$Unique_ID{BRK01102}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is it True That Vitamins Are a Good Source of Energy?}
$Subject{fatigue tired vitamins Ill Defined Symptoms symptom multiple vitamin
balance nutrition nutritions nutrient nutrients food foods balanced diet
diets}
$Volume{N-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it True That Vitamins Are a Good Source of Energy?


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QUESTION:  I am sometimes so tired that I just want to get home from work and
go to bed.  A check up by my physician has shown that I am normal and healthy.
My wife thinks that I need some vitamins to perk me up and that this simple
answer is the solution to my energy problem.  Is it true that vitamins are a
good source of energy, and may overcome my fatigue?

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ANSWER:  Probably the most common complaint that a physician hears is one of
weariness, fatigue and a plain old feeling of being "too tired to do
anything".  The causes of real fatigue are many and varied, and may be found
not only in disease states but in life styles and psychological problems as
well.  I am going to buy your physician's findings that all is normal in your
case, and confine my answer to your question, rather than a solution to your
problem.  Vitamins are indeed necessary in any well balanced diet, but it is
the calories in your food that really provide the energy and there are simply
no calories in vitamins.  However, vitamins are needed to help convert the
calories in food into the energy your body requires to carry on its daily
functions.  While vitamins can not supply calories, vitamin supplements may
help if your present diet doesn't contain the necessary amount of vitamins to
provide this vital service for your system.  In these circumstances, taking a
daily multiple vitamin preparation can put your nutrition back into balance,
and restore your feelings of pep and vigor.  Of course a good look at your
work and sleeping habits, as well as your daily ration of exercise and
relaxation, may also provide you with precious clues that may lead to the
answer you seek.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.