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Our Members Asked:
Which supplements help to improve energy and decrease fatigue?

Answer:
Getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, and regular exercise are the best ways to maintain your energy. However, we all have times when we could benefit from an energy boost, and certain supplements may help.
Medical conditions such as anemia, heart failure, anxiety, cancer and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) can cause fatigue. It's important to consult with your doctor if you feel tired frequently. In some cases, certain supplements may be beneficial, but be aware that some supplement can cause fatigue.
Sign in for more information about the impact on fatigue of supplements including ashwagandha, B vitamins, cocoa, CoQ10, curcumin, ginseng, iron, kelp, L-theanine, maca, magnesium, melatonin, oxaloacetate, potassium iodide, Rhodiola rosea, St. John's wort, vitamin D, a combination of ginkgo and cistanche extracts, as well as energy drinks and energy bars.
In addition the results of its expert testing, ConsumerLab uses only high-quality, evidence based, information sources. These sources include peer-reviewed studies and information from agencies such as the FDA and USDA, and the National Academy of Medicine. On evolving topics, studies from pre-print journals may be sourced. All of our content is reviewed by medical doctors and doctoral-level experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and chemistry. We continually update and medically review our information to keep our content trustworthy, accurate, and reliable. The following sources are referenced in this article:
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Morrill8190
April 12, 2021I discovered that I have a genetic SNP that decreases my system's ability to "detoxify" or metabolize caffeine. Since then, I have radically decreased my caffeine intake to three cups of tea per day (Guarana tea powder, 1/2 teaspoon per cup of hot water, three times per day) and found that I have greater energy. Also an annoying sensation of vascular congestion in my legs has gone away. I suspect it was a side effect of more caffeine than my system could handle. Another thing I've done to increase energy has been to drastically limit my carbohydrate intake to the point where I'm often in mild ketosis (by urine dipstick testing). Lastly, circadian eating (allowing 12 to 16 hours of fasting per 24-hours - every day) increased my energy and mental clarity. Studies show it also increases lifespan in laboratory animals. Google "Rhonda Patrick intermittent fasting" to learn about published peer-reviewed journal articles on "circadian eating." (I have no affiliation with her.)
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janice8189
December 27, 2020I take Protandim by Lifevantage Nrf1 and Nrf2, and their Axio drink is superb for energy with no caffine
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Grant8187
March 04, 2020I take 2 x 500mg L-Carnitine twice a day on an empty stomach half an hour before Breakfast and Lunch. When I started on Calcium Channel Blockers I was getting very tired in the afternoon but since beginning L_Carnitine this has ceased.
It will give insomnia if taken after mid afternoon (in my case )
Margaret Frank
December 12, 2024Thank you
I will try it!
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Max8185
March 04, 2020A magnesium supplement may help to increase energy, but taking too much, at least for this 81 year old, causes my heart rate to get too low. with a pulse of 45-50 and a BP of under 100.
I use magnesium oil, but apply it sparingly.
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Shawn8183
March 22, 2018What about Cordyceps? I heard it has anti-fatigue properties
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Steven8181
April 26, 2017Is anyone aware of any supplements aimed at reducing fatigue that might contain a combination of the potentially-effective products you mention in this article?
Hi Steven - Unless there is clinical research showing that a certain combination is safe and effective, it's generally best to try one ingredient at a time to see how it affects you, so that you’ll know whether it helps and/or causes side effects.
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