Health concerns. If you've been feeling more tired than usual recently, then you're not alone. A lot of things can lead to extreme fatigue, including overworking, lack of sleep, or not having balanced meals.

If you're constantly fatigued throughout the day, or have noticed shortness of breath, pale or yellowish skin, mental fog, muscle weakness or personality changes, you may have a vitamin B deficiency. B vitamins are vital for our energy throughout the day and are often included in energy supplements.

While ideally you should get enough B vitamins in your diet , you may be facing a deficiency, or missing other essential energy vitamins. Either way, added supplements might be right for you.

Our experts reviewed a variety of supplements with these key vitamins for energy, along with their prices, brands, ingredients and consumer reviews.

Here are our five picks for the best energy vitamins. In addition to coffee, tea or energy drinks, certain vitamins can help boost energy.

The best supplements to boost your energy are B vitamins. These essential B vitamins include thiamin B1 , riboflavin B2 , niacin B3 , pantothenic acid B5 , pyridoxine B6 , biotin B7 , folic acid B9 and cobalamin B All eight B vitamins are responsible for helping the body process energy from food.

Other vitamins that boost energy include vitamin C , which aids in energy production in the mitochondria of our cells. Magnesium aids in the production and use of energy molecules , or ATP, and iron is essential in the production of hemoglobin and the transportation of oxygen.

If your diet lacks these vitamins and you are experiencing fatigue, you may benefit from an added supplement. Always consult a doctor before adding any supplements to your diet. Nature's Bounty has over 50 years of experience in the vitamin industry and is a brand that we consistently choose and trust.

Its products are non-GMO and contain no artificial colors, flavors, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, yeast or fish. One tablet of its Super B Complex supplements contains 60 mg of vitamin C, 25 mg of thiamin vitamin B1 , 20 mg of riboflavin vitamin B2 , 25 mg of niacin vitamin B3 , 5 mg of vitamin B6, mcg of folic acid vitamin B9 , mcg of vitamin B12, 1, mcg of biotin vitamin B7 and 5.

These supplements contain high percentages of your daily value of B vitamins. Speak with your doctor before adding any vitamins to your daily routine, as you may already be getting enough vitamin B in your diet.

One a Day refers to its serving suggestion. One tablet of its energy multivitamin contains 1, mcg of vitamin A, 60 mg of vitamin C, 10 mcg of vitamin D, If you are sensitive to caffeine, be aware that one multivitamin tablet has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.

Nature Made is another trusted vitamin brand. Its ingredients are gluten-free and free of artificial flavors, dyes and preservatives.

One soft gel of Nature Made's Super B Complex supplements contains 1. Other ingredients include soybean oil, gelatin, dibasic calcium phosphate, glycerin, yellow beeswax, rapeseed lecithin, and added colors. These supplements contain beeswax and therefore, are not suitable for those following a vegan diet.

Two capsules of its Raw B-Complex supplements contain 5 mg of thiamin vitamin B1 , 10 mg of riboflavin vitamin B2 , 45 mg of niacin vitamin B3 , 10 mg of vitamin B6, mcg of folate vitamin B9 , mcg of vitamin B12, mcg of biotin vitamin B7 and 45 mg of pantothenic acid vitamin B5.

What makes Garden of Life supplements unique is that they often include raw blends of organic materials. The B-Complex supplements contain two: a mg of raw organic fruit and vegetable blend and a 60 mg raw probiotic and enzyme blend. Keep in mind that the two strains of probiotics included in the enzyme blend are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus plantarum.

Those two specific strains are not the most well-known or used for gut health. If you are looking to help your gut, consider a supplement that is solely a probiotic.

The cherry-flavored Vitafusion Extra Strength B12 vitamins are the simplest on this list. The supplements only contain B In addition to being gluten-free, dairy-free and free of artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup or synthetic dyes, the vitamins won a ChefsBest Excellence award for its taste.

Two gummy vitamins contain 3, mcg of vitamin B12, as well as tapioca syrup, sugar, water, gelatin and two percent or less of a blend of oils coconut and palm with beeswax, citric acid, lactic acid, natural flavor, pectin and sodium citrate.

If you have a nut allergy, be aware that these vitamins contain tree nuts coconut. Also, they're processed in a facility with products that contain egg, fish, shellfish, soy and tree nuts. Vitamins for energy work best if you aren't currently hitting your daily recommendations of B vitamins.

Filling this nutritional gap can make a huge difference on your daily amount of energy. Pay attention to how much vitamin B is in your supplements. If you are already getting enough in your diet, you don't need a huge amount.

Always contact your doctor with your concerns before starting any type of vitamin supplement. Vitamins will specify if they are vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free. If you have any of these dietary preferences or restrictions, look for vitamins that are made without gluten, dairy or animal products.

While dietary supplements aren't regulated by the FDA, there are a few verifications you can check for that ensure the product you're buying is safe to use. The vitamin supplements for this list were selected based on price, accessibility, quality, and vitamin and mineral quantities.

