Supplements, Fatigue and Lethargy

Supplements, Fatigue and Lethargy

DO THEY HELP?

Vitamin E (p 1- 1.5)

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant, which inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species or ROS when fat is oxidized (NIH, 2013). The body produces ROS when it converts food into energy. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E protects body cells from the ill effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules containing an unshared electron. They damage cells and contribute to the development of heart diseases and cancer. Unshared electrons are very active and quickly react with oxygen to form ROS. Health experts conjecture that limiting the production of free radicals may, alone or through other mechanisms, help prevent or delay the formation of these dreaded chronic diseases associated with the action of free radicals. Vitamin E may serve that function (NIH).

As an antioxidant, it also plays a role in the immune function of the body (NIH, 2013). In vitro studies of cells have illustrated its role in cell signaling, regulating gene expression and other metabolic processes. As Alpha-tocopherol, it inhibits the activity of the protein kinase C, which is an enzyme that participates in cell proliferation and differentiation of smooth muscle cells, platelets and monocytes. Alpha-tocopherol is its only form that is suitable for human needs (NIH).

The recommended intake of Vitamin E as well as other nutrients is developed by the Food and Nutrition Board and listed under the Dietary Reference Intakes (NIH, 2013). The intake depends on age and gender from 4-19 mg. The recommended dietary allowance for those 14 years old and older is 19 mg. The vitamin in the form of alpha-tocopherol has many food sources and best among them are nuts, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals. It is present in the American diets in the form of gamma tocopherol. It can be obtained from soybean, canola, corn and other vegetable oils and food products. Wheat germ oil is an excellent natural source (NIH).

Many have claimed that Vitamin E protects against coronary heart disease, cancer, eye disorders like age-related macular degeneration and cataract, and cognitive decline (NIH, 2013). Research says that healthy or slightly ill persons need not take Vitamin E supplements to increase cognitive abilities or retard aging. While no adverse effects have been shown from consuming the vitamin in food form, high doses of alpha-tocopherol supplements have, in some cases, caused hemorrhage, interrupted blood coagulation and platelets or inhibited blood coagulation in animals (NIH).

Unit 4: Supplements and Lethargy

Fatigue and Felicia's Case

Felicia's fatigue is unlikely connected with any need to take supplements for energy. Women's fatigue is one of the top five health concerns of women, according to a recent health survey (Watson, 2014). More likely, Felicia's fatigue is the symptom of seven possible causes common to women. These are thyroid problems, heart disease, Vitamin D deficiency, iron-deficiency anemia, sleep apnea, lack of sleep and depression (Watson).

Thyroid problems appear to be more common in women than in men for still unknown reasons (Watson, 2014). The thyroid produces the hormones, which regulate the body's burning of fuel for energy. The thyroid may be overactive or under-active and sleepiness is a symptom of both. Vitamin D deficiency drains bone strength and may even lead to chronic fatigue syndrome. A blood test can detect this problem. The Institute of Medicine determined that most adults will avoid these problems by taking 600 international units a day. Those aged 70 or older should take 800 IU. Iron-deficiency anemia limits the amount of oxygen in the body and leads to sluggishness. A woman may be losing too much blood when menstruating or she may be outright deficient in other vitamins and minerals. Supplements will easily help. Sleep apnea is another possible cause. It is a condition, which stops one's breathing repeatedly through the night. The brain jolts each time the breathing stops. When sleep does not provide rest, the body does not get the time needed to restore itself and recharge. Lack of sleep results from a very busy day. Most women today suffer from this lack of sufficient sleep because of too many activities. The solution is to do one's best to establish and follow a calming bedtime habit. Induce sleep through soft music, calming scents, a cup of chamomile tea, reading a good book or another relaxing activity for 15 minutes. And the last possible cause is depression. It often goes with fatigue and both of these are more common in women than in men. These two conditions even seem to trigger each other. A depressed woman tends to become tired and a fatigued woman is thrice as likely to be depressed, according to studies. Treating the cause of the depression will do a lot to eliminate the fatigue rather than take supplements (Watson).

Fred's Case

Rather than vitamin deficiency or any other deficiency, the cause of Fred's sudden lethargy, reduced coordination and slight confusion may be andropause (Bain, 2001). It is male menopause, which corresponds to women's menopause. This observation has attracted widespread attention in the last few years. It suggests that as men age, their testosterone levels, like women's hormones, gradually fall. The decline occurs sharply with every decade after 30 (Bain). This observation applies to Fred who is 69.

Research says that aging men start to experience new symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, weakness, fatigue, lethargy, insomnia, mood disorders, flushes and reduced motivation. Another symptom is the loss of bone density, which they may not realize or know until they suffer from a fracture. Aging men's testosterone levels decline as they age. At this stage, they usually need testosterone replacement therapy in order to reduce these symptoms. Present evidence suggests that treating men with these symptoms due to low testosterone will often raise their overall sense of well-being and quality of life and deal with lethargy, as in Fred's case (Bain).