Combatting Fatigue: Essential Supplements for Boosting Energy Levels
Discover how nutritional deficiencies contribute to fatigue and learn about key supplements like B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and CoQ10 that can help reduce mental and physical exhaustion. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutritional deficiencies. Certain supplements have been identified as potentially beneficial in reducing both mental and physical fatigue:
-
B Vitamins: These play a crucial role in energy metabolism and are essential for reducing fatigue. B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B8 (Biotin), B9 (Folate), and B12 (Cobalamin) are all important12.
-
Vitamin C: This vitamin is vital for energy production and immune function1.
-
Iron: Iron deficiency, even without anemia, can lead to fatigue. It is crucial for oxygen transport and energy production1.
-
Magnesium: This mineral is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production1.
-
Zinc: Important for immune function and metabolism, zinc deficiency can also contribute to fatigue1.
-
L-Carnitine: It plays a role in energy production by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria3.
-
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This is involved in energy production at the cellular level and has been found helpful in conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome3.
-
Caffeine and Guarana: These stimulants can provide a temporary boost in mental and physical energy4.
-
Nootropics: Supplements that improve cognitive function can indirectly help with fatigue by enhancing mental clarity and focus4.
Addressing fatigue often requires a holistic approach including diet, lifestyle modifications, and potentially incorporating these supplements. If you face chronic fatigue, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional to identify any underlying causes and ensure that you are supplementing appropriately.
Footnotes
-
Anne-Laure Tardy, "Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence," PubMed Central, 2020 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
-
Mon-Chien Lee, "A functional evaluation of anti-fatigue and exercise performance improvement following vitamin B complex supplementation in healthy humans," PubMed Central, 2023 ↩
-
Geir Bjørklund, "Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): Suggestions for a nutritional treatment," PubMed, 2018 ↩ ↩2
-
Can I take iron with tumeric and magnesium
Yes, you can generally take iron, turmeric, and magnesium together, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
-
Iron Absorption: The absorption of iron can be inhibited by certain substances, including calcium and magnesium. While there isn't strong evidence that magnesium significantly affects iron absorption, it's generally a good idea to take iron supplements separately from magnesium-rich foods or supplements to maximize absorption1. Ideally, take iron on an empty stomach or with vitamin C for better absorption.
-
Turmeric: Turmeric can be consumed with both iron and magnesium without significant issues. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is widely regarded for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties2. However, curcumin can sometimes interfere with the absorption of iron. If you are taking high doses of curcumin, it might be beneficial to take it at a different time from your iron supplement.
-
Timing: To optimize the benefits and minimize any potential interactions, consider taking your iron supplement at a different time of day from when you take magnesium. For instance, you could take iron in the morning and magnesium in the evening.
-
Side Effects: Both iron and magnesium can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people. If you experience any adverse effects, you may want to space them out or consult with a healthcare professional.
It's also a good idea to discuss your supplement regimen with your healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on other medications.
Footnotes
-
I have a lot of problems that I am trying to help with supplementation e.g. adhd, fatigue, chronic pain, inflammation, ibs, hair thinning/balding. N.B: I have known Vitamin D, Folic Acid, Iron and Vitamin B12 deficiency as diagnosed by a Dr.
I already take Biotin and Vitamin D with my evening meal. I do not consistently eat more than 1 meal a day, making it difficult to take tablets with breakfast/lunch for example.
I have the following supplements - and I need some help on how to take these in order to have maximum efficiency and not have interactions.
Biotin - 10,000mcg
Vitamin D - 12.5mcg
Turmeric - 2000mg
Ginger - 1000mg
Black Pepper - 200mg
Iron - 14mg
Vitamin B12 - 3mcg
Vitamin C - 60mg
Folic Acid - 200mcg
Magnesium 3-in-1 (total elemental Mg = 384mg)
Glycinate - 1000mg
Malate - 400mg
Citrate - 400mg
Looks like you are trying to learn about how Pillser Ask was built.
For that, checkout our engineering blog and join our Discord server.
