Health Quiz: What Is The Most Common Cause Of Chronic Fatigue? (Image Credits: iStock)
Chronic Fatigue Is Most Commonly Caused By Deficiency Of Which Nutrient?
A. Calcium
B. Vitamin D
C. Iron
D. Magnesium
Answer: C. Iron
Feeling chronically exhausted, even when you're getting enough sleep? You’re not alone. Fatigue is one of the most reported symptoms in primary care, and iron deficiency is its leading nutritional cause — especially among women of reproductive age.
What Is Iron and Why Does It Matter?Iron is a vital mineral that your body needs to produce haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels are low, less oxygen reaches your tissues, making you feel weak, tired, and mentally foggy.
Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide. Even mild deficiencies can cause noticeable drops in energy and cognitive function.
Why Is Iron Deficiency So Common?
Iron deficiency can result from:
Inadequate dietary intake (common in vegetarian or unbalanced diets)
According to the World Health Organization, more than 30 per cent of the global population suffers from anaemia, most commonly due to iron deficiency.
Key Signs of Iron Deficiency-Related Fatigue
Constant tiredness or lethargy
Pale skin or under-eyes
Shortness of breath on light exertion
Frequent headaches or dizziness
Cold hands and feet
Poor concentration
Fatigue caused by iron deficiency is more than just sleepiness — it’s a whole-body energy drain that rest doesn't fix.
At-Risk Groups for Iron Deficiency
Women of menstruating age
Pregnant women
Athletes, especially females
Vegetarians and vegans
Infants and young children
People with chronic illnesses
Women lose iron through menstruation and pregnancy, and vegetarians may not absorb plant-based iron as efficiently as heme iron from meat.
How To Restore Iron Levels Naturally
Eat Iron-Rich Foods: Include spinach, lentils, red meat, tofu, pumpkin seeds, and fortified cereals in your diet.
Pair With Vitamin C: Enhance absorption by consuming iron-rich foods with citrus fruits, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
Avoid Inhibitors Around Meals: Tea, coffee, and calcium supplements can reduce iron absorption when taken with meals.
Cook in Cast Iron Cookware: This can increase iron content in food, especially with acidic dishes like tomato-based recipes.
Consider Supplements: Iron supplements may be necessary in moderate to severe deficiency cases — but always under medical supervision, as excess iron can be harmful.
When To Get Tested
If fatigue persists for weeks despite good sleep and nutrition, your doctor may recommend a complete blood count (CBC) and ferritin level test. Ferritin is the protein that stores iron, and low levels indicate deficiency.
If you’re persistently fatigued, don’t brush it off as just being overworked or stressed. Iron deficiency is a major and treatable cause of chronic fatigue that affects millions, often silently. Identifying it early and addressing it through diet or supplements can restore energy, boost mood, and dramatically improve your quality of life.
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