Best Energy Supplements 2020 Edition

Exceptional Stacks for Relentless Physical and Mental Activity

If you’ve been feeling sluggish physically and mentally, you’re not alone. Many individuals need that elusive pick-me-up to help them achieve their fitness goals and perform their daily tasks efficiently.

The good news: the best energy supplements of 2020 present first-rate formulations and pathways which will help restore your mind and body’s vitality. This guide will give you the lowdown on these products, the ingredients they use, and the trends customers follow in terms of buying quality energy supplements.

Quick List: Best Energy Supplements – 2020 Edition

The best energy supplements skillfully combine energy-boosting ingredients into “stacks” that deliver superior results.

More on these later, but for now here is a quick list of The Best Energy Supplements:

#1. Performance Lab Energy – Our top-rated energy supplement is a stim-free mitochondria which revitalizess both mind and body. Performance Lab website

#2. MHP Super Caffeine + – Combines caffeine, vitamins, green tea, and rhodiola to give you just the right amount of energy for maximum production. MHP website

#3. NOW Sports Energy Extreme – This supplement supplies “the nutrients you need to promote sustained energy production and mental alertness,” per its official website.  NOW Foods website

#4. AOR Mito-Charger – An energy booster which “supports mitochondrial function” which also doubles as a nootropic. AOR Health website

#5. Irwin Naturals Triple Boost Caffeine-Free Energy – As the name implies, this is a stim-free and powerful energy booster whose insane B vitamin levels serve as the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Irwin Naturals website

Or, read on to learn about the trends, ingredients, and secrets behind the Best Energy Supplements.

2020 Energy Booster Developments

Lethargy is the bane of productivity. If you’re energy levels plummet, your quality of life takes a hit. Many individuals are on the market for a reputable energy booster which will give them the edge they need.

This year presents many changes and innovations in energy supplement formulations. Manufacturers are using different pathways which fire you up physically and mentally. They’re pulling out all the stops.

The best energy supplements increase your mental and physical energy so you can perform at peak levels:

• Mental energy: recall, motivation, alertness, quick thinking, concentration, focus, and problem solving
• Physical energy: power, strength, endurance, work capacity

Unfortunately, the number of people abusing prescription stimulants have reached almost epidemic proportions in recent years. The key takeaway: they’re steering clear of stimulants manufacturers use in their energy supplements.

Instead, customers are gravitating toward natural and stimulant-free energy boosters.

Sadly, the increasing demand for top-notch energy supplements has resulted in many companies producing crappy products laden with fillers and other junk. They want to cut corners at all costs.

For their part, savvy consumers are staying away from this trend. They’re aiming for clean and research-backed energy boosters with remarkable formulations. In other words, they do their research because they know what’s best for their bodies. They also want to get the best return on their hard-earned investment.

With that in mind, we will break down the various ways how the best energy supplements ramp up your physical and mental vitality.

Types of Energy Boosters to Look for in 2020

Stim-Free Cell Energy Boosters

Researchers have exposed the possible short- and long-term side effects of energy drinks with stimulants. Instead of chugging on these concoctions, try stimulant-free cell energy boosters for a change.

These supplements have several distinct advantages:

• Boost cellular efficiency
• Transport electrons
• Improve mitochondrial function
• Increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy levels
• Fuel up cells

There are several stimulant-free cell energy boosters which stand out in 2019 and beyond. Let’s break them down further.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant which the body produces naturally. It is also present in whole foods such as whole grains, fish, and meat. CoQ10 shuttles electrons within the mitochondria (organelles which generate cellular power). Thus, the body’s cells use CoQ10 for energy and optimum performance.

Studies have proven CoQ10 helps ward off chronic fatigue. It also helps improve cardiovascular issues, Parkinson’s disease, statin-induced myopathy, migraines, and physical performance, per The Mayo Clinic’s official website.

As one gets older, his or her CoQ10 levels decrease. Experts believe obtaining CoQ10 from dietary sources isn’t enough to increase its levels in the body significantly. Taking it in supplement form (mainly a bioavailable one) should go a long way.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an organic compound and antioxidant which the mitochondria produces. It assists enzymes in converting nutrients into energy. It is both fat- and water-soluble.

“The use of α-lipoic acid for chronic fatigue has not yet been studied in controlled clinical trials, but its widespread use as a safe supplement (usually 200-600 mg/d) to support mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress has justified its incorporation into various supplement mixtures,” per the August 13, 2014 issue of Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov).

It’s clear ALA’s ability to boost mitochondrial function and ward off oxidative stress are huge pluses. When you take an energy supplement with ALA, not only will you jack up your energy levels, but you’ll also boost your long-term health.