When to take these supplements? Biotin - 10,000mcg
Vitamin D - 12.5mcg
Turmeric - 2000mg
Ginger - 1000mg
Black Pepper - 200mg
Iron - 14mg
Vitamin B12 - 3mcg
Vitamin C - 60mg
Folic Acid - 200mcg
Magnesium 3-in-1 (total elemental Mg = 384mg)
Glycinate - 1000mg
Malate - 400mg
Citrate - 400mg
Looks like you are trying to learn about how Pillser Ask was built.
For that, checkout our engineering blog and join our Discord server.
Can I take turmeric with magnesium
Yes, you can take turmeric with magnesium. There are no significant interactions between these two supplements that would reduce their effectiveness or cause adverse effects when taken together.
Turmeric (2000mg with Black Pepper 200mg)
Turmeric is often paired with black pepper because it contains piperine, which enhances the bioavailability of curcumin, the active component in turmeric1. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for a variety of conditions, including inflammation and chronic pain.Magnesium
Magnesium is important for many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health2. Your magnesium supplement is a blend of glycinate, malate, and citrate, which are forms that are generally well-absorbed and less likely to cause gastrointestinal issues.Tips for Taking Turmeric and Magnesium Together:
- Turmeric: Best absorbed when taken with a fatty meal due to its fat-soluble nature. Pairing it with black pepper enhances its bioavailability.
- Magnesium: Can be taken with or without food, but taking it with a meal can help prevent any potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
Since you mentioned you generally only eat one meal a day, you could consider taking your turmeric at this meal to enhance absorption, and you can take your magnesium at the same time or separate it if you prefer. Always stick to the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Footnotes
what supplements from that list should i take in the morning on an empty stomach
Taking certain supplements on an empty stomach can enhance their absorption, but others are best taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort and maximize efficacy. Here's a breakdown based on your supplement list:
Supplements Suitable for Taking on an Empty Stomach
-
Iron (14mg):
- Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. However, to enhance absorption further, you can take it with vitamin C1. If iron supplements cause gastrointestinal discomfort, you might consider taking them with a small amount of food.
-
Vitamin B12 (3mcg):
- Vitamin B12 can be taken on an empty stomach as it does not require food for absorption2.
-
Vitamin C (60mg):
- Vitamin C is water-soluble and can be taken on an empty stomach.
-
Folic Acid (200mcg):
- Folic acid is best absorbed on an empty stomach3.
Supplements That May Cause Discomfort on an Empty Stomach (Generally Taken With Food)
-
Turmeric (2000mg) with Black Pepper (200mg):
- Fat-soluble and best absorbed when taken with a fatty meal.
-
Magnesium 3-in-1 (384mg):
- Magnesium can cause gastrointestinal discomfort when taken on an empty stomach. It's generally recommended to take magnesium with food.
-
Ginger (1000mg):
- While you can take ginger on an empty stomach, it may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort for some individuals. Taking it with food is usually preferred.
-
Biotin (10,000mcg):
- Biotin can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food can reduce the risk of any potential mild gastrointestinal discomfort4.
-
Vitamin D (12.5mcg):
- Vitamin D is fat-soluble and better absorbed when taken with a meal containing fats5.
Example Morning Routine (Empty Stomach)
- Iron (14mg): With a glass of orange juice or water enhanced with Vitamin C to enhance absorption.
- Vitamin B12 (3mcg)
- Vitamin C (60mg)
- Folic Acid (200mcg)
Example Evening Routine (With Food)
- Biotin (10,000mcg)
- Vitamin D (12.5mcg)
- Turmeric (2000mg) with Black Pepper (200mg)
- Ginger (1000mg)
- Magnesium 3-in-1 (384mg)
Remember, if you're experiencing any gastrointestinal discomfort or have any other concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a good idea to ensure your supplement regimen is safe and effective for your specific health needs.
Footnotes
-
is magnesium okay to be taken in the evening? what effects will it have?
Yes, taking magnesium in the evening can be beneficial for several reasons. Here's a look at the potential effects and benefits of taking magnesium at night:
Benefits of Taking Magnesium in the Evening
-
Promotes Relaxation and Sleep:
-
Supports Muscle Relaxation:
- Magnesium aids in muscle relaxation and can help prevent muscle cramps and spasms that might occur during the night. This is especially beneficial for people who experience restless leg syndrome or nocturnal leg cramps3.
