Updated on Oct. 19, 2023
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Caroline Igo (she/her/hers) is a wellness editor and holds Sleep Science Coach and Stress Management certificates from the Spencer Institute. She received her bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Miami University and continues to further her craft in her free time. Before joining CNET, Caroline wrote for past CNN anchor, Daryn Kagan.
Expertise Vitamins and supplements, nutrition, sleep & personal care Credentials
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$11 at Amazon
Best overall vitamin for energy
Nature’s Bounty Super B Complex
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$11 at Amazon
Best budget vitamin for energy
One a Day Energy Multivitamin
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$25 at Amazon
Best caffeine-free vitamin for energy
Nature Made Super B Complex
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$40 at Amazon
Best vegan vitamin for energy
Garden of Life Raw B-Complex
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$10 at Amazon
Best gummy vitamin for energy
Vitafusion Extra Strength B12
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If you’re finding yourself extra tired recently, yearning for that next vacation, you aren’t alone. Extreme fatigue can be caused by a multitude of issues like being overworked, lack of sleep or not eating balanced meals. However, if you’re constantly fatigued throughout the day or have noticed shortness of breath, pale or yellowish skin, mental fog, muscle weakness, or personality changes, you may have a vitamin B deficiency.
B vitamins are vital for our energy throughout the day and are often included in energy supplements. Whether you suspect you may have a vitamin B deficiency, aren’t getting enough B vitamins in your diet or are missing other essential energy vitamins, an added supplement might be right for you. Our experts reviewed a number of supplements with these key vitamins for energy, along with their prices, brands, ingredients and consumer reviews. Here are our five picks for the best energy vitamins.
What are the best vitamins to boost energy?
In addition to coffee, tea or energy drinks, certain vitamins that can help boost energy. The best supplements to boost your energy are B vitamins. These essential B vitamins include: thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12). All eight B vitamins are responsible for helping the body process energy from food.
Other vitamins that boost energy include vitamin C, which aids in energy production in the mitochondria of our cells. Magnesium aids in the production and use of energy molecules, or ATP, and iron is essential in the production of hemoglobin and transportation of oxygen.
If your diet lacks these vitamins and you are experiencing fatigue, you may benefit from an added supplement. Always consult a doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.
Best vitamins for energy in 2023
$40 at Amazon
Best vegan vitamin for energy
Garden of Life Raw B-Complex
Two capsules of its Raw B-Complex supplements contain 5 mg of thiamin (vitamin B1), 10 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2), 45 mg of niacin (vitamin B3), 10 mg of vitamin B6, 450 mcg of folate (vitamin B9), 133 mcg of vitamin B12, 325 mcg of biotin (vitamin B7) and 45 mg of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). What makes Garden of Life supplements unique is that they often include raw blends of organic materials. The B-Complex supplements contain two — a 360 mg of raw organic fruit and vegetable blend and a 60 mg raw probiotic and enzyme blend.
Keep in mind that the two strains of probiotics included in the enzyme blend are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus plantarum. Those two specific strains are not the most well-known or used for gut health. If you are looking to help your gut, consider a supplement that is solely a probiotic.
Price: $$$Form: CapsuleServing size: 2 capsulesSupply: 60 days
Pros:
Raw organic fruit and vegetable blend Raw probiotic and enzyme blendContains all eight B vitamins
Cons:
The most expensive on this listSupplements are not shipped cold, therefore probiotic blend is not as potent
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$10 at Amazon
Best gummy vitamin for energy
Vitafusion Extra Strength B12
The cherry-flavored Vitafusion Extra Strength B12 vitamins are the simplest on this list. The supplements only contain B12. In addition to being gluten-free, dairy-free and free of artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup or synthetic dyes, the vitamins won a 2022 ChefsBest Excellence award for its taste. Two gummy vitamins contain 3,000 mcg of vitamin B12, as well as tapioca syrup, sugar, water, gelatin and two percent or less of a blend of oils (coconut and palm) with beeswax, citric acid, lactic acid, natural flavor, pectin and sodium citrate.
If you have a nut allergy, be aware that these vitamins contain tree nuts (coconut). Also, they’re processed in a facility with products that contain egg, fish, shellfish, soy and tree nuts.
Price: $Form: GummyServing size: 2 gummiesSupply: 45 days
Pros:
Great if you hate swallowing pills and they taste greatDoesn’t contain high fructose corn syrupLeast expensive
Cons:
Contains 3 g of added sugar per serving Only has vitamin B12
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When looking for vitamins for energy, keep these factors in mind.
Daily vitamin recommendations
Vitamins for energy work best if you aren’t currently hitting your daily recommendations of B vitamins. Filling this nutritional gap can make a huge difference on your daily amount of energy. However, pay attention to how much vitamin B is in your supplements. If you are already getting enough in your diet, you don’t need a huge amount.
Always contact your doctor with your concerns before starting any type of vitamin supplement.
Dietary restrictions
Vitamins will specify if they are vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free. If you have any of these dietary preferences or restrictions, look for vitamins that are made without gluten, dairy or animal products.
Verifications
While dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, there are a few verifications you can check for that ensure the product you’re buying is safe to use.
Those verifications include:
United States Pharmacopeia: A nonprofit that sets standards for dietary supplements.National Sanitation Foundation: This ensures standards set for the facility are met.Consumer Lab: Private company tests supplements for accuracy of ingredient identity, content and purity.Dietary Supplement Verification: Program that ensures any product with a USP-verified label contains accurate, pure ingredients and has been manufactured using Good Manufacturing Practices.
The vitamin supplements for this list were selected based on price, accessibility, quality, and vitamin and mineral quantities. We also took into account third-party verifications, dosage and customer reviews. The vitamins that made this list are the best of the best out there right now.
What vitamin provides the most energy?
The eight B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, biotin, folate and B12) provide the most energy, as they aid in cell metabolism, help the body transform carbohydrates and fats into energy and carry energy-nutrients around the body.
Is it better to take B12 or B complex?
B12 and B complex are both very important. However, with B12 supplements, you are only getting one B vitamin, and with B complex supplements, you are intaking all eight B vitamins. If you lack B vitamins from your diet, consider a B complex vitamin. If you are B12 deficient, a B12 supplement may be better for you.
Does B12 give you energy right away?
As much as we wish this were true, it is not. Taking a B12 supplement or any vitamin B supplement will not give you energy right away like a cup of coffee. Instead, it could take a few weeks of taking B12 regularly until it increases your energy levels.
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