Let’s be honest—we’ve all been there. It’s 2 PM, you’re on your third coffee, and you’re secretly Googling “Why am I so tired?” while your brain screams, “Just let me nap!” Trust me, I get it. A few years ago, I was right where you are.
Take Sudesh Saini, for example. She was a 34-year-old teacher and Mother of two who shuffled into my office looking like he’d run a marathon…in her sleep. She called herself a “zombie.” She’d tried everything—early bedtimes, cutting caffeine, chugging kale smoothies—but still felt like he was dragging through life.
Turns out, her exhaustion wasn’t laziness. Her body begged for three key nutrients she didn’t know she was missing. A month after fixing this? She texted me: “I didn’t know it was possible to feel human again.
“Why Am I So Tired?” (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Lack of Sleep)
Fatigue isn’t a personality flaw. It’s your body waving a red flag.
Most people blame burnout or poor sleep (and sure, those matter). But if you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel like a sloth, nutritional gaps are likely sabotaging you.
The top culprits I’ve seen in 5 years of coaching?
- Iron Deficiency
- B12 Deficiency
- CoQ10 Depletion
Let’s break these down—and the exact supplements that helped Satish (and me!) reclaim our energy.
Iron: The Oxygen Booster You’re Probably Missing
The Problem:
Iron’s job is to carry oxygen to your cells. Low iron = less oxygen = your body running on fumes. But here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be “anemic” to feel the effects. Even “subclinical” low iron causes fatigue, especially in women, vegetarians, or cardio junkies.
Sudesh’s Story:
Sudesh’s doctor said her iron was “normal” (aka barely above the lab’s cutoff). But her symptoms—pale skin, restless legs, craving ice—screamed deficiency.
The Fix:
- Supplement: Ferrous bisglycinate.
- Dose: 18-27 mg/day for women; 8 mg for men. Take with 500mg of vitamin C (orange juice works) for better absorption.
- My Go-To: Carbamide Forte Chelated Iron – the only one that didn’t make Sudesh nauseous.
Pro Tip: Avoid calcium-rich foods (dairy!) or coffee 2 hours before/after iron supplements—they block absorption.
B12: The Energy “Spark Plug” You Can’t Store
The Problem:
B12 keeps your nerves and blood cells happy. But here’s the catch: your body can’t make it, and deficiencies creep up slowly. Vegans, seniors, and anyone on acid reflux meds (they reduce B12 absorption) are at high-risk.
The Problem:
B12 keeps your nerves and blood cells happy. But here’s the catch: your body can’t make it, and deficiencies creep up slowly. Vegans, seniors, and anyone on acid reflux meds (they reduce B12 absorption) are at high risk.
Sudesh’s Story:
Sudesh ate meat, but years of stress + birth control pills drained her B12 reserves. Her levels were “normal” but her energy? Deader then her phone battery by noon.
The Fix:
- Supplement: Methylcobalamin (active B12)—skip cyanocobalamin, the cheap synthetic form many brands use.
- Dose: 1,000 mcg daily under the tongue (sublingual) for 1 month, then 1-2x/week.
- My Go-To: Miduty Vitamin B12
Pro Tip: Take B12 first thing in the morning. It’s water-soluble, so you’ll pee out excess.
CoQ10: The Mitochondria Mender
The Problem:
CoQ10 is like the battery in your cell’s power plants (mitochondria). Stress, aging, and statin medications drain it. Low CoQ10 = your cells can’t make energy, no matter how much coffee you drink.
Sudesh’s Story:
Sudesh’s doctor put her on a statin for high cholesterol…but never mentioned it could tank her CoQ10. She felt like she’d aged 20 years overnight.
The Fix:
- Supplement: Ubiquinol (the active form) – 3x better absorbed than ubiquinone.
- Dose: 100-200 mg/day with a fatty meal (avocado toast, eggs).
- My Go-To: HealthyHey Nutrition Ubiquinol – the only one that gave Sudesh her “pre-statin” energy back.
Pro Tip: CoQ10 works best long-term. Give it 6-8 weeks.
Why This Combo Works (Simple Science)
- Iron fuels oxygen delivery → better stamina.
- B12 supports nerve function → sharper focus.
- CoQ10 turbocharges mitochondria → sustained energy.
Together, they’re the trifecta I’ve used to help everyone from exhausted moms to burned-out CEOs.
“But Wait—Shouldn’t I Just Eat Better?”
Sure, spinach and steak help. But here’s the truth: modern farming, stress, and gut issues make it nearly impossible to get enough of these from food alone. Supplements bridge the gap.
(And no, I don’t sell these—I just genuinely use them. Full transparency: I earn a small commission if you buy through my links, but you’re free to Google alternatives. These are just the ones that work.)
Sudesh’s 1-Month Results
- Week 1: “Less afternoon crashes.”
- Week 3: “Stopped craving naps. My kids asked if I ‘got a new personality.’”
- Week 4: Ran her first 5K (slowly, but still!).
Your Turn
If you’re tired of being tired:
- Get tested: Ask your doctor for iron, B12, and CoQ10 levels.
- Start low: Try one supplement at a time to see what moves the needle.
- Be patient: These aren’t caffeine pills. Give it 4-6 weeks.
Ready to try? Here are the exact brands I use with my clients:
P.P.S. Share this with that friend who’s always “too tired to text back.” They’ll thank you later.
FAQ
Q: Can I take these together?
A: Yes! Take iron in the AM with vitamin C, B12 midday, and CoQ10 with dinner.
Q: What about side effects?
A: Iron can constipate—drink more water and add magnesium glycinate if needed.
Q: Are cheap store brands okay?
A: I’ve tried them. Might work once, but not reliably.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you buy through my links (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend products I’ve tested personally or with clients.
Attention: We kindly request that you consult your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner before using any supplements. The information provided above is based on experience and research. The editor is not responsible for the authenticity, effectiveness, or potential benefits or risks associated with the suggested practices or remedies.
Sound like you? Drop a comment below with your biggest energy struggle—I’ll help troubleshoot!