron supplement. What other supplements are good for fighting fatigue? B12? What else can I do?

    I'm so tired right now I could fall asleep at my desk, which is bad because 25 smiling freshman are about to enter my classroom.

    I didn't read the other replies, so if this was already answered mea culpa - what type of anemia do you have? (if you dont mind me asking)

    B12 deficiency anemia is much more rare and is typically an autoimmune issue (unless you have an intestinal tape worm - which i doubt you do :P) - it could cause fatigue but it would also cause neurological symps like difficulty walking, tingling extremities etc.

    Iron deficiency is a lot more common - so getting more foods with iron is always a good idea, leafy vegetables are great, they have folic acid, B12 and Iron which will cover a lot of stuff

    If you have just generalized anemia and your exercising 5 or so times a week your body is under higher oxygen demands then it has previously been which would def explain why you are more tired. I take sublingual b12 and caffeine while im studying and its usually a great kick
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    I am not a doctor or expert, but the following 'can' contribute to fatigue:
    not eating enough calories
    not intaking enough nutrients
    dehydration
    Vitamin D deficiency (Vitamin D3 is supposed to be the best absorbed)
    Iron Deficiency
    B vitamin deficiency
    Underactive Thyroid
    I am sure there are many other causes as well.
  • Artemis_Acorn
    Artemis_Acorn Posts: 836 Member
    I struggled with fatigue for years, thyroid checked out, I was anemic off and on, but supplements didn't help. My diagnosis turned out to be PCOS, which does feature fatigue as one of it's symptoms due to improper functioning in the endocrine system. The point is, I had a ton of people telling me it was probably my thyroid, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, anemia, depression etc. They were all wrong.

    I do take supplements directed at helping with the specific issues of PCOS, but I needed to figure out WHAT was wrong first. Definitely see a doctor.
  • mydoc3
    mydoc3 Posts: 232 Member
    I am having serious problems with fatigue despite sleeping 8-9 hours a night and exercising 5-6 days a week. I have a history of anemia so I suspect that may be a part of the problem. I don't take any vitamins right now. I should probably start taking an iron supplement. What other supplements are good for fighting fatigue? B12? What else can I do?

    I'm so tired right now I could fall asleep at my desk, which is bad because 25 smiling freshman are about to enter my classroom.

    I take 5000 to 6000 mcg of B12 every day. I was starting to become very tired too and someone told me about the B12 and that has really helped. I take the liquid form and hold it under my tongue for 30 seconds. I tried the pill form but that didn't work. I take Ultra Now B12. Hope this helps.
  • jamesluttrall
    jamesluttrall Posts: 1
    I personally recommend SportMulti vitamins. They are specially formulated for athletes, and they seem to help me keep my energy up when I'm working out a lot. Everyone on our adventure racing team takes them (www.BigMountainAR.com).
  • lougru
    lougru Posts: 55
    I had post viral fatigue for around 8 months after suffering particularly bady from glandular fever ( its now gone - thank God). I found the best thing to help me was upping my vitamin C, taking echinacea and black elderberry ( to boost the natural immune system) and a good old fashioned multivitamin.
    I still take these everday and also Flaxseed oil and feel alot healthier and consequently have much more energy.
  • flowerpower381
    flowerpower381 Posts: 53 Member
    When you have blood work done make sure they check your vitamin D, too. I was battling fatigue earlier this year and the doc said I was just a little low and gave me a prescription for vit D supplements. I couldn't believe the difference.
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