Myths vs facts: VKORC1 and Müdigkeit

The claim that VKORC1 variants directly cause fatigue is a myth. VKORC1 encodes vitamin K epoxide reductase and is primarily relevant for warfarin dosing. Some consumer DNA tests suggest links to energy or fatigue, but there is no robust human evidence for this. Fatigue is multifactorial (sleep, stress, nutrition, iron status) and cannot be reduced to a single gene. The effect size of VKORC1 polymorphisms on vitamin K activity is small and clinically relevant only during anticoagulation. A positive VKORC1 variant does not mean you will be tired. Consumers should be wary of oversimplified gene-energy claims. Evidence: marketing/unclear. Safety note: VKORC1 testing is only medically indicated for warfarin therapy; self-interpretation may lead to unnecessary anxiety or supplement mistakes.