Best Energy Supplements for Chronic Fatigue

A wellness regimen that incorporates some of the best energy supplements for chronic fatigue may be the secret to supporting consistent energy levels. A steady flow of energy throughout the day could enhance overall performance and productivity, although many people need help moderating their energy levels.

According to research from Harvard Health, 1 to 8 of every 1,000 Americans over 18 have chronic fatigue syndrome. Poor lifestyle habits, inconsistent sleep, stress, nutrient deficiencies and other medical conditions can cause chronic fatigue.

Proper supplementation may help reduce energy fluctuations without caffeine's adverse side effects. Here is an ultimate list of the best energy supplements for chronic fatigue that may help stabilize your energy throughout the day.

Best Energy Supplements for Chronic Fatigue 2022 and 2023

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a vital role in the body’s energy, immunity and adrenal response. As a water-soluble vitamin, this antioxidant supports healthy adrenal function while decreasing high cortisol levels.

According to research from Eastern Virginia Medical School, humans have lost their ability to regulate their stress response due to an inability to synthesize vitamin C. Since the body doesn’t make vitamin C, there is significant importance placed on supplementation and diet.

Stress can directly correlate with fatigue if the body lacks the necessary nutrients to regulate the adrenals and release of stress hormones. For this reason, vitamin C, or foods rich in vitamin C, are some of the best energy supplements for chronic fatigue and stress.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the United States, primarily because people spend less time outdoors. According to the Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, vitamin D directly impacts skeletal muscle function, oxidative stress, and muscle energy metabolism.

Although it’s commonly known for supporting bone health, vitamin D helps the body absorb other nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. Supplementing with vitamin D may help fight fatigue while ensuring the body is absorbing a well-rounded array of vitamins and minerals that support consistent energy levels.

Iron

A study from the Australian Catholic University observed the influence of iron metabolism on interactions with energy and carbohydrate availability. Results showed that poor iron status revealed low energy availability in athletes. Taking an iron supplement, or eating iron-rich foods, can support the body’s ability to regulate energy levels.

Additionally, iron is a vital component in hemoglobin, a blood protein that assists in the transfer of oxygen within the bloodstream. If hemoglobin levels are low, there is a higher risk of iron deficiency associated with anemia. One of the top symptoms of anemia is excess fatigue, which is why iron is on the list as one of the best energy supplements for chronic fatigue.

Best Liquid Energy Supplements for Chronic Fatigue

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 plays a role in nearly every body system, helping support nervous system function and converting food into cellular energy. Alongside vitamin D, vitamin B12 is among the most prevalent nutrient deficiencies in the United States.

Since vitamin B12 is naturally rich in animal proteins, many vegetarians and vegans must prioritize supplementation to ensure their levels don’t drop below the healthy threshold. Low levels of B12 may cause excess fatigue and low energy levels, especially if B12 is not bioavailable for easy absorption.

According to research from the University of Sydney, long-term vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and vascular, cognitive, bone and eye health. However, the short-term signs of deficiency are subtle. Overall, vitamin B12 is one of the best liquid energy supplements for chronic fatigue, as the consumer can control absorption and dosage easier than pill capsules.

Beetroot Juice

Researchers from the College of Health Sciences have found that beetroot juice contains high levels of inorganic nitrate, and regular supplementation has proven effective at increasing blood nitric oxide (NO) concentrations.

Nitric oxygen interacts with mitochondria to regulate energy metabolism, so boosting NO levels may play a role in overall energy levels. Due to the nutrient-dense nature of beetroot juice, it’s one of the best liquid energy supplements for chronic fatigue, helping support overall performance and wellness.

Red Spinach Juice and Red Spinach Extract

Similar to beetroot juice, red spinach has high levels of natural nitrates that boost nitric oxide levels. Since nitric oxide levels decrease throughout the night, taking a morning dose of the best supplements for chronic fatigue, like red spinach juice or red spinach extract, could help restore nitric oxide levels throughout the first half of the day.

In this case, you can replace your morning coffee with a superfood beverage that brings NO levels to an all-time high around 2-3 hours post-consumption. Typically, red spinach juice is taken to support performance, recovery and overall wellness.

A study out of the Journal of Health and Conditioning found that cyclists that took red spinach supplements reported better energy, speed and oxygen availability. For this reason, it made the list of the best energy liquid supplements for chronic fatigue.

The Takeaway: How to Improve Chronic Fatigue Symptoms Naturally

For anyone that wants to improve fatigue symptoms naturally, this list of the best energy supplements for chronic fatigue is a great place to start. It’s vital to evaluate diet and lifestyle habits to get a complete overview of what may be contributing to fatigue, excess tiredness and low energy.

All of the supplements that were mentioned in this list contain natural vitamins and minerals that help the body thrive, supporting biological processes that aid in energy regulation. There is no one size fits all solution, which is why it’s a good idea for individuals to research supplements according to their unique needs.

 

References

Howard E. LeWine, MD. “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” Harvard Health, 31 Aug. 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/chronic-fatigue-syndrome.

Marik PE. Vitamin C: an essential "stress hormone" during sepsis. J Thorac Dis. 2020 Feb;12(Suppl 1):S84-S88. doi: 10.21037/jtd.2019.12.64. PMID: 32148930; PMCID: PMC7024758.

McKay AKA, Pyne DB, Burke LM, Peeling P. Iron Metabolism: Interactions with Energy and Carbohydrate Availability. Nutrients. 2020 Nov 30;12(12):3692. doi: 10.3390/nu12123692. PMID: 33265953; PMCID: PMC7761418.

O'Leary F, Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2010 Mar;2(3):299-316. doi: 10.3390/nu2030299. Epub 2010 Mar 5. PMID: 22254022; PMCID: PMC3257642.

Dzik KP, Kaczor JJ. Mechanisms of vitamin D on skeletal muscle function: oxidative stress, energy metabolism and anabolic state. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2019 Apr;119(4):825-839. doi: 10.1007/s00421-019-04104-x. Epub 2019 Mar 4. PMID: 30830277; PMCID: PMC6422984.

Domínguez R, Maté-Muñoz JL, Cuenca E, García-Fernández P, Mata-Ordoñez F, Lozano-Estevan MC, Veiga-Herreros P, da Silva SF, Garnacho-Castaño MV. Effects of beetroot juice supplementation on intermittent high-intensity exercise efforts. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018 Jan 5;15:2. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0204-9. PMID: 29311764; PMCID: PMC5756374.

Gonzalez, Adam M.1; Accetta, Matthew R.1; Spitz, Robert W.1; Mangine, Gerald T.2; Ghigiarelli, Jamie J.1; Sell, Katie M.1. Red Spinach Extract Supplementation Improves Cycle Time Trial Performance in Recreationally Active Men and Women. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: September 2021 - Volume 35 - Issue 9 - p 2541-2545 doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003173