B Vitamins

B vitamins have enjoyed an excellent reputation as energy boosters. No wonder you can find them in many multivitamins.

The B vitamin complex includes the following:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B7 (biotin)
• Vitamin B9 (folate)
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

These nutrients help maintain healthy brain cells, metabolize carbohydrates, and play a key role in neurotransmitter production. Vitamin B deficiency may result in fatigue, anxiety, poor concentration, and irritability.

Just like CoQ10, B vitamins have absorption issues (especially as one gets older). Companies try to offset this by including B vitamins in bioavailable pill form.

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone)

If you want a stimulant-free energy component, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is an attractive alternative.

First off, PQQ helps boost, energize, and protect the mitochondria. Plus, PQQ helps produce more mitochondria, which, consequently, translates to higher energy levels.

In addition to its mitochondria-boosting prowess, PQQ also acts as a potent antioxidant (some experts say it’s 5,000 times more powerful than vitamin C). The energy production process produces free radicals which may damage the mitochondria. PQQ helps protect it from free radical damage.

Finally, “PQQ supplementation seems associated with improved sleep quality and duration. Mood was also improved by diminishing feelings of fatigue, and improved QOL (quality of life) on measures of appetite, sleep, pain, and obsession,” per the December 2012 issue of Functional Foods in Health and Disease.

Anti-Fatigue Adaptogens

Many individuals resort to energy supplements to offset the effects of mental and physical fatigue. Experts trace their diminished energy levels to several factors such as stress, burnout, and pressure, among other things.

The best energy supplements of 2020 include adaptogens – herbs which keep stress levels in check and increase mental and physical energy.

You can experience the benefits of adaptogens when you’re under duress or in high-pressure situations. Sometimes, other individuals use them as performance enhancers. Let’s rattle off the different adaptogens and break down their benefits.

Rhodiola rosea 

Rhodiola rosea is a Russian herb which contains more than 140 active ingredients (the two most powerful ones are rosavin and salidroside). Manufacturers extract its stress-reducing benefits from its roots.

Studies have shown Rhodiola rosea ramps up energy levels by boosting the hypothalamic-pituary-adrenal which regulates one’s response to physiological stress. It also helps energize the body by keeping cortisol (stress hormone) levels in check.

In terms of boosting mental energy, Rhodiola rosea inhibits enzymes which break down norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.

It has several other important health benefits:

• Wards off stress-induced fatigue and depression
• Acts as a powerful nootropic
• Improves exercise performance
• Possibly regulates blood sugar levels
• Possibly keeps free radicals at bay

If you’re feeling mentally and physically sluggish, taking an energy booster with Rhodiola rosea should help immensely.

Ginseng

People have used this Chinese herb – whose most popular forms are American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) – for centuries. The secret behind ginseng’s various health benefits lie in its ginsenoside and gintonin content.

Ginseng ramps up the brain’s energy production. More specifically, it does this by ramping up dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin levels. Just like Rhodiola rosea, ginseng also stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) cortex axis for reduced stress levels.

Ginseng is a virtuoso which boosts your health in several other ways:

• Keeps inflammation and free radicals at bay
• Enhances cognitive and sexual function
• Regulates immunity
• Possibly stifles free radical activity
• Possibly regulates blood sugar levels

Other Promising Energy-Boosting Ingredients

L-Carnitine

 

While l-carnitine has earned a stellar reputation as a fat burner, it can also help increase energy levels (mainly because of its ability to increase ATP levels within the mitochondria). Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) is a form of l-carnitine which gets the nod.

ALCAR, which can pass through the blood-brain barrier, helps shuttle free fatty acids into the mitochondria. In other words, ALCAR helps convert fats into energy, which, in turn, helps increase fat burning and testosterone levels. Plus, some experts say ALCAR can function as a reliable nootropic.

Finally, l-carnitine helps increase athletic performance and power because there are high concentrations in muscle tissue. Athletes who take energy boosters with l-carnitine will reap these impressive benefits.

L-Tyrosine

L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid which one can obtain naturally from pumpkin seeds, dairy products, beef, pork, and soy.

L-tyrosine helps regulate the production of stimulatory neurotransmitters (mainly epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine) for increased energy levels. Depleted norepinephrine levels – which increase blood flow to muscles and release energy stores -take a toll one’s physical vitality. L-tyrosine helps offset that.

L-tyrosine also helps keep mental fatigue at bay. “Supplementation with tyrosine may, under operational circumstances characterized by psychosocial and physical stress, reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on cognitive task performance,” per the January 15, 1999 issue of Brain Research Bulletin (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov).

