There are 7 different B Vitamins that we offer here at Evolve Fitness & Recovery: B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), Biotin (B7), and B12 (Cobalamin- we offer three different forms). We do not currently offer Folate (Vitamin B9).

Each of these B Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play a vital role in helping you maintain good health and wellbeing. They are essential for your overall bodily function, helping support areas such as: energy levels, normal nerve function, eyesight, muscle health, brain function, digestion, immunity, cardiovascular health, cell health and division, hormonal balance, red blood cell formation, skin, and much more.

The richest sources of B Vitamins are animal-based: meat (especially organ meats), fish, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. This is why people who eat a primarily plant-based diet are more susceptible to Vitamin B deficiencies. Other risk factors include the use of certain medications, and pre-existing health conditions such as digestive issues or excessive alcohol use.

Signs you may not be getting enough B Vitamins include: fatigue, low energy, getting ill often, cracks on and around the lips, anaemia, irritability or depression, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea, and poor skin health. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your GP and have some diagnostic blood tests done.

There are several Vitamins and minerals that are essential for contributing to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue, as well as normal energy-yielding metabolism. These include: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), Biotin (B7), Folate (B9) and B12 (Cobalamin, as well as Vitamin D, Iron, Magnesium, and Vitamin C. A deficiency in any of these micronutrients can cause you to feel low in energy, so it’s important to maintain a balanced diet and take supplements as needed in order to keep your blood nutrient levels in range and your energy levels healthy.

More generally, making small changes to your daily routine has the ability to significantly affect how energetic you feel. An obvious one is to ensure you are getting enough sleep, and that your sleep is of good quality. Although the amount of sleep each individual needs can vary, a rough recommendation is to aim for at around 7-9 hours of sleep each night to maintain healthy energy levels and support overall health. Research also suggests that adding more exercise to your daily routine and staying active could also reduce fatigue and increase your energy levels.

It is also important to drink enough water to ensure you are fully hydrated, as dehydration can have a huge effect on your brain function, mood and energy levels – as well as your health in general. If you drink a lot of caffeine, make sure you are having hydrating drinks also, as caffeine itself is a mild diuretic.

There are numerous reasons you might be feeling tired. These include causes that are: psychological, e.g. stress, anxiety, depression; physical, e.g. hypothyroidism, anaemia, sleep apnoea; and lifestyle-related, e.g. night shifts, alcohol consumption, and getting too little or too much exercise.

Many Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause tiredness and fatigue. If you are feeling tired all the time (TATT), it is well worth speaking to your GP and having a set of blood tests done. Get A Drip also offers a range of Blood Testing Profiles for diagnostic purposes. Low levels of Vitamin B12, other B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Iron and overall hydration can especially wreak havoc on your energy levels.