We are constantly inundated with advertisements boasting products that promise an increase in energy. The fact is that there are a few supplements and vitamins that have science supporting their energy-enhancing claims.

Energy is produced in every one of our cells, in each of our organs, in our entire body. The energy-manufacturing factories in the cells are called mitochondria. These microscopic organelles spend their entire lives manufacturing energy. They receive the substrate, or fuel, from fats brought from the cell to them by certain amino acids such as L-carnitine, and then they undertake the crucial process of turning these free fatty acids into energy.

As we age, the mitochondria age with us and eventually die, making our energy production in various organs less effective. When this happens, we start accumulating toxins and waste that cannot be disposed of without energy.

To help our mitochondria live healthier and longer lives, we can add supplements to improve their function:

• L-carnitine is an amino acid that transports fatty acids from the cell to the mitochondria (1,000 mg/day is a good dose).

• Coenzyme Q10 is an enzyme that helps the efficiency of the energy production cycle in the mitochondria (50mg to 100 mg/day is a good dose). Note that many patients who are taking statins like Lipitor will experience a depletion of their Coenzyme Q10 levels, thus they will feel even more exhausted due to the side effect of the statins.

• Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that improves energy production in general, so sublingual doses of 100 mcg a day or intramuscular weekly shots of 1,000 mg to 5,000 mcg help many people feel peppier.