Fatigue is defined by MayoClinic.com as constant tiredness accompanied by a lack of energy and disruption of mental state. Fatigue also causes a lack of motivation or desire to do anything other than sleep. Many cases of fatigue are a result of vitamin or nutrient deficiencies that can easily be corrected. In other cases, fatigue may be a symptom of an underlying health condition.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition develops when the body does not receive enough nutrients. Malnutrition can range from mild to severe and usually develops gradually. An inadequate diet, problems with digestion or absorption or medical conditions can lead to malnutrition. Symptoms of malnutrition vary based on which nutrient or vitamin is lacking, but general symptoms include fatigue, dizziness and weight loss, according to MedlinePlus. Treatment for malnutrition consists of replacing the missing nutrients via supplements or intravenous fluids, depending on the severity. If malnutrition is caused by an underlying medical condition, treatment focuses on correcting that condition. Untreated, severe malnutrition can lead to mental or physical disability, illness or death.
Pernicious Anemia
Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to and removing carbon dioxide from the body tissues. Vitamin B12 is an important building block for the formation of red blood cells. Those with pernicious anemia do not have enough B12 available to make a sufficient number of red blood cells. A lack of B12 can be a result of inadequate nutrition or the inability to absorb the vitamin properly due to the lack of a protein called intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is made by the cells in the stomach and without it, the body cannot absorb B12. The most common symptom of pernicious anemia is fatigue, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, coldness, numbness and tingling in the extremities, pale skin, muscle weakness and loss of reflexes. Pernicious anemia can be successfully treated with B12 supplementation. In mild cases, B12 will be taken orally and in severe cases, injections will be given once a month.
Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It is responsible for producing hormones that act on every cell in the body. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. A number of conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, tumors on the thyroid or inflammation of the thyroid, can cause hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include fatigue, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, nervousness, tremor, sweating, muscle weakness and a visibly enlarged thyroid gland, according to MayoClinic.com. Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include medications, radioactive iodine and surgery. In some cases, synthetic thyroid hormone will have to be taken for a lifetime after treatment.
