Vitamin D Deficiency Associated With Chronic Fatigue In Brain Injury Patients

European researchers have reportedly found that a vitamin D deficiency is closely linked with chronic fatigue among patients who suffered a traumatic brain injury.

For the study, a research team led by Jessica Schnieders from Rijnstate Hospital in Arnham, The Netherlands, recruited 90 patients with brain injuries, half of whom reported being chronically fatigued.

After evaluating each patient’s pituitary hormones and behavioral factors such as sleep, daily activity, emotional well-being and quality of life, the investigators found that the biggest commonality among fatigued patients was their low vitamin D levels.

In fact, a total of 80 percent of those suffering from chronic fatigue had a vitamin deficiency, compared to only 40 percent of those in the control group. Schnieders noted that all patients who were found to have a nutrient deficiency were given nutritional supplements, and many reported feeling better after treatment, according to Med Page Today.

"This is early work, so we need to confirm that vitamin D is the cause of this fatigue, and if so to see if taking vitamin D, perhaps coupled with improved sleep patterns, can alleviate some of the symptoms," said Schnieders.