The vitamin that will cure your tiredness

Wouldn’t it be great to power through busy days full of pep? You can! Penn State scientists say vitamin shortfalls make up to 70% of us groggy, but correcting a deficit is easy

Tired and BLUE? Try omega-3s

“Omega-3 fats energize brain and muscle cells and are vital for producing mood-boosting serotonin,” says psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal, M.D., author of Super Mind. Yet 65% of us aren’t getting enough omega-3s since nature’s top sources are the oily fish (mackerel, salmon and herring) that few folks eat daily. Luckily, Georgetown University scientists say taking a 2,000 mg. omega-3 supplement each day boosts energy and mood by 60% in as little as four weeks.

Tired and ACHY? Try choline

This key nutrient energizes your nervous system and eases muscle inflammation, which is why the top signs of a deficit are tiredness and muscle aches. But enjoy two choline-rich eggs (or supplement with 400 to 500 mg. of choline) daily, and you’ll erase tiredness and soreness in two weeks, Italian scientists say.

Tired and FOGGY? Try a B complex

Correcting a B-complex deficit cuts your risk of sluggishness and brain fog by up to 60% in two weeks, a study in Nutrients found. Study author Dave Kennedy, PH.D., says B vitamins help cells convert food into energy and prod the brain to release focus-enhancing GABA and dopamine. Adding B vitamin–rich leafy greens, legumes or whole grains to each meal can prevent this shortfall, or you can take a B-50 complex supplement instead.

Tired and WIRED? Try vitamin C

Add vitamin C to your daily diet, and you’ll boost your energy within 2 hours and stay 65% calmer when under pressure, say Arizona State University scientists. This nutrient soothes your adrenal glands, curbing their stress hormone release. Plus, it helps cells soak up and burn blood glucose for fuel. Eating 2 cups of vitamin C–rich citrus, berries or bell peppers daily will do the trick, or supplement with 500 mg. of vitamin C daily.