The researchers behind a study found that ashwagandha root extract helped ease stress and anxiety. After 60 days, participants who took ashwagandha had a reduction in stress and cortisol levels compared with those in the placebo group.

Results from another study suggest that ashwagandha may help improve endurance during exercise. The researchers found that ashwagandha improved endurance rates in elite cyclists when they took milligram mg capsules twice daily. Coenzyme Q10 CoQ10 is an enzyme that exists naturally in the body, particularly in the heart, liver, pancreas, and kidneys.

It is an antioxidant that improves energy and strengthens the immune system. In a review , researchers found a consistent link between low levels of CoQ10 and fatigue.

Most people can get enough CoQ10 by eating a balanced diet that includes:. People with certain health conditions and those not getting enough from their diet might wish to ask their doctor about supplementing with CoQ Those taking blood thinners, taking insulin , or receiving cancer treatment should check with a doctor before taking CoQ The recommended dosage is 30—90 mg per day , but a person can take as much as mg each day.

For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub. Muscle fatigue is a common symptom in people who do not get enough vitamin D. The researchers behind a study found that people with low vitamin D levels had improved muscle efficiency after they received treatment for the vitamin deficiency.

There is also a link between depression and low levels of vitamin D. Fatigue is a common symptom of depression. One review highlighted a Norwegian study in which more than people with overweight received 20, or 40, international units of vitamin D weekly.

Over a year, their symptoms of depression reduced significantly compared with those of participants taking a placebo.

B vitamins help create energy in cells. Having a deficiency in B vitamins can cause fatigue. Older adults, vegetarians, and vegans may be at higher risk of a vitamin B deficiency , as it is only in animal products or fortified foods.

A B deficiency can cause anemia , making people feel low in energy. Some athletes take vitamin B supplements to boost their performance. However, research does not indicate that B increases sports performance or endurance in people who have no deficiency.

Asking a doctor about a potential deficiency and maintaining good levels of vitamin B may help a person treat low energy that is due to a deficiency. Creatine is an amino acid that occurs mostly in red meat and seafood. Creatine supplementation increases creatine stores in the muscles and can help improve performance during exercise.

A review in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that creatine was effective in improving performance in high intensity exercise, as well as:. The study authors also found that both long and short term supplementation is safe and well-tolerated for healthy people of all ages.

It is important to note that some of the researchers received funding from or had affiliations with supplement manufacturers. A deficiency in iron can lead to a lack of energy and fatigue.

People who have a higher risk of iron deficiency include those who:. One study looked at unexplained fatigue in menstruating women.

The participants who supplemented with iron over 12 weeks had a Those in the placebo group had a decrease of just Eating iron-rich foods with vitamin C can increase absorption , so people should be sure to consume enough fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and leafy greens.

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid in tea. Combining L-theanine with caffeine may help increase energy and cognitive performance. A small study looked at the effects of L-theanine and L-theanine with caffeine on attention levels in 20 healthy males.

The researchers found that high doses of L-theanine with caffeine improved attention levels the most. Another study from found that a combination of 97 mg of L-theanine and 40 mg of caffeine improved cognitive performance in young adults.

The participants reported feeling less tired with increased alertness. Vitamins and supplements can cause mild side effects in some people. If a person experiences any severe side effects from supplements, they should stop using them straight away and see a doctor.

Some supplements can interact with certain medications. If a person is taking medications for an existing health condition, it is best to speak to a doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions before taking a supplement.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also speak to a doctor before taking any new supplements. Alongside a healthful diet and plenty of exercise, people may find that the vitamins above help boost energy levels and increase performance during exercise.

However, people should check with their doctor before taking any supplements if they are taking other medications or have an existing health condition. All of the supplements listed in this article are available to purchase in health food stores, pharmacies, and online:. Many athletes look for safe and efficient ways to boost their performance.

In this article, we look at six vitamins and supplements that may help. Vitamin B complex supplements may help to prevent vitamin B deficiency. Learn more here. Anti-cancer supplements can include vitamin tablets and herbal extracts. Studies claim that vitamin D supplements offer extra health benefits, such as reducing pain and depression, while others challenge this belief.

From B vitamins that aid in energy metabolism to minerals that facilitate oxygen transport and cellular function, understanding the role of vitamins for energy can empower us to make informed choices for optimal health and well-being.

There are several vitamins that play a crucial role in boosting energy levels. Here are some of the top minerals and vitamins for energy and how they contribute to everyday energy production.

Vitamin B12 is involved in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of nerve cells, both of which are essential for energy production. It also helps convert food into glucose, which the body uses for energy, and allows for neurotransmitter signaling that makes your muscles contract throughout the day.

The top vitamin B12 foods include animal products, such as grass-fed beef, lamb, wild salmon, eggs, feta cheese, cottage cheese and beef liver. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It helps convert stored nutrients into usable energy and supports the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and energy levels.

The best vitamin B6 foods for energy include turkey breast, chicken breast, grass-fed beef, tuna, organ meats, avocado, pinto beans and sunflower seeds. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays a role in energy production by facilitating the absorption of iron, which is necessary for the transport of oxygen throughout the body.

It also supports the synthesis of carnitine , a compound that helps convert fat into energy, and it boosts immune function, making you less likely to experience common respiratory infections like the common cold. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers and leafy green vegetables are among the top vitamin C foods for steady energy and healthy immune system function.

Iron is an essential mineral involved in energy production because it helps carry oxygen to the cells and is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.

Iron-rich foods include liver, spirulina, grass-fed beef, chicken, black beans, eggs, pumpkin seeds, lentils and spinach.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in converting food into energy. It is involved in over biochemical reactions in the body, including those related to energy metabolism.

The best foods high in magnesium are cooked spinach, amaranth and other whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, black beans, and dark chocolate. CoQ10 is a vital nutrient involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate ATP , which is the primary source of energy in cells.

It also acts as an antioxidant that fights disease by canceling out free radical damage in the body. Good food sources of CoQ10 include organ meats, fatty fish, nuts and seeds. It can also be taken in supplement form, with doses generally ranging from milligrams daily. Vitamin D plays a role in energy production by supporting muscle function and reducing fatigue.

It also helps regulate mood and overall well-being. Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, and it can also be obtained from fatty fish, fortified dairy products and certain mushrooms.

Look for a vitamin D3 supplement from a reputable source. Thiamine plays a crucial role in energy metabolism by helping convert carbohydrates into usable energy.

It assists in the production of ATP, which is the primary energy currency of cells, providing a sustainable source of energy for bodily functions and promoting overall energy levels.

Some of the best thiamine foods include nutritional yeast, seaweed, sunflower seeds, beans, legumes, macadamia nuts, asparagus and Brussels sprouts. Riboflavin , or vitamin B2, is involved in the process of energy metabolism, helping the body convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into usable energy.

The best riboflavin foods for energy include beef liver, yogurt and other dairy products, spinach, almonds, quinoa, eggs, feta cheese, and lentils. Like other B vitamins, niacin plays a role in the conversion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy through energy metabolism.

Niacin also helps the body produce ATP, the primary source of energy for cells, and it contributes to healthy cognitive function. The top niacin foods include chicken, turkey, liver, tuna, wild salmon, grass-fed beef, green peas, brown rice, mushrooms and avocado.

Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is involved in energy production and the synthesis of various hormones and neurotransmitters.