Best Vitamins for Energy in 2024 [CNET]
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Vitamin deficiency can rear its ugly, ugly head in multiple ways: drops in energy halfway through the day, general body weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin and being left drifting in a mental fog. None of these symptoms are pleasant, and the longer they subsist, the more strain they put on your body. Most of these are associated with vitamin B deficiency, but fixing that isn’t rocket science.
B vitamins are essential to keep you energized and ready to go. They’re an essential part of your diet and are a key ingredient of energy supplements. CNET’s team of wellness experts has put together a list of the best supplements on the market to better manage your vitamin needs. While price is a consideration, brand, ingredients and consumer reviews are equally important, taste and form factor can also make or break your experience. After all, the pills don’t do any good if you avoid taking them. Here are our top five picks for the best energy supplements.
And before we move on, if you have a deficiency or are missing other essential energy vitamins, you might want to opt for added supplements to fulfill the missing vitamins.
What are the best vitamins for energy?
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 (B12). 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.
Best vitamins for energy in 2024
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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.
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The cherry-flavored Vitafusion Extra Strength B12 vitamins are the simplest on this list. The supplements only contain B12. 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 2022 ChefsBest Excellence award for its taste. Two gummy vitamins contain 3,000 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.
When looking for vitamins for energy, keep these factors in mind.
Daily vitamin recommendations
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 in 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.
Dietary restrictions
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.
Verifications
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.
Those verifications include:
- United States Pharmacopeia: A nonprofit that sets standards for dietary supplements.
- National Sanitation Foundation: This ensures standards set for the facility are met.
- Consumer Lab: Private company tests supplements for accuracy of ingredient identity, content and purity.
- Dietary Supplement Verification: A program that ensures any product with a USP-verified label contains accurate, pure ingredients and has been manufactured using Good Manufacturing Practices.
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.
What vitamin provides the most energy?
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.
Is it better to take B12 or B complex?
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.