Caffeine

Caffeine is arguably the world’s most popular stimulant. Not only does it increase energy levels, but it also helps improve mood and enhance focus.

Studies have traced caffeine’s energy-boosting capacity to its ability to block adenosine (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) from binding to its receptors. This paves the way for other mechanisms:

• Increased levels of the excitatory neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate, and norepinephrine
• Release of epinephrine (adrenaline) for increased energy levels

In terms of athletic performance, caffeine helps reduce perceived exertion. Studies reveal caffeine supplementation can reduce this by as much as 5.6 percent. Plus, it helps increase exercise performance by as much as 11.2 percent. No wonder you can also find caffeine in many pre-workout supplements.

While caffeine certainly has many upsides, a high intake can result in sleeplessness, jitters, a spike-crash effect, and nervousness. Long story short, caffeine is a double-edged sword. If you’re sensitive to this ingredient, talk to your doctor first before buying any energy booster with caffeine.

Key Energy Supplement Features to Look for in 2020

Stimulant-Free

Overstimulation is becoming an issue. You can find stimulants in many supplements. These include nootropics, pre-workouts, and fat burners. If you take supplements with caffeine and drink coffee daily, you could overstimulate yourself. The last thing you want is to feel wired way after you finish your last rep at the gym.

On that note, stimulant-free energy boosters can help you offset that. Our bold prediction: more customers will make stimulant-free energy supplements their go-to in 2020.

Science-Backed Energy Boosters

The best energy supplements of 2020 use research- and science-backed ingredients. More specifically, they use clinical dosages (the same amounts researchers used in studies) to help you reap their full spectrum of benefits.

Whenever you buy an energy booster which has the backing of science, you will get a faster return on your investment. Human clinical research studies which back them up gain the confidence of customers. You can’t go wrong with these.

Clean Label

Sure, including a science-backed energy supplement in your stack is great. However, it won’t do you any good if the manufacturer laced it with fillers, dirty ingredients, artificial food colorings, and harsh “other ingredients.”

The savvy consumer does his homework. He or she makes sure the ingredients are all-natural. The time has come for healthier and cleaner energy boosters without the unwanted side effects.

Energizing Fat Burners and Nootropics

Top-notch energy boosters go the extra mile. Some of them increase energy at the cellular level, therefore increasing metabolism. They can also help support fat loss especially in conjunction with regular exercise, sound nutrition, and enough sleep.

Other energy supplements don’t just boost physical energy, but they also help ramp up mental energy as well. In that regard, they function as reliable nootropics which help replenish depleted mental energy levels. Many individuals who have demanding work and family schedules will surely benefit.

Best Energy Supplements: 2020 Edition

#1: Performance Lab Energy

The manufacturer dubs Performance Lab Energy  the “Advanced Mitochondrial Support for Cell Energy and Life Vitality,” per its official website. In other words, it utilizes the energy-boosting factors within the mitochondria. Plus, it also “encourages the body to utilize dietary fat and stored fat as preferred sources of fuel,” per the same source.

This 100 percent vegan and stim-free energy booster triggers ATP energy within the mitochondria, supplies the body with antioxidant protection, wards off oxidative stress, spares glyogen stores, and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis. Look no further than its CoQ10, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), acetyl-l-carnitine, and R-lipoic acid components.

Performance Lab Energy pulls out all the stops – its premium ingredients, excellent bioavailability (thanks to its prebiotic-infused Plantcaps® and BioPerine® components) strategic formulation, clean label, and effective dosing help make it the No.1 energy booster on the market today.

Performance Lab Energy Summary

Ingredients: Acetyl-L-Carnitine 750 mg, R-Lipoic Acid (as Microencapsulated Bio-Enhanced®) 150 mg, Coenzyme Q10 (as MicroActive® Q10) 100 mg, PQQ (as BioPQQ®) 10 mg, Black Pepper Extract (as BioPerine®)(95% piperine) 2.5 mg

Clean Label: Yes. This energy booster has no filler content whatsoever.

Advanced Delivery: Yes. The manufacturer uses prebiotic-infused Plantcaps® pullulan capsules and also includes BioPerine® black pepper extract for easy absorption and maximum results.

Stimulant Free: Yes.

Price: $50 for one 60-capsule bottle

Any Deals? Yes. The company offers bundle deals. You can buy two bottles for $95 (five percent savings) and three bottles for $135 (10 percent savings).

Service: 24/7 customer service, online web form (receive a response within 30 minutes), return policy

Official Website: https://www.performancelab.com

Read our in-depth Performance Lab Energy review

#2: MHP Super Caffeine +

Don’t take this product’s name literally. There’s more – much more – to it than just its caffeine content.

