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Energy is a precious commodity in the bustling lives of athletes and active individuals. Our bodies derive their energy from the food and nutrients we consume on a daily basis, so a well-balanced diet is key. The vitamins that contribute most to maintaining our energy levels include the B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A. These particular vitamins are often lacking in people's diets, so supplementing with the best vitamins for energy may help prevent fatigue and tiredness.
While these vitamins can be supplemented individually, many multivitamins do a good job of including the proper amounts of each of them. Even so, there may be some cases in which you'd want to supplement with certain vitamins separately. With the endless vitamin products on the market, it can be a daunting task to comb through them to find the best one for your goals. To help streamline your search, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has curated a list of the best vitamins for energy in 2023.
The Best Vitamins for Energy - Our Top Picks
- Best Men's Vitamin for Energy: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+
- Best Women's Vitamin for Energy: Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+
- Best Energy Vitamin for Athletes: Xwerks Rise
- Best Multivitamin for Energy: Kaged Multivitamin
- Best Natural Vitamin for Energy: Transparent Labs Nootropic
- Best Gummy Energy Vitamin: KOS Energy Gummies
- Best Vitamin for Energy and Focus: ONNIT Alpha BRAIN® Black Label
- Best Energy Multivitamin for Kids: Ritual Essential for Kids Multivitamin 4+
- Best Vitamin for Energy: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've also consulted with a team of nutritionists and dietitians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Best Men's Vitamins for Energy - Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamin A, D3, E, B12, and K2; magnesium; zinc; boron; omega-3 DHA
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Price: $1.10/serving
While multivitamins are often unisex considering that men and women require most of the same nutrients, some brands cater their formulas to men or women to provide more individualized supplementation. When it comes to maintaining energy levels and combating fatigue, men may require more of certain nutrients including vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium, boron, and zinc.
We've selected Ritual's Essential for Men Multivitamin to represent the best for men category due to its unique formulation of vitamins and minerals that are important for men's health and promote good energy levels. Their formula includes vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, all of which play a role in energy metabolism. In addition, this supplement provides zinc, magnesium, and boron, three minerals that are essential for testosterone production. Lastly, each dose supplies 330 milligrams of omega-3s which promote heart health and reduce inflammation in the body.
What We Like
- Contains a curated blend of vitamins and minerals for men's health
- Supplies 330mg of plant-based omega-3s
- Vegan-friendly
- Transparent labeling and third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Excludes certain vitamins and minerals typically found in multivitamins
- More expensive than some comparable options
BUY: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+
Best Women's Vitamins for Energy - Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamin D3, E, B12, and K2; folate; iron; magnesium; boron; omega-3 DHA
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Price: $1.10/serving
While a standard multivitamin will often be sufficient to meet the needs of most women, there are certain instances in which women may require additional specific nutrients. Particularly during menstruating years, it's recommended that women consume additional iron to replenish the iron lost in menstrual blood each month, and folate to support fetal brain development.(1) Particularly in athletes, iron plays an important role in red blood cell formation and oxygen circulation throughout the body during exercise, which can impact energy levels.
Ritual's Essential for Women Multivitamin includes a formulation of the most important nutrients for supporting women's health and energy levels, which include vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, iron, B12, magnesium, boron, and vitamin K. Additionally, each dose supplies 330 milligrams of plant-based omega-3s to support heart and joint health. This simple multivitamin includes just the most impactful ingredients for maintaining energy and does away with others that may not be necessary.
What We Like
- Supplies important nutrients for women's health and preventing fatigue
- Supplies 330mg of plant-based omega-3s
- Transparent labeling and third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- On the expensive side when compared to similar products
- Missing several vitamins and minerals commonly found in multivitamins
BUY: Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+
Best Energy Vitamin for Athletes - Xwerks Rise
SPECS
- Ingredients: Zinc, tongkat ali powder, Shilajit extract, BioPerine®, boron
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Price: $1.63/serving
For sheer power, Xwerks Rise is one of our favorite supplement recommendations. Designed to fuel your natural testosterone production, this is a great supplement to take in order to increase libido or sexual energy. But it also translates to amazing performance on the court, the track, or the field, providing a meaningful boost of vigor, stamina, and drive.
