Which B vitamin do people ask about when they are tired?

B12 comes up most often, particularly with people on a vegan or vegetarian diet. It comes as tablets, chewables, sublingual drops and sprays. Absorption differs between forms, and some people simply prefer a spray. A blood test through your doctor tells you whether you are low. Ask us before you add it to other supplements.

Do I need a blood test before starting iron?

Ask your doctor first. Iron is not something to take on guesswork, because too much causes problems of its own. The test also picks up other causes of tiredness that a supplement will not address. If your doctor recommends iron, we can suggest a form that is easier on the stomach.

What is actually in an energy supplement?

Most are B group vitamins with iron, magnesium or herbal ingredients added. Some include caffeine or guarana, which matters if you are sensitive to either. Others are simply a good multivitamin under a different name. Read the ingredient panel rather than the front of the box. We are happy to compare two of them with you.

Can I take an energy supplement with my medicines?

Ask our pharmacists to check your list. Some herbal ingredients need care alongside blood thinners, blood pressure medicines and thyroid medicines. Iron needs spacing apart from several common tablets. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or buying for a child, speak with us before you start anything.

When should tiredness be checked by a doctor?

Book with your doctor if the tiredness is new, has lasted weeks, or comes with other symptoms. The same goes for unexplained weight change, breathlessness or heavy periods. Once you have a request form, blood can be collected by appointment. Results go back to whoever requested them.

Energy & Fatigue

Energy and fatigue support covers the products people reach for when they are running on empty. Shift workers, new parents, students and people recovering from a virus ask about it most. Tiredness has many causes. A blood test through your doctor is the way to rule the common ones in or out.

Vitamin B12 sits on our vitamins A to Z shelf as tablets, chewables, sprays and liquids. BioCeuticals, Herbs of Gold and Eagle all make one. Iron is the other one people ask about, and it needs a blood test first. A daily multivitamin or a B complex covers the basics. You can also browse our herbal supplements range and nutritional drinks.

Start with the basics, which means sleep, a blood test and a look at your current medicines. Supplements fill gaps rather than replace rest. Our pharmacists can check what you already take and flag anything that doubles up. For a longer conversation, book our integrative pharmacy consult.