CoQ10100–300 mg · with_food
Your cells use it to turn food into energy. People with long-running fatigue are often low on it.
Solid · 1 study, positiveResearch →
energy metabolism · symptom
Chronic Fatigue
Tired in a way that sleep doesn’t fix.
Top proven supplements
Studied in people, at a dose you can actually buy.4Studied in people, at a dose you can actually buy.
Vitamin B150–100 mg · morning
Your cells need thiamine to turn sugar into usable energy.
Strong · 2 of 2 studies agreeResearch →
NMN250–500 mg · any
Raises NAD, which your cells need to make energy.
Solid · 1 study, positiveResearch →
Iron18–36 mg · empty_stomach
Iron carries oxygen round your body. Low iron is the most common fixable cause of tiredness.
Solid · 2 of 2 studies agreeResearch →
Might help
Real research, but thin or split. Worth knowing, not worth counting on.2Real research, but thin or split. Worth knowing, not worth counting on.
Vitamin D2000–4000 IU · morning
Muscle cells carry vitamin D receptors, and low levels are linked with the inflammation that drives tiredness.
Mixed · 1 of 2 studies positiveResearch →
PQQ10–20 mg · any
Prompts your cells to build new mitochondria, the parts that make energy.
Evidence · 1 study, positiveResearch →
Tested — didn’t work
Measured properly against placebo. Nothing found.1Measured properly against placebo. Nothing found.
Taurineany
Roles in mitochondria and antioxidant defence give a plausible reason to expect an energy effect.
No benefit foundResearch →
No research yet
People take these for it. We haven’t found trials we would stand behind.14People take these for it. We haven’t found trials we would stand behind.
Saffron30 mg · any
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Creatine5 g · any
Keeps a reserve of quick energy in your cells, which is the basis for a claim about tiredness.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Copper1–2 mg · any
Copper helps release stored iron for red blood cells, and helps mitochondria make energy.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Vitamin B121000–5000 mcg · morning
B12 is needed for the reactions that turn food into energy inside your cells.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Vitamin C1000–10000 mg · any
Your body needs vitamin C to make carnitine, which is involved in producing energy.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
ALA300–600 mg · any
Works inside mitochondria and recycles other antioxidants, which is the basis for an energy claim.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Melatonin1 mg · any
Combines melatonin’s antioxidant and body-clock effects with zinc. It was tested as a package.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
EGCG400–800 mg · any
Meant to raise heat production and prompt cells to build more energy machinery.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Iodine150–300 mcg · any
Your thyroid needs iodine to make the hormones that set your metabolic rate.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Vitamin B250–100 mg · morning
Riboflavin makes the coenzymes your cells use in the first steps of energy production.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
L-Carnitine500–2000 mg · any
Carries fat into the part of the cell that burns it for energy.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Calcium1000 mg · split
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Lycopeneany
Antioxidant support for mitochondria — unproven for tiredness specifically.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →
Tongkat Ali200–400 mg · any
An adaptogen, meant to cut how tired you feel by steadying hormones.
No trials we can vouch forResearch →