Vitamin B12 along with B6 are best for energy. Almost every cell in the body uses B12. Besides helping form red blood cells, B12 converts fat and protein to energy. A B12 deficiency causes tiredness and anemia.
Caffeine-containing foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, caffeinated sodas, energy drinks, matcha, chocolate, guarana, and yerba mate may also help reduce symptoms of fatigue and improve alertness and vigilance ( 7 ).
Vitamin B12
Along with the other B vitamins, vitamin B12 helps transform the food you eat into energy that your cells can use. It also keeps your body's nerves and blood cells healthy and helps prevent a type of anemia that can make you weak and tired ( 22 ).
So does vitamin B12 give you energy? While B12 doesn't directly provide energy, it does give the body the tools it needs to convert food molecules into energy. Getting the recommended daily amount of B12 can therefore help ensure that the body is able to make the energy it needs to do everything you need it to do.
Many supplements can help to support an energy boost including CoQ10, ashwagandha, B vitamins, tyrosine, Rhodiola, vitamin D, citrulline, melatonin, magnesium, and greens blends.
Left untreated, a vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, nerve damage and mood disturbances. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.
Lack of energy is a typical symptom for most major diseases, like heart disease, many types of cancer, autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, and anemia (too few red blood cells). Fatigue also is a common sign of depression and anxiety. And fatigue is a side effect of some medications.
Most of the time fatigue can be traced to one or more of your habits or routines, particularly lack of exercise. It's also commonly related to depression. On occasion, fatigue is a symptom of other underlying conditions that require medical treatment.
The following factors can contribute to fatigue, either alone or in combination: Psychological and psychosocial – stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical – anemia, diabetes, glandular fever, and cancer. Physiological – pregnancy, breast-feeding, inadequate sleep, and excessive exercise.
If you are feeling fatigued, eating foods rich in vitamin B12 or taking a supplement might just improve your energy levels.
You may be too exhausted even to manage your daily affairs. In most cases, there's a reason for the fatigue. It might be allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (COPD), a bacterial or viral infection, or some other health condition.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and DNA. It is also essential for the functioning of the nervous system. When your body does not receive enough vitamin B12 you may feel fatigued and tired all the time.
Which is better to take: B6 or B12? Neither vitamin is better than the other—they're both equally essential to your well-being. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you need to consume the correct amount of all vitamins and micronutrients.
Unlike caffeine, you won't get addicted to B12. No headaches, mood swings, heart palpitations, or insomnia if you skip it or stop taking it. Instead, you'll get a whole lot of the goodness listed above.
Some conditions that cause fatigue include thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, and COVID-19. Some other causes of fatigue may involve your diet, sleep, and levels of stress. Lifestyle changes can often improve feelings of fatigue in these situations.
Many people feel tired and lack the energy needed to function at their best throughout the day. However, drinking enough water, following a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and being sociable can benefit both your energy levels and your overall health.
Generally speaking, natural energy drinks contain more natural ingredients, e.g. natural fruit flavours, cold-pressed vegetable and fruit juice, no added sugars and other added artificial extras, such as sweeteners, flavouring and colouring. They also contain no caffeine.