The best energy supplements that have the ability to increase alertness, stamina, and overall health include caffeine pills, l-theanine, ashwagandha, ginseng, and CoQ10. Other natural supplements that help increase energy levels include maca, guarana, and green tea extracts. Whether you are looking to increase focus and alertness, your quality of sleep, or just want to feel better, these herbal supplements may be the answer. However, it is best to arm yourself with information on their benefits, recommended dosage, and side effects. Let’s find out more!
Best Energy Supplements
Let us look at the benefits and possible side effects of the top energy supplements.
Caffeine Pills
Caffeine pills contain pure caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, and are sold as dietary supplements in 200 mg dosage. One 8-ounce cup contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine. So if you take one 200 mg caffeine pill, it is equal to downing a little more than two typical cups of coffee.
Sometimes you may need extra supplements. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Benefits
Caffeine pills are used as neuroenhancements by students to increase alertness and focus; however, detailed research is required to verify the actual effect as well as risks involved in these dietary supplements. Also, according to a report published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, athletes use it to increase endurance performance. [1]
Dosage
According to a 2017 report in the Frontiers of Psychiatry journal, it is safe to take 400 mg of caffeine per day for healthy adults (19 years and older). However, it is best to take a smaller dosage of caffeine in the dietary supplement form as you may ingest it through other products like green tea, sports drinks, colas, and protein bars. [2]
The USFDA guidance report on caffeine products states that due to the risk of adulterated caffeine which can be fatal, it is advisable to have over-the-counter caffeine in the form of: [3]
- Tablets or capsules
- Premeasured packages of liquid or powdered caffeine
- Bulk powdered or liquid caffeine that has been significantly diluted
Side effects
According to the USFDA, pure and highly concentrated caffeine is a threat to health and have led to at least 2 deaths. Other side effects of excess caffeine intake include: [4]
- muscle twitching
- high blood pressure
- insomnia
- acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems
- headache and dizziness
L-theanine
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in green and black tea, and in certain kinds of mushrooms. Research published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that l-theanine has a direct effect on the brain, which helps increase mental alertness. [5]
Benefits
Data collected from randomized clinical studies show that l-theanine has an anti-stress effect on humans. It helps increase the alpha brain waves, which helps in “wakeful relaxation”. Because l-theanine decreases anxiety, ingesting it can help you get better quality of sleep even though it is not a sedative. A study published in the Alternative Medicine Review showed that 400 mg of l-theanine, when given to boys diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), helped improve sleep quality. [6] [7]
Dosage
L-theanine is available in the form of 200 mg pills. While there is no official limit for dosage, the USFDA has marked 250 mg of l-theanine as safe. It would be advisable to check with your doctor about the dosage and to check the instructions on the packaging of the product. [8]
Side Effects
There are no known side effects of l-theanine.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (winter cherry) is regarded as one of the best energy supplements and the herb has been used in Ayurveda and traditional medicinal treatments for several centuries. [9]
Benefits
The book of herbs “Nutraceuticals: Efficacy, Safety, and Toxicity” says that the bio-compounds in ashwagandha help improve energy levels, lower anxiety, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall health. It is also found to be helpful in cases of osteoarthritis. A study in the International Journal of Ayurveda Research showed that ashwagandha improved speed and muscular performance in healthy individuals. [10] [11]
Dosage
Ashwagandha comes in different dosage forms, upwards of 300 mg. Your physician or licensed herbalist can be your best guide as different health conditions require different dosages. It works best when taken consistently and over a period of time. [12]
Side Effects
Ashwagandha can lower blood sugar levels and also interfere with diabetes medicines.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a traditional herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The herb was well-known for treating sexual dysfunction but now, several studies have proven that it also helps enhance overall well-being. The most popular forms are Asian ginseng and American ginseng. [13]
Benefits
American ginseng is taken to reduce stress, boost immunity, and increase energy levels, according to the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health. Asian ginseng has different properties. It is shown to enhance physical performance levels and increase resistance to stress and aging. [14] [15]
Dosage
There is no standard limits or dosages prescribed by doctors or regulations. Doctors and herbalists usually suggest a 200 mg dose and modify it based on the health conditions of the individual. [16]
Side effects
Ginseng may interact adversely with anticoagulation and diabetes medicines.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10, a best-selling supplement in the United States, is a naturally occurring compound in the body. According to NIH, the highest levels are present in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. [17] [18]
Benefits
There is scientific evidence that CoQ10 may reduce the complications of heart surgery as well as lessen the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Heart Failure suggested that long-term ingestion of CoQ10 can help patients with chronic heart problems by improving their symptoms. [19]
Dosage
It is advisable to take a test to determine if your CoQ10 levels are low and if you need supplementation. There is no standard prescribed dosage for CoQ10 – your doctor can determine the dosage based on your test results. Most studies use a dosage ranging from 50 mg to 1200 mg for adults, over the course of a day. [20]
Side effects
The side effects include mild insomnia or gastric distress. CoQ10 interferes with diabetes and anticoagulation medicines. Also, people undergoing cancer treatment need to check with their physicians before having it. [21]
Other Energy Supplements
Other natural energy supplements include:
- Ancient peat & apple extracts: Increased ATP levels help enhance athletic performance and a study revealed that ancient peat and apple extracts aided in doing just that. It also helped increase muscle in healthy men, without affecting blood chemistry and fat levels. [22]
- Green Tea Extract: While traditionally known for its heart-healthy antioxidants, green tea extracts are being researched for its fat oxidation ability, especially when combined with caffeine. While many athletes use it to increase their energy levels, more research is required to find out the full potential of green tea extract. [23]
- Maca: Research from a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root, published in the Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, showed that the Peruvian herb had great potential to be an adaptogen and could be used as a nutraceutical to prevent several diseases. [24]
- Guarana: This Amazonian plant has seeds which contain four times the caffeine found in coffee beans. In a study titled “Guarana’s journey from regional tonic to aphrodisiac and global energy drink“, researchers found that people use it mainly as an energy enhancer and weight loss aid as it staves off hunger. [25] [26]
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin is present in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and milk products and is required for the formation of healthy red blood cells. It is absent in a predominantly vegetarian diet but it can be got through fortified cereals. These vitamins have become popular among people who believe that it helps the body stay well-fueled throughout the day as they help release energy in the body. According to NIH, there is no adverse effect of taking extra B12 as the body only absorbs the amount it needs. [27]
Note: It is advisable to check with your doctor before adding any energy supplements to your daily diet.
