Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue and cognition: A narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence

Humans require vitamins and minerals because they are crucial components of several essential metabolic pathways that maintain critical cellular processes. They are vital for brain and muscle function due to their role in energy-yielding metabolism, DNA synthesis, oxygen transport, and neural activities. These, in turn, have an impact on cognitive and psychological functions, including fatigue, both mentally and physically. The B vitamins (B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12), vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and zinc, key players in these processes, are the main subjects of this review by Tardy et al. (2020). This review outlines the molecular and cellular biochemical mechanisms underlying these micronutrients’ actions. It connects them to cognitive and psychological symptoms and possible manifestations of fatigue that may develop when the status or supplies of these micronutrients are insufficient. [NPID: B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, zinc, energy production, mental and physical fatigue, anemia, cognition, mood]

Year: 2020

Reference: Tardy, A. L., Pouteau, E., Marquez, D., Yilmaz, C., & Scholey, A. (2020). Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients, 12(1), 228. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010228

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