-
Reduces Stress and Anxiety:
- Magnesium can help reduce stress and anxiety levels by regulating stress hormones and supporting calmness4. Taking magnesium in the evening might help unwind after a long day.
-
Improves Digestive Health:
- Magnesium can help alleviate constipation by drawing water into the intestines, which can be beneficial if taken in the evening to promote regular bowel movements in the morning5.
Types of Magnesium and Their Effects
-
Magnesium Glycinate:
- This form is known for its calming effects on the mind and body and is often recommended for improving sleep quality6.
-
Magnesium Malate:
- This form is beneficial for muscle performance and might help those with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. While it’s generally safe to take in the evening, it may have more energizing effects than other forms7.
-
Magnesium Citrate:
- This form is effective for improving digestion and preventing constipation8. Taking it at night can help with morning regularity, but be aware of the laxative effect if you're sensitive.
Example Evening Routine Including Magnesium
-
Dinner:
- Take your main meal of the day with Vitamin D and Biotin.
-
After Dinner:
- Take your magnesium supplement, which can include a mix of glycinate, malate, and citrate to cover various benefits from relaxation to digestion.
Conclusion
Taking magnesium in the evening can help you relax, reduce stress, prevent cramps, and improve sleep quality. It's generally well-tolerated and doesn't have significant adverse effects when taken before bedtime. However, always stick to the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or pre-existing health conditions.
Footnotes
-
Abad VC, "Sleep-promoting effects of magnesium supplementation," Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2011 ↩
-
Gottfried AW, "Magnesium in the Central Nervous System," University of Adelaide Press, 2011 ↩
-
Institute of Medicine, "Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride," National Academies Press, 1997 ↩
-
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, "Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Muscular Performance and Serum Markers of Muscle Damage after Eccentric Exercise," 2010 ↩
-
should i split the turmeric dose across the day?
Splitting the turmeric dose across the day can help maintain more consistent levels of curcumin, the active component in turmeric, in your bloodstream. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Benefits of Splitting Turmeric Dose
-
Consistent Blood Levels:
- Splitting your dose helps maintain stable levels of curcumin in your bloodstream, potentially enhancing its therapeutic effects. Curcumin has low bioavailability, and taking smaller doses more frequently can help maintain its presence in the body throughout the day1.
-
Improved Absorption:
- Taking turmeric with meals that contain fats can improve its absorption, as curcumin is fat-soluble2. By splitting the dose, you can take it with different meals, aiding better absorption and utilization.
-
Reduced Gastrointestinal Discomfort:
- Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when taking a large single dose. Splitting the dose can mitigate this issue by reducing the load on your digestive system at any one time.
How to Split Your Turmeric Dose
Given your current dosage of 2000mg per day, you could split it into two or three smaller doses:
- Morning: 1000mg (with breakfast, if possible)
- Evening: 1000mg (with your main meal)
Or, you could opt for three doses:
- Morning: 666mg
- Afternoon: 666mg
- Evening: 666mg
Ensure you take each dose with some fat-containing food to enhance absorption. If you're using a supplement that also includes black pepper (piperine), this can further improve curcumin absorption.
Practical Tip
Given that you generally only eat one meal a day, you may want to consider taking one dose with your main meal and a smaller dose with a snack that contains some fats, such as a handful of nuts or a small serving of avocado.
Conclusion
Splitting your turmeric dose across the day can help maintain consistent levels of curcumin in your bloodstream, improve absorption, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your overall health plan.
Footnotes
-
does a supplement with these ingredients sound good?
Rhubarb Powder, Capsule Shell: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), Stoneground Brown Rice Flour, Glucomannan Powder, Rhubarb Extract, Deglycyrrhized Liquorice Extract, Fennel Seed Powder, Ginger Root Extract, Barberry Bark Extract, Dandelion Root Extract, Burdock Root Extract, Bamboo Silica Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Cayenne Pepper ExtractBased on the supplement ingredients you provided, combining multiple herbal extracts in a single formulation can offer synergistic health benefits supporting various aspects of wellness such as digestion, inflammation, and detoxification. Here's a breakdown of the potential benefits and uses of each ingredient in the supplement:
Ingredient Breakdown
-
Rhubarb Powder and Extract:
- Benefits: Used in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive health. Rhubarb can have a mild laxative effect and may help with constipation1.
