Why are you more easily fatigued as you get older?
Feeling tired all the time? Sleeping or resting is not doing the trick? You might be experiencing more than just regular tiredness – it could be fatigue. As we get older, our energy stores tend to drain more easily, which can contribute to fatigue. Fatigue is a common concern as we age, and it can have a significant impact on our overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore fatigue in later life, its possible causes, and simple steps you can take to combat it.
What is fatigue?
As we age, it’s common to notice that our energy levels deplete more easily. We may find ourselves wanting to do the things we used to, but realizing we have less energy to perform these things. This change in energy levels can be attributed to fatigue.
Fatigue is defined as a state of tiredness or exhaustion that comprises a multifaceted combination of mental and physical elements. A crucial aspect of fatigue is that is not solved by simply resting more [1].
Contributing factors to fatigue at later age
One of the potential causes of fatigue at a later age is a loss of function in the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of the cell, and they produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to sustain all processes in the body.
Loss in function of mitochondria occurs naturally as a result of aging, specifically increased levels of oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause a decrease in the ability of mitochondria to produce ATP efficiently [2].
Another common cause of fatigue at a later age may be related to the cardiovascular system since aging induces a functional and structural decline in the cardiovascular system [3]. Although the mechanisms are unclear at this moment, it is likely that increased arterial stiffness and reduced cardiac output are related to causing fatigue [4].
Other factors contributing to fatigue at a later age could be:
Hormonal changes: Experiencing hormonal changes as we age is a common symptom. In women, menopause causes decreased production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations may lead to feeling fatigued [5].
Lack of physical activity: We might become more sedentary as we age, due to several factors. However, this may lead to, for example, mood disturbances, poorer sleep quality, or even changes in your metabolism.
Nutrient deficiencies: As we age, nutrient absorption and intake can be affected by various factors, such as the use of medication, changes in dietary patterns, and changes in gastrointestinal health [6].
Boosting your energy level
Unfortunately, aging is a process that cannot be reversed, so preventing fatigue is not avoidable. However, don’t despair! There are a number of easy lifestyle habits that can help: exercise regularly, participate in social activities you enjoy, and eat a well-balanced diet [6].
A well-balanced diet can be optimized by the implementation of supplements into your diet. Supplements can be a valuable addition to your diet since they address potential nutritional deficiencies and support your overall health and well-being.
Which nutrients help to beat fatigue?
Nutritional deficiencies often contribute to feelings of fatigue, so ensuring adequate nutrient levels is essential. Here are some key nutrients that can help in overcoming fatigue [7,8]:
1. Iron: This vital mineral supports oxygen supply to the muscles and plays a crucial role in energy production. It is also an important part in the structure of the enzymes responsible for ATP production.
2. Magnesium: Another important mineral involved in energy production, magnesium activates ATP synthase, an enzyme responsible for synthesizing ATP. It also serves various functions related to energy production, muscle function, bone health, and protein synthesis.
3. Vitamin C: This essential nutrient aids in fighting fatigue by enhancing iron absorption and safeguarding red blood cells from oxidative stress. By promoting improved oxygen supply to the muscles, vitamin C contributes to combating fatigue.
4. B vitamins: B vitamins play a multifaceted role in energy production. They are integral to the metabolism of macronutrients and also support the production of red blood cells, indirectly contributing to oxygen supply.
5. Bioflavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds offer numerous health benefits, like improved blood flow and increased mitochondrial efficiency. Actiful®, a substance rich in the bioflavonoid hesperidin, is particularly a good option to consider.
3. Actiful®: A natural ingredient for more energy
Actiful® is an orange & pomegranate complex, containing a high amount of micronized hesperidin. The ingredient is developed to boost vitality and optimize energy levels.
A proprietary clinical trial by BioActor showed that Actiful® provides immediate and sustained energy. It does so by improving blood flow to active muscles and optimizing the respiration capacity of mitochondria, in turn increasing ATP production [9].
Actiful®’s positive effect on blood flow is linked to vasodilative capacities of the active metabolites. Micronized hesperidin promotes vasodilation by stimulating the production of nitric oxide [10]. Nitric oxide relaxes the blood vessels, thereby enlarging their diameter and allowing the passage of a greater amount of nutrient-rich blood and oxygen.
As a bonus, Actiful® positively affects mental well-being. In our proprietary clinical trial, we showed a significant improvement in concentration, thinking, memory, and learning [11]. These aspects are vital for overall well-being and quality of life.
Overall, Actiful® is a safe, healthy, and natural ingredient which is perfect to be incorporated into energy-providing supplements.