This formula is great for any athlete looking for a confidence boost. And while it's not the most affordable option on our list, it does earn its higher price point via a simple, natural ingredient list, focusing on zinc oxide and absent any unnatural sweeteners or dyes.
What We Like
- Boosts natural testosterone production
- Short and simple ingredient list
- Great for improving sports and bedroom performance
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Some may find this supplement to be a little hard on the stomach
Best Multivitamin for Energy - Kaged Multivitamin
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins A-K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, ACTIValoe®
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Price: $1.16/serving
With a blend that provides 100% of 21 vitamins and minerals sourced from organic fruits and vegetables, Kaged Multivitamin is a vegan-friendly powerhouse. For example, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, and iron come directly from spinach, vitamin A from sweet potatoes, and vitamin C and chromium from broccoli. It also contains ACTIValoe®, a purified aloe vera extract that contains more than 200 biologically active amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, enzymes, and sterols. Further, using these real food ingredients helps the body to better absorb key nutrients.
Additionally, Kaged Multivitamin is third-party tested, non-GMO, and Informed-Sport Certified, so you can rest easy knowing that you're getting the best ingredients for the price. What reviewers love the most about this multivitamin is the convenient two-capsule dosage and the boost in energy that they get from the clean, natural ingredients.
What We Like
- Ingredients from organic fruits and vegetables
- Transparent labeling
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Missing a few vitamins and minerals typically found in multivitamins
- May not be allergen-friendly
Best Natural Vitamin for Energy - Transparent Labs Nootropic
SPECS
- Ingredients: SerinAid®, Cognizin® citicoline, L-theanine, caffeine anhydrous, Neurofactor™ whole coffee fruit extract, huperzine A
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Price: $1.67/serving
Nootropics, or "smart drugs" as they're referred to often, are nutritional supplements that claim to enhance brain function by helping improve cognition, focus, and overall energy.(2) The best nootropics will feature research-backed ingredients like L-theanine and huperzine A. Transparent Labs has these brain-boosting ingredients and more, including clinically-studied and patented ingredients like SerinAid® and Cognizin® citicoline with fully transparent amounts of each on the label. They also pride themselves on using all-natural ingredients in their supplements.
The increase in energy comes from Transparent Labs Nootropics' 100 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, which they claim is "just the right amount." However, if the caffeine level gives you pause, there is also a non-stim version of this product. Similarly, the price may feel kind of steep, but Transparent Labs offers a subscribe-and-save program for 10% off and free shipping.
What We Like
- Transparent labeling and third-party tested ingredients
- Ingredients for energy and focus
- Available in stim-based and stim-free
- Subscribe-and-save option
What We Don't Like
- On the more expensive side
- Doesn't have as many vitamins and minerals
BUY: Transparent Labs Nootropic
Best Gummy Energy Vitamin - KOS Energy Gummies
SPECS
- Ingredients: Niacin, vitamin B6 and B12, organic green coffee beans, ashwagandha extract, rhodiola extract
- Dosage: 1 gummy
- Price: $0.67/serving
Not everyone enjoys taking pills and powders for energy supplementation and may opt for different methods like energy drinks, energy gels, or coffee to get themselves up and going. There's nothing inherently wrong with those options, but they may not have the same amount of nutritional ingredients as an energy vitamin. KOS Energy Gummies—aka Rise N' Shine—are a once daily gummy vitamin that are easy to take daily and come in a delicious citrus flavor.
Each KOS Energy gummy comes in an individually-wrapped package and contains 20 grams of KOS Energy Blend, which is a combination of organic caffeine from PurCaf® (organic green coffee beans), ashwagandha root extract, and rhodiola root extract. These ingredients may help boost energy levels, and increase focus and concentration. Most importantly, these gummies are sugar-free—we can't say the same for most energy drinks—and are made without wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, tree nuts, fish, and gelatin.
