Best Supplements for Reduced Fatigue
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 34 supplements across 45 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Moderate evidence3 studies
Across 3 randomized controlled trials, lavender (administered via inhalation) showed moderate beneficial effects on reducing fatigue in clinical populations. All 3 studies reported statistically significant improvements in fatigue scores. The median study duration was 7 days, with dosing typically involving nightly inhalation sessions of varying lengths (e.g., 15 minutes daily, 20 minutes before bed, or 2 minutes nightly).
- Low evidence4 studies
Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 on reducing fatigue, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The only randomized controlled trial (RCT) found a statistically significant moderate effect on exercise performance and fatigue in healthy adults (n=53). Three review articles also cited benefits, but the overall evidence base is small and the most-studied dose, form, and duration are not consistently reported.
- Very low evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 on reduced fatigue, with a predominant moderate effect size. One statistically significant finding from a mouse study showed reduced fatigue biomarkers, while two narrative reviews supported a mechanistic role for gut microbiota in exercise-induced fatigue. The evidence base is very small and includes no human interventional trials with this specific strain, making conclusions preliminary.
- LowLactobacillus brevis SBC8803Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 on reducing fatigue, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The only randomized controlled trial (RCT) found a statistically significant moderate effect on exercise performance and fatigue in healthy adults (n=53). Three review articles also cited benefits, but the overall evidence base is small and the most-studied dose, form, and duration are not consistently reported.4 beneficial4 studies
- ModerateLavenderAcross 3 randomized controlled trials, lavender (administered via inhalation) showed moderate beneficial effects on reducing fatigue in clinical populations. All 3 studies reported statistically significant improvements in fatigue scores. The median study duration was 7 days, with dosing typically involving nightly inhalation sessions of varying lengths (e.g., 15 minutes daily, 20 minutes before bed, or 2 minutes nightly).3 beneficial3 studies
- Very lowLactobacillus salivarius UCC118Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 on reduced fatigue, with a predominant moderate effect size. One statistically significant finding from a mouse study showed reduced fatigue biomarkers, while two narrative reviews supported a mechanistic role for gut microbiota in exercise-induced fatigue. The evidence base is very small and includes no human interventional trials with this specific strain, making conclusions preliminary.3 beneficial3 studies