Nutrient deficiencies will often cause you to feel tired. The degree of tiredness and the symptoms that are present, will depend on the nutrient(s) that is deficient.

General symptoms of nutrient deficiencies include:

• feeling tired throughout the day and generally washed out and weak
  
• skin, hair and nails are not as healthy looking as they once were
• more susceptible to catching colds, infections and the flu
  

How do nutrient deficiencies contribute to tiredness?

There may be a problem with a specific nutrient or a generalised malabsorption of food. The most common nutrient deficiencies that contribute to tiredness include iron, B12 and folic acid (deficiencies of these nutrients are referred to as anemia). These nutrients are needed for the manufacture of hemogloblin. This is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen and is needed for energy production. If any of the nutrients are deficient, then your haemoglobin levels can be reduced as well as oxygen that reaches the cells. This will result in tiredness. Others nutrient deficiencies that lead to tiredness include zinc, magnesium and chromium.

Vitamins and minerals are needed by every cell and biochemical reaction to ensure that your body functions efficiently. However, the human body lacks the ability to manufacture most vitamins and minerals on its own. Instead, it must rely on diet and supplements to meet its nutritional needs. If you are unable to absorb them from the food and supplements that you consume, you are likely to develop the same deficiencies as if you had not eaten a healthy diet. The saying 'you are what you eat' is only partly true. The true statement is 'You are what you eat, digest and absorb'. For this reason, malabsorption and nutrient deficienices are a major cause of chronic tiredness. See malabsorption.

Now you know a bit more about nutrient deficiencies and the role they may be playing in the tiredness you are experiencing.

So, what can you do about it?

• Did you know that there are simple tests to determine whether or not you have nutrient deficiencies and which ones?

• Did you know that there are many specific symptoms related to the deficiency of each individual nutrient? Your particular symptoms will provide strong clues as to which nutrient is deficient.

• Did you know that herbal medicine, certain supplements and foods can repair the intestinal wall as well as improve many conditions that cause malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies?

• Did you know that taking certain nutrients in tablet form does not guarantee that you will absorb them? And that there are ways to improve the absorption of these nutrients?
  
  

You can find out all about these tests and remedies as well as a full list of the symptoms linked to nutrient deficiencies in our e-book Why Do I Feel Tired?

Written by naturopath/nutritionist Alison Cassar and professional health writer Michelle Fahy, this e-book examines over 16 conditions (including nutrient deficiencies) that may be contributing to your tiredness. The book explores each topic in detail and helps you to discover the underlying causes of your tiredness so you can reclaim your energy and live the life you were meant to live.

Most people are unaware of how good they are capable of feeling. There's no need for you to be one of these people. Find out what may be behind your tiredness and get off the merry-go-round of chronic tiredness.

Click here to learn more about this comprehensive e-book and to order your copy.