Whether you have a medical condition that depletes your energy like chronic fatigue syndrome, you take a medication that causes fatigue or you just need more energy, supplements can help. You might take vitamins, minerals or other nutritional supplements for increased energy, but you should consult your doctor before taking them to discuss the potential health risks and drug interactions. These supplements are available without a prescription, but they aren't regulated for safety or effectiveness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Carnitine
Carnitine, or "l-carnitine," is a vital substance needed for your cell's mitochondria to produce energy, says the University of Michigan Health System. A study of cancer patients found that taking 6 g of carnitine daily reduced fatigue and improved energy, according to a 2006 issue of "Nutrition." You might take 500 to 1,000 mg of l-carnitine three times daily for up to two months to increase energy, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ask your doctor before taking carnitine, especially if you have blood pressure or kidney problems.
NADH
You could take 5 to 20 mg of NADH each day to boost your energy, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. NADH stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and it is a natural substance that helps to produce ATP, your body's energy source, explains the University of Michigan Health System. A 1999 double-blind clinical trial reported in the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology" discovered that taking 10 mg of NADH daily for one month reduced fatigue in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Few other clinical trials have been conducted on NADH's energy-boosting effects, so talk with your doctor before taking this supplement.
DHEA
Taking a dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, supplement also might increase your energy and promote overall well-being, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. DHEA is a natural hormone that appears to be low in people with fatigue. A 1998 report in the "International Journal of Molecular Medicine" stated that people with chronic fatigue syndrome have low levels of DHEA, cites the University of Michigan Health System. You might take 50 to 200 mg of DHEA daily, but only under the supervision of a physician, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Don't take DHEA if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have or are at risk for having hormone-sensitive diseases such as breast cancer.
Magnesium
This either alone or combined with malic acid might ease your fatigue and increase your energy. Like DHEA, magnesium levels tend to be low in people with fatigue, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Taking magnesium supplements increased energy in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, according to a preliminary report published in 1992 in "Lancet." You could take 300 to 1,000 mg of magnesium daily for increased energy, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Magnesium supplementation can interact with certain drugs and cause diarrhea. Talk with your physician about any medications you're taking or problems you have with blood pressure before you begin taking magnesium.
Vitamin B12
Injections of this vitamin can increase your energy, although oral supplements might not be as effective. The typical dosage is 2,500 to 5,000 micrograms of vitamin B12 delivered by injection once every two or three days, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you'll likely experience some fatigue. But even people without a deficiency can benefit from vitamin B12 injections, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Your health-care provider will decide whether vitamin-B12 shots are right for you.
Coenzyme Q10
You might also take this supplement to improve your energy, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Coenzyme Q10 plays an important role in facilitating proper cell function in your body. The typical dosage taken of coenzyme Q10 for increased energy is 60 to 100 mg daily, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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