Super Caffeine + “contains potent doses of caffeine, green tea, vitamins, and rhodiola to provide you more than just caffeine, but also an intense energizing mood booster,” per the manufacturer’s official website.

Another impressive feature about MHP Super Caffeine +: it can double as a pre-workout supplement. The B vitamin and caffeine components will give you a physical boost. For their part, the Rhodiola rosea, d-ribose (MHP Super Caffeine + is one of the rare energy boosters with d-ribose) , and l-tyrosine components will perk you up mentally.

The bottom line: MHP Super Caffeine + is one energy supplement which packs a wallop. Try it and reap its benefits today.

MHP Super Caffeine + Summary

Ingredients: Niacin (as Niacinamide) 4 mg NE, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCl) 1.7 mg, Folate (166.67 mcg DFE [100 mcg Folic Acid]), Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin) 2.4 mcg, Caffeine Anhydrous 100 mg, Rhodiola Root Powder (Rhodiola rosea) 100 mg, L-Tyrosine 100 mg, D-Ribose 100 mg, Green Tea Leaf Extract (50% Caffeine), Guarana Seed Extract (40% Caffeine)

Clean Label: No. Contains magnesium stearate.

Advanced Delivery: No. The manufacturer uses regular energy booster capsules.

Stimulant-Free: No. Contains 100 mg Caffeine Anhydrous, Green Tea Leaf Extract (50 percent Caffeine), and Guarana Seed Extract (40 percent Caffeine).

Price: $13.99 for a 30-capsule bottle

Any Deals? Yes. Product currently included in the company’s BOGO (Buy-One Take-One) Sale, free shipping on orders over $50 within the continental U.S.

Service: Customer service e-mail, 30-day return policy

Official Website: https://mhpstrong.com

Read our in-depth MHP Super Caffine + review

#3: NOW Sports Energy Extreme

“With a full complement of B vitamins and other cofactors such as chromium, magnesium malate, and carnitine, NOW Sports Energy Extreme delivers what your cells need most to drive for energy production,” per the manufacturer’s official website.

We’re talking about one of the most complete – if not the most complete – energy booster on the market today. First off, NOW Sports Energy Extreme’s insane B vitamin levels trumps those of some leading multivitamins (for instance, it has an otherworldly 16,667 percent of the daily value for vitamin B12).

NOW Sports Energy Extreme also includes key amounts of iodine, magnesium, chromium, yerba mate, Rhodiola rosea, eleuthero root, Panax ginseng, taurine, l-tyrosine, l-carnitine, l-citrulline, and CoQ10.

You won’t find an energy booster as well-rounded as this one. It’s worth buying, for sure.

NOW Sports Extreme Energy Summary

Ingredients: Thiamin (Vitamin B-1) (from Thiamin HCl) 10 mg 667% DV, Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2) 10 mg 588% DV, Niacin (Vitamin B-3) (as Niacinamide) 20 mg 100% DV, Vitamin B-6 (from Pyridoxine HCl) 10 mg 500% DV, Folate (as Folic Acid) 400 mcg 100% DV, Vitamin B-12 (as Methylcobalamin) 1,000 mcg 16,667% DV, Pantothenic Acid (from Calcium Pantothenate) 20 mg 200% DV, Iodine (from Potassium Iodide) 150 mcg 100% DV, Magnesium (from Magnesium Malate) 15 mg 4% DV, Chromium (from Chromium Chelavite®) 200 mcg 167% DV, Natural Caffeine Powder** 100 mg, Guarana Extract (Seed)** 80 mg, Green Tea Extract (Leaf)** 50 mg, Yerba Mate Extract (Leaf)** 50 mg, Rhodiola Extract (Rhodiola rosea)(Root) 50 mg, Eleuthero Root 50 mg, Panax Ginseng Root 50 mg, Taurine (Free-Form) 250 mg, L-Tyrosine (Free-Form) 250 mg, L-Carnitine (Carnipure™) 250 mg, L-Citrulline (Free-Form) 100 mg, CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) 30 mg

Clean Label: Yes.

Advanced Delivery: No. Manufacturer uses plain capsules.

Stimulant-Free: No. Has 100 mg Natural Caffeine Powder, 80 mg Guarana Extract, 80 mg Green Tea Extract, and 50 mg Yerba Mate Extract (Leaf)

Price: $27.99 for a 90-capsule bottle

Any Deals? Yes. Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more and free personal blender with a $100 minimum purchase.

