Carbohydrate Consumption and Fatigue: A Review

Authors

Jennifer R. Pharr, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Keywords

Carbohydrates; Diet; Fatigue; Monosaccharides; Nutrition – Health aspects

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Human and Clinical Nutrition | Medicine and Health | Nutrition | Public Health

Abstract

Fatigue is a condition that negatively impacts quality of life and occurs in about twenty four percent of adults worldwide. Many factors may contribute to fatigue. One factor is the macronutrient composition of a person’s diet, particularly, the amount of simple carbohydrates. This paper is a review of the current literature and examines the relationship of carbohydrate consumption and fatigue to determine if a diet low in simple carbohydrates results in an improvement in fatigue ratings. Results of studies regarding carbohydrate consumption and fatigue vary, the preponderance demonstrate a positive relationship between simple carbohydrate consumption and fatigue. Additionally, diets low in simple carbohydrates may improve cognition, mood and help reduce type 2 diabetes. To date, no study has been conducted to examine the long term effect of a diet low in simple carbohydrates therefore further research is needed in this area.

Recommended Citation

Pharr, Jennifer R. (2010) "Carbohydrate Consumption and Fatigue: A Review," Nevada Journal of Public Health: Vol. 7: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/njph/vol7/iss1/6