We also took into account third-party verifications, dosage and customer reviews. The vitamins that made this list are the best of the best out there right now.

The eight B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, biotin, folate and B12 provide the most energy, as they aid in cell metabolism, help the body transform carbohydrates and fats into energy and carry energy-nutrients around the body.

B12 and B complex are both very important. With B12 supplements, you are only getting one B vitamin, and with B complex supplements, you are taking all eight B vitamins. If you lack B vitamins from your diet, consider a B complex vitamin.

If you are B12 deficient , a B12 supplement may be better for you. As much as we wish this were true, it is not. Taking a B12 supplement or any vitamin B supplement will not give you energy right away like a cup of coffee.

Instead, it could take a few weeks of taking B12 regularly until it increases your energy levels. Wellness Nutrition. Best Vitamins for Energy in Feeling tired and sluggish? Written by Caroline Igo. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks.

If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement. People with kidney conditions should speak to their healthcare provider before changing their protein intake.

Vitamin B12 cobalamin is needed for DNA production and energy in your body's cells. It's also required for oxygen transport. Low levels of B12 are associated with symptoms like the following:. Supplementation is needed for people with low levels of B However, there's not enough evidence to recommend it for the general population who get adequate B12 through the diet.

Also, high levels of B12 may be associated with an increased risk of hip fractures and lung cancer. Along with vitamin B12, most other B vitamins are important for energy production in your body's cells. B vitamins that may help combat fatigue include the following:.

Low levels of these vitamins can cause conditions like the following:. These conditions are each characterized by weakness and fatigue. A review of seven clinical trials found that supplementing with high doses of B vitamins was associated with improvements in the following:.

Creatine is a popular supplement used by athletes to build muscle and enhance exercise performance. Creatine provides energy to cells in the muscles.

It is made in the body, and levels can be boosted through the diet for instance, with red meat and fish or by taking supplements. Most people need between 2 and 3 g of creatine a day. Creatine is likely beneficial for short bursts of high-intensity exercise. It can also improve symptoms of mental fatigue and enhance memory and cognition.

Some research suggests it could benefit people with chronic fatigue syndrome or long COVID , but more research is needed. Tyrosine is an amino acid that is made into chemical messengers called dopamine and norepinephrine in the body. These messengers may fight fatigue. Tyrosine is available as a dietary supplement.

It's also found in lots of foods, including the following:. Tyrosine did not appear to improve physical performance, according to a review. However, the authors suggested it may benefit mental performance during high-stress situations. In a human study, a single dose of tyrosine improved cognitive function in the short term.

Selenium is a micronutrient found in foods like meats and fish. It's also available as a dietary supplement, though getting it from the diet is more effective in raising levels.

Adults typically need 55 micrograms mcg daily, and requirements increase during pregnancy and lactation. Selenium is highly concentrated in the thyroid gland. It's involved in the production and breakdown of thyroid hormones.

Adequate levels of selenium in the body are needed for healthy thyroid function and to prevent thyroid disorders. If your fatigue is associated with a thyroid condition, selenium could be a helpful add-on.

Remember that high amounts of selenium above mcg a day can cause toxicity. Some symptoms of toxicity include the following:.

Ingredients commonly found in tea, like amino acid L-theanine and stimulant caffeine , may help combat fatigue. A small study of 44 young adults showed that tea containing caffeine and L-theanine can improve symptoms associated with low energy levels, such as the following:.

Caffeine's effects are increased by taking it in combination with L-theanine. Coenzyme Q10 CoQ10 is an antioxidant that protects the brain and reduces inflammation. The jury is mixed on CoQ10's effects on energy levels, and benefits may vary. Trials show that taking at least mg daily may help people with fibromyalgia.

It's also been studied for chronic fatigue syndrome, but with mixed results. While one study reported improved energy levels for those who took CoQ10, another did not.

For those without underlying conditions, CoQ10 may or may not increase energy. More research is needed to know for sure. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs.

That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement , look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist RD or RDN , or pharmacist.

Treatment for low energy will vary depending on the cause and may include wellness activities like the following:. Some supplements may help improve energy levels and combat fatigue.

Before self-treating, though, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues that could be depleting your energy. If a root cause of fatigue like apnea or a vitamin deficiency isn't corrected, supplements are unlikely to work.

Many supplements are marketed for these indications, sometimes without much scientific evidence to support them. Some supplements that have been studied include B vitamins, creatine, iron, selenium, tyrosine, and protein. Side effects of supplements that people use for energy vary.

Some, like creatine, are unlikely to cause serious side effects when used correctly. Others, like protein, may cause serious side effects, particularly when used at high doses.

Because the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way it does for drugs, supplements typically do not undergo rigorous testing like prescription medications do. This means that often not much is know a lot about the possible side effects of supplements, especially when they are used long-term.

Caffeine, for instance, is quick-acting. Maximum results are typically seen within 30 to 60 minutes. CoQ10 does not act as quickly and may take eight weeks to see effects.

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