Energy Supplements

Energy supplements are substances taken to increase energy levels, fight fatigue and improve mood and alertness. Many different energy supplement formulations exist, most of which contain the same key ingredients. While most energy supplements are safe in moderation, some can be harmful or even deadly, making knowledge of these substances vital for safe use.

Guarana

Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon jungle whose fruit is valued for its stimulating effects. It contains approximately twice the caffeine of coffee beans and may have health properties independent of caffeine, including memory improvement and increased tolerance to physical stress, according to the the National Institutes of Health. Guarana is included in many energy drinks and weight-loss products and is generally considered safe when used in moderation.

B-Complex Vitamins

B-complex vitamins are naturally occurring compounds found in foods like poultry, nuts and brown rice. They play a role in the formation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for mood regulation and cognitive function. They also aid in carbohydrate metabolism--a process vital to energy production. According to "Psychology Today," a deficiency of B vitamins can lead to irritability, anxiety, fatigue and depression.

Korean Ginseng

Korean ginseng is an herbal supplement derived from the root of the Panax ginseng plant. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its stimulating effects and is generally considered safe when taken as directed.
Ginseng is an adaptogen--a substance that helps protect against the physical effects of stress, such as adrenal fatigue and high blood pressure. It provides energy without the edginess of caffeine and is more a general health tonic than a stimulant or mind-altering drug. Korean ginseng can also be used as an aphrodisiac, diabetic supplement and immune-enhancer.

Ephedrine

Ephedra sinica is a plant-based energy supplement that contains ephedrine, a stimulant with vasoconstricting properties. It was included in many weight-loss supplements before being pulled from the market in 2004 following several reported deaths and adverse health events.
While ephedra sinica has been banned in the U.S., other varieties can still be purchased in most areas. Sida cordifolia---a plant from the ephedra viridis family---contains significantly less ephedrine than ephedra sinica and may possess unique anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Because it contains ephedrine, sida cordifolia has the potential to cause effects similar to ephedra and should not be taken by people with a history of heart disease or other chronic illnesses.

Bitter Orange (Citrus Aurantium)

Bitter orange extract is a substance derived from the Citrus aurantium tree. It contains synephrine, a stimulant with effects similar to ephedrine. Sometimes referred to as "legal ephedra," bitter orange extract has become the stimulant of choice for many weight-loss and energy supplement formulations. According to the National Institutes of Health, bitter orange supplements may increase the risk of ischemic stroke and are likely no safer than ephedra. Other potential side effects include sweating, appetite loss, anxiety, insomnia and nausea.