WHAT IS ASTHENIA?

Asthenia, commonly referred to as “asthenie” in some languages, is a medical term used to describe a condition of physical weakness or lack of energy. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom that can be associated with various underlying health issues. Asthenia can affect both physical and mental functioning, leading to a significant decrease in the ability to perform daily activities.

Causes of Asthenia

Asthenia can be caused by a wide range of factors, including:

1. Medical Conditions:
   • Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease can lead to persistent fatigue and weakness.
   • Infections: Viral or bacterial infections like influenza, pneumonia, or chronic infections can cause prolonged weakness.
   • Autoimmune Disorders: Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis often present with fatigue as a major symptom.
   • Endocrine Disorders: Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), adrenal insufficiency, and other hormonal imbalances can lead to asthenia.
   • Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, and chronic fatigue syndrome are often associated with severe weakness.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies:
   • Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, particularly iron (leading to anemia), vitamin B12, and vitamin D, can result in feelings of weakness.
3. Mental Health Issues:
   • Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can manifest as physical fatigue and lack of energy.
4. Medications:
   • Certain medications, including those for high blood pressure, depression, and chemotherapy drugs, can have side effects that include fatigue and weakness.
5. Yaşam Tarzı Faktörleri:
   • Poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and insufficient sleep can contribute to feelings of asthenia.

Symptoms of Asthenia

The primary symptom of asthenia is a persistent feeling of weakness and lack of energy. Other associated symptoms can include:

• Muscle weakness
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Reduced physical stamina

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing asthenia involves a thorough medical evaluation to identify any underlying causes. This may include:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests to check for anemia, nutritional deficiencies, and thyroid function
• Imaging studies if an underlying medical condition is suspected

Treatment of asthenia focuses on addressing the underlying cause:

• Medical Treatment: Managing chronic diseases, treating infections, and adjusting medications as needed.
• Nutritional Support: Correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies through diet or supplements.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques.
• Mental Health Support: Counseling, therapy, and appropriate medications for mental health conditions.

WHICH SUPPLEMENTS CAN PREVENT ASTHENIA?

Preventing asthenia, or addressing underlying causes that lead to chronic weakness and fatigue, can often be aided by ensuring that the body has adequate levels of certain nutrients. Here are some supplements that can help prevent or alleviate symptoms of asthenia:

1. Iron

• Function: Essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
• Supplementation: Especially important for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia.
• Sources: Ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate.

2. Vitamin B12

• Function: Important for red blood cell production and neurological function.
• Supplementation: Particularly useful for vegetarians, the elderly, or those with absorption issues.
• Sources: Cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin.

3. Folate (Vitamin B9)

• Function: Works with vitamin B12 in red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis.
• Supplementation: Crucial during pregnancy and for those with folate deficiency.
• Sources: Folic acid, methylfolate.

4. Vitamin D

• Function: Supports bone health, immune function, and muscle function.
• Supplementation: Important for those with limited sun exposure or deficiencies.
• Sources: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).

5. Magnesium

• Function: Involved in energy production, muscle and nerve function, and maintaining electrolyte balance.
• Supplementation: Beneficial for those with muscle weakness or cramps.
• Sources: Magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate.

6. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

• Function: Plays a role in energy production within cells and acts as an antioxidant.
• Supplementation: Particularly useful for individuals on statin medications, which can lower CoQ10 levels.
• Sources: Ubiquinone, ubiquinol.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Function: Supports cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and aids in brain function.
• Supplementation: Important for those with low dietary intake of omega-3s.
• Sources: Fish oil, flaxseed oil.

8. L-Carnitine

• Function: Helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production.
• Supplementation: Can help reduce fatigue in some chronic conditions.
• Sources: Acetyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine tartrate.

9. Ashwagandha

• Function: An adaptogen that helps the body manage stress and can improve energy levels.
• Supplementation: Often used to reduce fatigue and enhance overall vitality.
• Sources: Ashwagandha root extract.

10. Rhodiola Rosea

• Function: Another adaptogen that can help improve physical endurance and reduce fatigue.
• Supplementation: Useful for enhancing mental and physical performance under stress.
• Sources: Rhodiola root extract.

11. B-Complex Vitamins

• Function: Important for energy metabolism and reducing fatigue.
• Supplementation: Beneficial for individuals with poor diet or high levels of stress.
• Sources: B-complex supplements (including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12).

Barbagallo M, Veronese N, Dominguez LJ. Magnesium in Aging, Health and Diseases. Nutrients. 2021 Jan 30;13(2):463. doi: 10.3390/nu13020463. PMID: 33573164; PMCID: PMC7912123.

Verkhratsky A, Augusto-Oliveira M, Pivoriūnas A, Popov A, Brazhe A, Semyanov A. Astroglial asthenia and loss of function, rather than reactivity, contribute to the ageing of the brain. Pflugers Arch. 2021 May;473(5):753-774. doi: 10.1007/s00424-020-02465-3. Epub 2020 Sep 26. PMID: 32979108.