Sometimes life starts to take its toll and leaves us feeling low on energy. Instead of reaching for that fourth cup of coffee though, it might be time to consider what exactly is causing your tiredness and whether you can give yourself a boost by merely taking certain vitamins.
Why are vitamins important?
Vitamins are crucial for keeping your body healthy and allowing it to function properly day-to-day. The average person usually gets all the vitamins they need through their diet, however, it’s not uncommon to have a deficiency.
Think you might need more of a certain vitamin? There are numerous signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiency, including things like hair loss and skin changes as well as having a constant feeling of fatigue.
Fatigue and its causes
Feeling tired and drained can be caused by various things, from your lifestyle through to your diet. In rarer cases, chronic fatigue can be due to underlying health issues such as anaemia.
The best way to eliminate fatigue during the day is to make sure you:
- Eat a healthy diet packed with essential nutrients
- Have a good, regular sleep pattern
- Limit the amount of caffeinated drinks you consume, especially after midday
- Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol – it might make you fall asleep faster, but the quality of your sleep will be poor.
If you still find yourself feeling sleepy during the day and it’s starting to have an impact on your work or personal life, you may want to consider taking an energy-boosting vitamin.
Best vitamins for fatigue
If you have a deficiency of a certain nutrient, there are a handful of fatigue-fighting vitamins and supplements which may increase your energy levels. These include:
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is vital for a number of everyday bodily functions, from helping create new red blood cells to allowing energy to be released after you eat. Great sources of it include eggs, salmon, cheese, meat, milk and cereals.
As B12 is typically found in meat, fish or dairy, it’s not uncommon for vegans to be deficient. Having a lack of B12 can be dangerous and lead to conditions like anaemia. If you think you might be deficient, speak to your GP about taking supplements or altering your diet.
Iron
Iron is a popular supplement for those who feel low on energy, especially women who are statistically more likely to be deficient. As extra iron is unable to be removed from the body naturally though, it’s important that you only take iron supplements if you’re deficient c and have been advised to by a doctor.
Complex Vitamin B
There are other vitamins in the B family which can help combat tiredness. A complex vitamin B supplement will contain a variety of these, including B3 which supports brain function and B6 which helps the body turn carbohydrates and protein into energy.
Ginseng
If you’d rather take a herbal supplement, ginseng is a safe option. The plant has been used for centuries, with some studies showing it can support brain function and reduce fatigue. You can buy it in tablet form or drink it as a tea.
As most people should be able to get these vitamins through their diet, it’s always best to consult a medical professional before you start taking a supplement.
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Last updated: 19 March 2020
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/the-energy-diet/
https://www.bulkpowders.co.uk/the-core/7-supplements-to-fight-tiredness-stress-and-fatigue/
