Energy & Fatigue

Supplements for fatigue: vitamin B12, iron and more

Various vitamins and minerals play a role in energy-yielding metabolism. Vitamin B12 and iron contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. The same applies to riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin B6 and folic acid. A supplement can be a practical addition to a varied diet.

In our range you will find vitamin B12 from Vit4ever, NOW Foods, Osavi and Jarrow Formulas, iron from NOW Foods, Swanson, Osavi, Vit4ever and LUTO Supplements, and vitamin B-complex from Vit4ever. This collection also contains coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol, maca, ginseng, cordyceps, shilajit, D-ribose, PQQ and acetyl-L-carnitine.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to the normal formation of red blood cells and to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 is naturally found almost exclusively in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. People who eat few or no animal products therefore often choose a B12 supplement. In this collection you will find methylcobalamin as a raspberry or lemon-flavoured tablet, liposomal B12 capsules, liquid B12 and a chewable tablet with methylfolate, as well as acetyl-L-carnitine with vitamin B12 from LUTO Supplements.

Iron

Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin and to normal oxygen transport in the body. In this collection you will find iron bisglycinate, iron fumarate, liposomal iron and iron bound to amino acids. Iron bisglycinate is a form that is generally gentle on the stomach. Vitamin C increases iron absorption; therefore Vit4ever combines iron bisglycinate with vitamin C from acerola. Do not use iron in high doses for extended periods without consulting your GP, and keep iron supplements out of reach of children.

Vitamin B-complex and folic acid

A B-complex combines several B vitamins in one tablet. Riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Thiamine (B1) and biotin contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism. A B-complex is practical for those who want to take several B vitamins in a single dose. Jarrow Formulas Methyl B12 chewable tablet combines vitamin B12 with methylfolate, an active form of folic acid.

Coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble substance that the body produces itself and which can be found in almost all cells, particularly in the mitochondria. It is found in small amounts in meat, oily fish and nuts. In supplements, Q10 is available as ubiquinone, the classic form, and as ubiquinol, the reduced form. In this collection you will find Q10 from Vit4ever and NOW Foods and ubiquinol from NOW Foods and Life Extension. Because Q10 is fat-soluble, it is best taken with a meal. There are no approved health claims for Q10 in the EU.

Maca, ginseng, cordyceps and shilajit

Maca is a tuber from the Andes in Peru, ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a root from East Asia and cordyceps is a mushroom that is usually offered in supplements as the cultivated CS-4 variety. Shilajit, also known as mumijo, is a resinous substance from mountain ranges such as the Himalayas. You will find them as extracts in capsules and tablets, in ratios such as 5:1, 10:1 or 20:1, and shilajit also as resin. There are (yet) no approved health claims for these plant-based substances in the EU, so we only describe what they are.

D-ribose, PQQ and NAD+

D-ribose is a simple sugar with five carbon atoms that is naturally found in the body; you can find it as a powder from Vit4ever and in capsules from Swanson. PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is a substance that can be found in small amounts in kiwi, parsley and green tea, among others. NAD+ is a coenzyme that the body produces itself; Vit4ever combines it with trans-resveratrol, niacin and betaine. Acetyl-L-carnitine also falls into this group. There are no approved health claims for these substances; choose them based on their composition and dosage.

When to see your GP?

Fatigue can have many different causes, such as sleep, stress, diet or an underlying medical condition. If you have been tired for a long time without an obvious reason, have your GP check this, especially before you start using iron for an extended period. Always follow the recommended daily dosage on the packaging when taking supplements. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist first. A supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet, sufficient sleep and a healthy lifestyle.