Can
Vitamins Give Me More Energy?
Can Vitamins give me more Energy?
By: Dr. George Obikoya
Unlike protein, carbohydrates and fats, vitamins do not yield usable
energy when broken down - they are truly calorie free. However,
they assist the enzymes that release energy from carbohydrates,
proteins and fats, while providing no energy themselves. This does
not mean vitamins are not important! Although the vitamins themselves
don't provide energy, many are required for chemical reactions that
do produce energy. In this sense, vitamins can give you energy.
Vitamins are substances the body needs in small amounts to support
most body functions and prevent disease. Vitamins play a role in
energy production and growth; and work with each other and with
other nutrients to keep our energy levels up, our hearts pumping,
our bones and immune system strong, our digestive system moving
and our skin and hair healthy.
Water-soluble vitamins include members of the B complex (thiamin,
riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, pantothenic
acid, biotin) and vitamin C. Most water-soluble vitamins support
enzyme systems in the body but are excreted daily. Vitamin B3 and
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation can contribute to your health and overall
energy and stamina. The active coenzyme form of Vitamin B6, PLP
is importance for human metabolism. It plays a vital role in the
function of approximately 100 enzymes that catalyze essential chemical
reactions in the human body necessary for energy production. 1,2.
For example, PLP functions as a coenzyme for glycogen phosphorylase,
an enzyme that catalyzes the release of glucose stored in the muscle
as glycogen.
Much of the PLP in the human body is found in muscle bound to glycogen
phosphorylase. PLP is also a coenzyme for reactions used to generate
glucose from amino acids, a process known as gluconeogenesis, or
new glucose formation.
Vitamin B12 is involved in the biochemical reactions in our body
that are important in the production of energy from fats and proteins.
Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of carnitine, a small molecule
that is essential for the transport of fat to cellular organelles
called mitochondria, for conversion to energy.3 It is for this reason
that vitamin b12 is known as the "energy vitamin."
Vitamins help convert food into energy which your body needs to
stay warm, active, and healthy. However, well-nourished individuals
cannot increase their physical capacity by simply taking extra vitamins.
People who consume an unbalanced daily diet or do not get proper
vitamins may suffer from fatigue. In this case, taking multivitamin
supplements may help restore energy and revitalize your mental and
physical energy levels.
As we have learned, vitamins have no caloric value, and are not
sources of direct energy. However, vitamins do help your body use
or release energy present in food. A lack of vitamins and ordinary
dietary nutrients play a major role in diseases known as Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (CFS/FMS). Other nutrients that
affect the body's production of energy at the cellular level (in
the mitochondria) can also be very helpful in these syndromes. Fatigue
in itself suggests low energy production or utilization.
Research studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is often
to blame. The mitochondrion is the powerhouse in our cells. Think
of it as the engine in your car.
Fortunately, there are a number of natural treatments available
to improve mitochondrial function. Coenzyme Q10, iron, and copper
are critical for electron transport system (ETS) function, a major
part of the energy production cycle.
Do Antioxidants Improve Athletic Performance? They won't improve
performance, but they may reduce the extra free radicals that probably
come from the increased oxygen intake and the burning of blood sugar
and fat associated with exercise, as well as limit exercise-related
DNA damage.
A 1995 study published in Mutation Research found that high doses
of vitamin E prevented DNA damage in a group of men who exercised
on a treadmill until exhaustion. If you regularly engage in strenuous
exercise, especially in the sun, consider taking 400 to 800 IU of
natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) daily.
Bottom line: Our bodies use vitamins every day during the normal
biochemical processes that maintain life. Taken as recommended,
liquid multivitamins most efficiently help release energy from our
food, and support growth, healing, and repair. An ongoing shortage
of vitamins will lead to failed health, weakness, susceptibility
to disease, and may ultimately result in death, but the first signs
of this are lethargy, weakness and lack of energy.
A good multivitamin is the foundation of health
and nutrition. Take a look at our scientific reviews of many of
the popular brands for factors such as ingredients, areas of improvement,
quality level, and overall value. If you are looking for a high
quality liquid multivitamin, we suggest that you take a look at
the Multivitamin
Product Comparisons.
VITAPLEN COMPLETE™ contains 165 scientifically formulated nutrients
--all in a highly absorbable liquid formula.
References
1. Leklem JE. Vitamin B-6. In: Machlin L, ed. Handbook of Vitamins.
New York: Marcel Decker Inc; 1991:341-378.
2. Leklem JE. Vitamin B-6. In: Shils M, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross
AC, eds. Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore: Williams
& Wilkins; 1999:413-422.
3. Carr AC, Frei B. Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for
vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am
J Clin Nutr. 1999;69(6):1086-1107.
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