Service: Customer service e-mail, toll-free hotline, and 30-day return policy

Official Website: https://www.nowfoods.com

Read our in-depth NOW Sports Energy Extreme review

#4: AOR Mito-Charger

Our fourth-ranked energy booster “is a superior formula based on the most extensive research available. It includes ingredients like coenzyme Q10, oxaloacetic acid, and d-uridine, which are involved in various cellular pathways,” per the manufacturer’s official website.

AOR Mit0-Charger is an energy supplement which supports mitochondrial function, wards off fatigue, and boasts of a science-backed formulation. Moreover, it can also double as an effective nootropic and increase one’s lifespan because of its anti-aging effects.

This is one versatile and effective energy booster which takes the road less traveled.

AOR Mito-Charger Summary

Ingredients: R-Lipoic Acid (Sodium Salt) 150 mg, Coenzyme Q10 100 mg, Rhodiola rosea (min 3% rosavins, 1% salidroside) 150 mg, Benfotiamine 150 mg, Oxaloacetic Acid (Benagene™) 100 mg, D-Uridine 50 mg, Gymnostemma sylvestre Extract 100 mg, Acetyl L-Carnitine 1,500 mg

Clean Label: No. Other ingredients include Ascorbyl Palmitate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Cellulose, and Hypromellose

Advanced Delivery: No. Plain capsule only.

Stimulant-Free: Yes.

Price: $74.96 for one 180-capsule (30-serving) bottle

Any Deals? Yes. Free shipping on all orders over $25.

Service: Toll-free customer service hotline and e-mail

Official Website: https://aor.us

Read our in-depth AOR Mito-Charger review

#5: Irwin Naturals Triple Boost Caffeine-Free Energy

Irwin Naturals Triple Boost Caffeine-Free Energy “supplies a blend of nutrients to help you feel energized throughout the day. It can be used on a daily basis without the burnout that occurs with caffeinated energy products,” per the manufacturer’s official website.

This product combines cellular energizers (B vitamins, creatine, l-carnitine, and chromium), adaptogenic botanicals (ginseng), and superfoods (maca, spirulina, bee pollen, and royal jelly) to help you sustain peak energy levels throughout the day.

As the name implies, Irwin Naturals Triple Boost Caffeine-Free Energy is a stim-free supplement. It’s a versatile product which can also act as a powerful pre-workout. Plus, it has BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract for easy absorption and maximum results.

If you’re iffy about taking an energy booster without the unwanted side effects, Irwin Naturals Triple Boost Caffeine-Free Energy will exceed your expectations.

Irwin Naturals Triple Boost Caffeine-Free Energy Summary

Ingredients: Thiamin (As Thiamin Hydrochloride) 27 mg 1800% DV, Riboflavin 27 mg 1588% DV, Niacin (As Niacinamide) 107 mg 535% DV, Vitamin B6 (As Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 27 mg 1350% DV, Vitamin B12 (As Cyanocobalamin) 133 mcg 2217% DV, Biotin 27 mcg 9% DV, Pantothenic Acid (As D-Calcium Pantothenate) 133 mg 1330% Chromium (As Chromium Picolinate) 53 mcg 44% DV, Creatine (As Creatine Monohydrate) 400 mg, L-Carnitine Tartrate 267 mg, Trimethylglycine (TMG) 267 mg, Maca Powder (Root) 200 mg, L-Tyrosine 200 mg, Spirulina Powder 133 mg, Asian Ginseng Extract (Root, 30% Ginsenosides) 67 mg, Bee Pollen 33 mg, Royal Jelly 33 mg, Bioperine® Complex 20 mg, Ginger Extract (Root, 5% Gingerol), Piper Longum Extract (Fruit, 1.5% Piperine), Bioperine® Black Pepper Extract (Fruit, 98% Piperine)

Clean Label: No. No. Other ingredients include: Vegetable Gum, Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Silicon Dioxide, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Cellulose Coating

Advanced Delivery: Yes. Includes BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract

Stimulant Free: Yes.

Price: $16.95 for a 75-softgel bottle

Any Deals? Yes. Free shipping on orders over $50

Service: Toll-free customer service hotline and e-mail, 30-day refund policy

Official Website: https://irwinnaturals.com

Read our in-depth Irwin Naturals Triple Boost Caffeine-Free Energy review

Conclusion on the Best Energy Supplements – 2020 Edition

If you’re on the lookout for an effective energy booster, there are many products which can jack you up physically and mentally. If you want one which sets the bar high, any of the five Best Energy Supplements this year are a good choice.

With that in mind, try checking out our full energy supplement reviews. Who knows? You might find an energy booster which can improve your lifestyle over the long haul. That certainly is the best possible scenario.