Dietary sources of important nutrients should always be your first choice to boost energy but there are times when a vitamin and mineral supplement can act as an insurance policy. In addition, some herbal supplements have the potential to boost your energy levels if you feel they are not where they should be.

First of all take a good multivitamin and mineral to safeguard against nutritional deficiencies which can cause fatigue. For example, Iron is need for the production of energy; magnesium regulates your energy levels and the B vitamins are vital for metabolism. Choose a supplement containing as many vitamins and minerals as possible. To make sure you are getting enough essential fatty acids which are vital for energy production and good health take a fish oil supplement. In trials, essential fatty acids have been shown to have a significant beneficial effect on people suffering from chronic fatigue.

If you want to try other supplements choose one from the following:

• Siberian ginseng: Improves physical and mental energy levels, especially when under stress and can also normalise blood sugar levels. Dose: 250-500 mg daily.
• Schisandra: Increases physical and sexual energy levels and prevents fatigue by increasing oxygen uptake in cells. Dose: 250-500 mg daily.
• Gingko biloba: Boosts mental function, memory and alertness. Improves circulation to the brain. Dose 120 mg a day.
• Co-enzyme Q10: A vitamin like substance that improves physical energy levels and muscle strength and endurance. Needed by cells to process oxygen and generate energy. Dose 30-60 mg.
• Alpha-lipoic acid: A vitamin like substance that speeds up metabolic reactions involved in energy production in cells. A powerful antioxidant used to boost energy and overcome fatigue. Dose 50-100mg daily.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 1st, 2007 at 2:30 am and is filed under General Health, Supplements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.