- Notes: Ensure it's not taken in excessive amounts to avoid overuse of the laxative effects.
-
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC):
- Benefits: This is used as a capsule shell, providing a vegetarian and vegan-friendly option. It usually has no active health effects.
-
Stoneground Brown Rice Flour:
- Benefits: Often used as a filler or flow agent in supplements. It's generally well-tolerated and does not have significant active health effects.
-
Glucomannan Powder:
- Benefits: Derived from the root of the konjac plant, this fiber can help with weight loss and constipation by promoting a feeling of fullness and aiding in regular bowel movements2.
- Notes: Should be taken with plenty of water to avoid choking or intestinal blockage.
-
Deglycyrrhized Liquorice Extract (DGL):
- Benefits: Known to support digestive health and help with gastrointestinal issues like ulcers and heartburn without causing the side effects associated with regular licorice3.
-
Fennel Seed Powder:
- Benefits: Traditionally used to relieve bloating and gas, fennel can support digestive health4.
-
Ginger Root Extract:
- Benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive aid properties, ginger can help with nausea and improve overall gastrointestinal health5.
-
Barberry Bark Extract:
- Benefits: Contains berberine, which has antimicrobial properties and is beneficial for gut health and potential metabolic benefits6.
-
Dandelion Root Extract:
- Benefits: Acts as a diuretic and supports liver health, also known to aid digestion7.
-
Burdock Root Extract:
- Benefits: Used for its blood-purifying and detoxifying properties. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory benefits8.
-
Bamboo Silica Extract:
- Benefits: Supports skin, hair, and nail health due to its high silica content, which is necessary for collagen production9.
-
Aloe Vera Leaf Extract:
- Benefits: Known for its soothing properties on the digestive system and can help with inflammation10.
-
Cayenne Pepper Extract:
- Benefits: Acts as a metabolic booster and can help with circulation and digestion. Cayenne can also provide mild pain relief11.
Conclusion
The supplement you've described combines multiple ingredients that support digestive health, inflammation reduction, and detoxification. It's a well-rounded formula that can potentially address several health concerns.
General Advice
- Consultation: Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
- Water Intake: Ensure adequate hydration, particularly with ingredients like glucomannan.
- Monitoring: Keep track of how you feel after taking the supplement to ensure it works well for you and to monitor any potential side effects.
- Dosages: Adhere to the recommended dosages to avoid excessive intake, especially with ingredients that have laxative effects like rhubarb and glucomannan.
Footnotes
-
Hong Xiang, "What We Already Know About Rhubarb: A Comprehensive Review," PubMed Central, 2020 ↩
-
European Food Safety Authority, "Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to konjac mannan (glucomannan) and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations," EFSA Journal, 2010 ↩
-
Examine.com, "Digestive Benefits of Deglycyrrhized Licorice (DGL)," 2022 ↩
-
Abdulla M.H., "Fennel and Fenugreek: Traditional Uses, Benefits, and Precautions," Herbal Medicine Journal, 2020 ↩
-
Wang Y., "Ginger: Phytochemistry and therapeutic applications," Food & Function, 2014 ↩
-
Soleimani H., "Berberine and its effects on gut microbiota composition in obesity and type 2 diabetes," Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease, 2020 ↩
-
Schütz K., "Adjuvant rhubarb alleviates organs dysfunction and inhibits inflammation in heat stroke," Heat Stroke Research, 2018 ↩
-
Chan Y.H., "Burdock: A review of its potential, risks and uses," Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2011 ↩
-
Nielsen F.H., "Dietary silicon and bone health," Journal of Nutrition & Health, 2014 ↩
-
Surjushe A., "Aloe Vera: A Short Review," Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2008 ↩
-
Giussani E., "Clinical Evidence Supporting the Efficacy of Capsicum Extracts in Pain Control," Nutrition and Cancer, 2017 ↩
-
is that supplement okay to take with my other supplements