Is your winter fatigue a deficiency? Doctors shed light on the hidden cause

Winter can feel like a natural time to slow down but when profound fatigue bone pain and persistent low mood set in it might be more than just the winter blues This complex set of symptoms is often dismissed yet experts warn they could be subtle indicators of one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies Vitamin D deficiencyAs sunlight exposure dwindles in the colder months the bodys primary way of producing this essential nutrient is impaired leading to consequences that affect everything from energy levels and immune function to bone healthThis winter medical experts guide you through the latest diagnostic standards the nondeficiency causes of fatigue and the practical steps you can take to maximise your health and vitality throughout the winter and into the new yearStandard blood tests to screen for physiological causes of fatigueWhen a patient presents with persistent fatigue clinicians typically begin with a broad set of basic blood tests to identify the most common physiological contributors According to Dr Geetanjali Patil consultant pulmonologist at Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowire these include1 Complete Blood Count CBC to rule out anaemia or infection2 Thyroid Function Tests TSH Free T4 to assess for hypothyroidism3 Vitamin D 25OH Vitamin D to detect deficiency that often worsens in winter4 Vitamin B12 levels are checked to identify deficiencies linked to low energy neuropathy or cognitive slowing5 Iron studies including serum ferritin serum iron Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC and transferrin saturation help diagnose irondeficiency anaemia or low iron stores even before anaemia is visible on CBC6 Many clinicians also add fasting blood glucose HbA1c and basic metabolic panel to rule out diabetes electrolyte imbalances kidney dysfunction or dehydration all of which can contribute to fatigueDifferential diagnosis when blood tests are normalIf initial blood work appears normal nondeficiency causes of fatigue become important considerations ldquoSeasonal Affective Disorder SAD is particularly relevant in winter and is linked to reduced sunlight exposure disrupted circadian rhythm low serotonin activity and excessive melatonin productionrdquo notes Dr GeetanjaliShe lists other possible causes1 Chronic stress and burnout which can manifest as profound physical fatigue because prolonged cortisol dysregulation affects sleep immunity and energy levels2 Sleeprelated issues particularly insomnia poor sleep hygiene and circadian rhythm disorders3 Depression generalized anxiety postviral fatigue perimenopausemenopause in women chronic pain conditions restless legs syndrome medication side effects and chronic fatigue syndrome especially if symptoms are prolonged and unexplainedMusculoskeletal pain with fatigue Conditions to rule outNoninjury bone or joint pain paired with fatigue often points toward systemic medical conditions Dr Geetanjali highlights that one of the first considerations is Vitamin D deficiency as low Vitamin D commonly causes diffuse bone aches muscle weakness and fatigueConditions to rule out include1 Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis lupus fibromyalgia or polymyalgia rheumatica2 Thyroid dysfunction particularly hypothyroidism which can cause generalized muscle aches and joint stiffness3 Osteomalacia softening of bones due to longstanding Vitamin D deficiency and early osteoporosis4 Chronic infections such as EBV TB or Lyme in endemic regions metabolic issues like hyperparathyroidism and rare haematological disorders such as multiple myeloma may be considered if symptoms persist or are accompanied by red flags such as night sweats or unexplained weight lossRole of undiagnosed sleep issuesSleep disorders are one of the most overlooked contributors to chronic fatigue Dr Patil explains ldquoObstructive sleep apnoea OSA is especially common and can occur even in people who are not overweight It leads to repeated nighttime breathing interruptions poor oxygenation and nonrestorative sleep often leaving patients exhausted despite seemingly sleeping for 7 to 8 hoursrdquoA formal sleep study polysomnography is typically recommended when a patient experiences symptoms such as1 Loud snoring witnessed apnoearsquos choking episodes at night2 Morning headaches or excessive daytime sleepiness3 Unexplained fatigue that persists despite normal labs4 Resistant hypertensionExpected timeline for improvement in deficiency symptomsRecovery from