Energy supplements — they sound like a great idea, yet dozens of hopeful products fall short. Some don’t work at all. Some amp you up, only to crash you hard within hours. Others work, but have awful side effects.
It’s hard to find energy pills that work, not to mention natural supplements for energy that will do the job while supporting your health. That’s why we created this list – the best supplements for energy, including all-natural blends that promote overall wellness. In no particular order, here are the top contestants for the best energy supplement of 2015:
1. Doctor’s Best D-Ribose + Bioenergy Ribose
Doctor’s Best makes supplements from ingredients backed by scientific research. That’s why their Best D-Ribose supplement makes the cut.
Based on the reported benefits of D-Ribose, a natural body sugar, Doctor’s Best D-Ribose is a great way to reinvigorate your heart and muscle energy while stimulating healthy cells and hearty metabolism. Studies suggest ribose is useful for promoting healthy gains in productivity, and has been used to treat conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Doctor’s Best formula is recommended for those with “active” lifestyles.
2. Supernova Naturals Rhodiola Rosea Extract
Supernova Naturals offers an affordable, quality dose of Rodiola Rosea – a high-value specialty crop with seemingly magical powers. Used medicinally for thousands of years, the adaptogen’s roots enhance mental focus while softening the negative impacts of stress. In one study, Rodiola was able to decrease participants’ perception of effort during exercise.
One of the best natural supplements for energy, Supernova’s Rodiola serum is sourced from Siberia as a quality control measure, bypassing the cheap stuff from China. It’s a pure plant extract that is GMO- and gluten-free. Eat a couple caps before breakfast to start your day off right.
3.Herbal Nitro Extreme Energy
Herbal Nitro makes possibly the longest lasting supplement on our list. The brand’s Extreme Energy supplement is based on a tried and true formula for fighting fatigue. It’s ingredients work together to boost energy, increase endurance, and heighten alertness without crashing or jitters.
Extreme Energy is designed to sharpen your body and brain before and during activities, without the mid-day crash that comes when other supplements wear off. Thanks to its combination of ginseng, green coffee bean, and eleuthero root you’ll stay mentally sharp and energized when you need it most. Herbal Nitro Extreme Energy is what to take for energy if you tolerate caffeinated beverages and want to take one capsule on get on with your day.
4. GNC Women’s Ultra Mega Energy and Metabolism
GNC is one of the most respected makers of energy supplements for women, and the Ultra Mega Energy and Metabolism multivitamin is no exception. This is what to take for energy if you’re not so much looking for over-the-counter adderall as a nice light energy booster that will make your days that much more focused.
GNC’s women’s supplement also supports metabolic efficiency, useful if you’re trying to lose weight. It is one of the best energy supplements for women, doubling as a nutrient-rich multivitamin packed with good stuff for your bones and immune system. It’s what to take for energy if you’re a lady who cares as much about your health as your stamina.
Honorable mention for men: GNC Burn 60. It doesn’t have the vitamin profile of Women’s Ultra Mega, but offers the same smooth energy with no jitters. A blend featuring guarana focuses on enhancing cellular metabolism and providing energy for workouts or a long day at the office. So if you’re looking to add energy and focus to a weight loss routine then try one of these options.
5. True Recovery’s BIO ENERGY
We like True Recovery because they trade in proven materials that get the job done. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, a combination of caffeine and L-theanine – a stress-relieving compound native to green tea – can improve cognitive performance and induce alertness. That’s the basic idea behind True Recovery’s BIO ENERGY, a nootropic supplement that contains a productive ratio of these ingredients.
True Recovery’s BIO ENERGY uses L-theanine to defeat the jitters associated with caffeine while enhancing mental performance. It will appeal to those whose energy issues are compounded by an inability to focus on the task at hand. True Recovery says you can have your money back if you don’t like it.
6. Zoom The Ultimate Energy Pills
Although they don’t last as long as other energy pills that work, Zoom Energy Pills are still useful if you need a proactive burst of daytime energy in ten minutes or less that will be sustained for up to four hours.
Zoom Pills include caffeine as well as other natural stimulants and B vitamins for a neural buzz you’ll recognize as enhanced clarity. Unlike some other short-term energy boosters, they provide an easy come-down that won’t upset most stomachs. Zoom Maximum Energy Pills are the best energy supplement when you want a healthier alternative to those energy shots you see at gas stations.
7. BCAA-XL Energy Ultra BCAA
MHP, a.k.a. Maximum Human Performance, makes energy pills complemented by a stroke of lasting fortitude. The brand’s BCAA Energy formula is based on the surprisingly simple science of Branched-Chain Amino Acids – something bodybuilders have known about for years. It also contains a little caffeine and 4 grams of leucine to help muscle recovery.
These essential strength-building compounds directly fight fatigue and extend endurance, providing the kind of mental and physical performance boost many energy-seekers are after. BCAAs are particularly useful for promoting resilience during and after intense workouts, but MHP says its BCAA-XL Energy Ultra can be consumed at any time.
8. Motivation!: Herbal Caffeine + Energy Vitamin Supplement
If nothing works better for you than caffeine, but you despise coffee, the Motivation! Herbal Caffeine + Energy Vitamin Supplement might be for you. Made in the U.S. at an FDA-inspected facility, this is one of the best supplements for energy based on caffeine because of the quality of the source and the intelligent blend of energy-promoting add-ins.
Loaded with high levels of caffeine – 200 mg per serving – the Herbal Caffeine and Energy Vitamin Supplement combines the classic stimulant with a host of beneficent B vitamins and natural energy sources: green tea extract, rhodiola, and ginseng. Instead of cheap processed caffeine, Motivation! gets its stimulant from Guarana seeds, making these pills one of the better caffeine-based natural supplements for energy available.
9. Vintage Blast
Billed as the world’s first two-stage workout jumpstarter, Vintage Blast is made by California-based Old School Labs to provide steady strength, clarity, and endurance for the breadth of your activities. Providing a smooth ride without an exhausting finale, Vintage Blast contains electrolytes, micronutrients, and natural fatigue fighters like carnitine and citrulline malate.
Shunning any poorly-disclosed ‘proprietary formulas’, Old School Labs uses only quality, results-driven ingredients uncontaminated by preservatives, artificial substances, synthetic add-ins, or other fillers. It is one of, if not the best supplement for energy of them all. Despite the handsome man on the label, Vintage Blast is made for both men and women.
10. Onnit Alpha Brain Instant
Onnit offers a high-quality natural supplement in its Alpha Brain Instant. Their clinically researched nootropic blend is designed to benefit memory, processing speed and overall cognition. So you’ll have better energy, but also better recall and retain more information. The overall effect is sustainable, feel-good energy with increased processing speeds.
If you’re looking for a fast-acting drink mix that’s quickly absorbed and made with high quality ingredients then Alpha Brain is a great bet. Its non-GMO, gluten-free formula is a great option when you need more focus on the go.