What We Like
- Easy to chew and swallow
- Organic green coffee bean extract for energy
- Contains ashwagandha and rhodiola extract for focus and concentration
- Budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- Not everyone will enjoy the citrus taste
- Some may not want a proprietary energy blend
Best Energy Vitamin for Energy and Focus - ONNIT Alpha BRAIN® Black Label
SPECS
- Ingredients: Velvet bean extract, lion's mane, Cognizin® citicoline, SerinAid®, L-theanine, caffeine anhydrous, toothed clubmoss, lutein, zeaxanthin isomers
- Dosage: 4 capsules
- Price: $6.25/serving
Occasionally, you will have those days where you just hit that figurative wall in terms of motivation. When you need an extra boost of focus and energy support, a product like ONNIT Alpha BRAIN® Black Label can potentially help you scale that wall. Alpha BRAIN® Black Label contains brain-stimulating ingredients like Cognizin® citicoline and L-theanine to help you maintain focus, caffeine anhydrous for energy, and lutein for eye health. This is especially handy if you work in front of a screen all day.
ONNIT Alpha BRAIN® Black Label is meant to return you to a "flow state" where you are experiencing levels of hyper-focus and concentration, whether you're working, training, or engaging in another high-effort activity. The price point is very high compared to the other energy supplements on this list, but reviewers seem to feel that the expense is worth the increase in productivity.
What We Like
- Premium formula for supporting attention and focus
- Low dose of caffeine and L-theanine for energy without jitters
- Backed by research
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- 4 capsules per serving
BUY: ONNIT Alpha BRAIN® Black Label
Best Energy Multivitamin for Kids - Ritual Essential for Kids Multivitamin 4+
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins A-K, folate, choline, iodine, zinc, fiber and prebiotic blend, omega-3 DHA
- Dosage: 3 gummies
- Price: $1.10/serving
While we usually associate low energy levels with adults who lead busy lives, kids need the proper vitamins and nutrients to support energy levels and growth. Supplementation may be especially important if you have a kid who is a picky eater and you are concerned they may not be getting enough micronutrients. In this case, a daily multivitamin is a good idea for most children.
Ritual Essential for Kids Multivitamin 4+ includes a blend of important vitamins and minerals that kids need to support growth and maintain energy levels. In addition to the micronutrients, this gummy product also supplies 50 milligrams of vegan omega-3s, which are important for brain development. It's important to note that this multi is made for kids over the age of four, so you'll have to consider other options for younger children.
What We Like
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals for children
- Vegan-friendly
- Traceable ingredients
- Sugar-free and no artificial sweeteners
What We Don't Like
- Excludes certain vitamins and minerals generally found in children's multis
- More expensive than some similar products
BUY: Ritual Essential for Kids Multivitamin 4+
Best Vitamin for Energy - Transparent Labs Multivitamin
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins A-K, biotin, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, chloride, sodium, potassium, organic ashwagandha extract KSM-66®, coQ10, boron
- Dosage: 3 gummies
- Price: $1.10/serving
Made with generous doses of bioavailable vitamins and chelated minerals, including organic ashwagandha extract KSM-66®, Transparent Labs Multivitamin is targeted toward those who are active and fit. Specifically, the hearty portion of vitamins will support the high energy levels needed for rigorous workouts while bolstering your immune system and overall wellness. Simply put, this is the vitamin you want when you're hoping to reduce fatigue, improve recovery times, and get more out of each session at the gym.
While the price point is higher than average, we'll give kudos for the lack of sweeteners, coloring and preservatives, and clear labeling of every Transparent Labs product. Take advantage of the subscribe-and-save option for a 10% discount and free shipping.
What We Like
- Helps boost immune function reduce fatigue
- Generous multivitamin mix of bioavailable nutrients
- Contains organic ashwagandha extract KSM-66®
- Subscribe-and-Save
What We Don't Like
- 4 capsule dosage can be a lot for some
- For best effect, you may need to add probiotics to your vitamin routine
BUY: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
How We Chose the Best Vitamins for Energy
When narrowing down a list of recommendations like the best vitamins for energy, the ACTIVE Reviews Team conducts product research based on brands we trust—such as Transparent Labs and Ritual—with certifications and excellent track records for ingredient quality. We also read user reviews concerning effectiveness, taste, and customer service to bring you the most accurate assessment of each product we choose.
