Feeling fatigued or low is often brushed off as just life wearing you down. But experts say that sometimes tiredness, low mood and poor focus are caused by a simple vitamin deficiency. When your body lacks key nutrients, it can affect your mood and energy in a way that looks a lot like anxiety or depression.
“Many people today, convince themselves that they’re battling stress or burnout, says Pathologist Dr Akash Shah, Vice President–Technical, Neuberg Diagnostics. “But sometimes the real culprit is just a deficiency of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, folate or iron,” the doctor adds. These nutrients are the building blocks your brain relies on to stay sharp, calm and emotionally stable. When they’re in short supply, the mind reacts.
It’s surprising how easily these symptoms get mistaken for mental health issues. “A dip in Vitamin D, common among people who rarely step out in the sun, can pull down your mood in the same way seasonal depression does,” says Dr Shah, adding, “Low B12 or folate slows the production of serotonin and dopamine, the natural 'feel-good' messengers.” This leaves you irritable, flat or emotionally drained. “Moreover, iron deficiency too can cause fatigue, confusion and a level of tiredness that sleep simply can’t fix," he stressed.
Dr Shah reveals signs when deficiency feels like distress:
Unrelenting tiredness
Iron deficiency can make you so exhausted that even a full night’s sleep doesn’t lift the fog. “People describe it as walking through wet sand,” notes Dr Shah.
Lingering sadness or irritability
Low B12 and folate interrupt the brain’s ability to regulate mood, often mimicking mild depression.
Anxiety-like restlessness
When serotonin dips due to nutrient shortages, your mind may feel unsettled, overactive or unusually tense.
Brain fog and poor focus
Vitamin D, iron and B12 deficiencies can all cloud thinking, making daily tasks feel strangely overwhelming.
Feeling “off” without a clear reason
Many people spend months believing they’re stressed, when the issue lies in a simple biological gap.
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Difficulty absorbing vitamins
Wellness genomic tests can reveal whether your body struggles to absorb certain nutrients, a hidden factor behind persistent symptoms.
Before labelling your symptoms as anxiety or burnout, Dr Shah urges you to check the basics first.
“Sometimes the true remedy isn’t a new routine, therapy session or life change. It may simply be restoring what your body has been missing all along," he says. He also adds, “A few well-guided supplements, better food choices and the right tests can bring clarity, energy and emotional balance back into your everyday life.”
FAQs on vitamin deficiencies:
1. What causes vitamin deficiencies?
Poor diet, limited sunlight, medical conditions, or poor absorption can lead to deficiencies.
2. What are common signs of vitamin deficiency?
Fatigue, weak immunity, hair loss, muscle weakness, and poor skin health.
3. Which vitamins are most commonly deficient?
Vitamin D, B12, folate, and vitamin A are among the most common.
4. Can vitamin deficiencies affect children and adults differently?
Yes. Children may face growth issues, while adults may experience fatigue and bone problems.
5. How can vitamin deficiencies be prevented?
Eat a balanced diet, get regular sunlight, and take supplements only when advised by a doctor.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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