Vitamin D deficiency is gradual because the body has to rebuild the Vitamin D gap Dr Bhaskar S general physician and internal medicine specialist at Apollo One Bengaluru outlines the different expected recovery timelines 1 Many patients notice mood changes increased awareness and energy enhancement after 2 to 4 weeks of Vitamin D supplementation2 Bone pain muscle weakness or muscle achiness usually take 6 to 12 weeks to show signs of improvement3 Complete resolution of severe deficiencies may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to fully correct4 Periodic serum 25OHD monitoring is vital for insuring safe and effective resultsDr Mahesh D M consultant endocrinology at Aster CMI Hospital Bengaluru adds ldquoPatients with chronic kidney disease malabsorption disorders postbariatric surgery recovery liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease may need increased or specially formulated doses due to the lower absorption capacityrdquoMost effective dietary sources and essential micronutrientsBhaskar believes that Vitamin D needs to come from diet and supplements during winter months when low amounts of UVB light are available He shares Vitamin D sources1 Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol which is produced from animal sources like salmon eggs etc and fortified foods like soy milk and cereals2 Some mushrooms contain UV ultraviolet light which creates Vitamin D2Mahesh and Bhaskar both stress that other micronutrients work together with vitamin D to provide synergy1 Magnesium Promotes vitamin D activation Food sources include nuts seeds leafy greens2 Vitamin K2 Responsible for directing calcium to the bones Good food sources include beef eggs cheese and spinach3 Calcium Strengthens bones when used in conjunction with vitamin D4 Zinc Helps convert vitamin D and supports the immune systemThese nutrients are essential for optimizing absorption and positively impacting both skeletal health and extraskeletal healthEvidencebased lifestyle changes to boost energyDr Bhaskar and Dr Mahesh share realistic healthy lifestyle changes to reduce tiredness and to naturally increase Vitamin D levels1 Spend time in sun Expose yourself to sunlight for at least 15 to 20 minutes per day The time you need will vary by season and skin type2 Consume foods and fluids that are high in vitamin D Follow a healthy eating pattern that includes Vitamin D foods magnesium and K2 and consume adequate fluids 2 to 3 litres of water daily to ensure that the body has maximum absorption of Vitamin D3 Be active Engage in a moderate level of physical activity walking yoga swimming this will have a positive effect on increasing your stamina and decreasing muscle strain Set a timer to remind you to stretch or take a deep breath every 20 minutes of time you are working that day4 Sleep and balance energy levels Develop good sleep habits also called sleep hygiene Caffeine consumption andor alcohol consumption in the evening should be limited to help keep your energy levels balanced and stable5 Schedule your meals Keep your meals on a consistent schedule throughout the day Do not eat heavy meals at nightDr Mahesh states that small changes to your daily routine are better than trying to find a quick solution to restore your daily vitalityMedications and supplements that may worsen fatigueCertain everyday medications can actually slow down the central nervous system or disturb metabolic pathways ultimately leading to fatigue Dr Bhaskar lists the following potential culprits1 Common antihistamines like diphenhydramine and cetirizine often cause sedation and lethargy2 Certain antidepressants can create a sedating effect which contributes to slight dizziness3 Rarely statins used to manage cholesterol may cause muscle pain and lead to tiredness4 Over usage of sedatives such as benzodiazepines and sleep aids like melatonin can also lead to weakness or an uneasy feeling the next morning5 Unwanted doses of supplements such as iron and even Vitamin D may lead to tenderness and pain in the bodyDr Mahesh adds that fatigue can also be caused by1 High dose or unwanted medications like heart medications anxiety drugs muscle relaxants and certain diabetes medicines that disturb blood sugar flows2 Supplements like magnesium valerian root and herbal sleep formulas can also disturb sleep formations and cause drowsinessHe concludes ldquoIf fatigue persists a person should consult an expert or doctor to evaluate their medication list as unexplained laziness or tiredness is often linked to drug usage or inappropriate dosingrdquo