How to Choose the Best Vitamin for Energy
When shopping for the best vitamins for energy, there are several factors to take into consideration to ensure you select the best one for your goals. Here are the main elements you'll want to take a look at.
Vitamins to Boost Energy
- B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12): Supports healthy energy metabolism
- Vitamin A: Aids in energy metabolism at the cellular level(3)
- Vitamin D: Promotes mitochondrial (energy-producing cells) function(4)
- Vitamin E: Serves as an antioxidant fighting free radicals in the body, which can help combat inflammation and fatigue(5)
- Vitamin C: Serves as a cofactor during energy production at the cellular level(6)
Dosing
Different supplement brands vary greatly in the doses that they provide. When shopping for the best vitamins for energy, closely read the label to determine if your desired ingredients are provided in the proper dosages. Too low of a dose may not have an effect, whereas too high of a dose can have negative side effects.
Form
The majority of vitamins are provided in capsule or tablet form. That being said, some brands offer alternative formats such as gummies or powders. Consider which form you will be most likely to take on a regular basis and make an educated selection based on your choice.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing is when a supplement company sends their products to an outside lab to get tested for purity and quality. This process ensures the supplement is free of contaminants or banned substances. It's always best to select a third-party tested supplement when available.
Proprietary Blends
Proprietary blends are blends of ingredients found in supplements that don't disclose the amount of each individual ingredient. These make it difficult to determine how much of a given ingredient is provided. In general, it's best to avoid proprietary blends if you have any concerns about the amount of each ingredient, and stick to brands that use transparent labeling in order to make an informed decision.
FAQs About Vitamins for Energy
What are the best vitamins for tiredness and fatigue?
In general, the vitamins that will be most impactful for preventing tiredness and fatigue include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A. While these are commonly found in our foods, many people may not get enough from diet alone.
Who should take vitamins for energy?
While nearly everyone could benefit from taking a multivitamin containing all of the essential vitamins and minerals, there are some populations, in particular, that may especially benefit. These populations include athletes, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, vegans and vegetarians, older adults, and people with certain illnesses. In particular, supplementing with vitamins and minerals can help support energy levels for these people.
What vitamins give you energy fast?
B vitamins are the powerhouses that aid in energy metabolism in the body. When we eat food, this group of vitamins helps break it down to release energy to be used on the cellular level. Hence why many high-level athletes choose to supplement with B vitamins.
Does vitamin B12 give you energy?
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the production of energy in our bodies from the foods we eat. When you're low on B12 you may be left feeling sluggish. Regularly supplementing with B12 when your levels are low can certainly help boost your energy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What Are Vitamins | Nutrient-Dense Foods | Fat-Soluble Vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins | Best Vitamin D Supplements | Best Magnesium Supplements | Best Iron Supplements | Best Vitamins for Energy | Best Beet Supplements | Best Vitamin B12 Supplements | Best Calcium Supplements
References
- Arvidsson, B., Ekenved, G., Rybo, G., & Sölvell, L. (1981). Iron prophylaxis in menorrhagia. Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 60(2), 157–160.
- Malík, M., & Tlustoš, P. (2022). Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients, 14(16), 3367. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163367
- Tardy, A. L., Pouteau, E., Marquez, D., Yilmaz, C., & Scholey, A. (2020). Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients, 12(1), 228. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010228
- David R. Fraser, Vitamin D Deficiency and Energy Metabolism, Endocrinology, Volume 156, Issue 6, 1 June 2015, Pages 1933–1935, https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2015-1298
- Coombes, J. S., Rowell, B., Dodd, S. L., Demirel, H. A., Naito, H., Shanely, R. A., & Powers, S. K. (2002). Effects of vitamin E deficiency on fatigue and muscle contractile properties. European journal of applied physiology, 87(3), 272–277. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-002-0631-3
- Tardy, A. L., Pouteau, E., Marquez, D., Yilmaz, C., & Scholey, A. (2020). Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients, 12(1), 228. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010228
About the Author
Daniel Preiato is a registered dietitian who specializes in sports nutrition and nutrition education. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and an avid strength athlete. He uses his background in clinical nutrition to dissect research and help individuals meet their health and fitness goals.
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