It is reported that there is an estimated 7 in 10 Australian professionals suffering from exhaustion and ‘burnout’. Over 30% of workers are also reporting making repeated errors at work due to very low energy. Therefore, fatigue has serious outcomes for modern health and it’s steadily on the increase.¹
Fatigue is far more than simple tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of sleep. It’s a state of chronic exhaustion that can have a negative impact on an individual’s health and safety, as well as on those around them, including coworkers, children, family members, and others. In fact, research conducted by a specialist unit at Monash University found that almost 25,000 road accidents and 10,000 workplace injuries are directly caused by poor alertness and fatigue. Furthermore, fatigue results in substantial costs to the Australian economy, with over $5 billion spent on healthcare and low productivity costs.²
For the person suffering with fatigue, quality of life can be significantly impacted, linking in with experiences of low mood,³ ⁴ feelings of low self-worth⁵ and impeded capacity,⁶ particularly over time. Fatigue is a deeply unpleasant experience and can include symptoms of muscle weakness, brain fog, poor concentration and can be caused by a multitude of factors, both health and lifestyle related, including:
⊲ Lack of and/or poor-quality sleep.
⊲ Illness.
⊲ Strenuous exercise or physical labour.
⊲ Some medications (as a side effect).
⊲ Poor nutrition, including inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals.
⊲ High stress (physical, emotional and/or psychological).
Fatigue can also be a symptom of underlying health conditions, so seeking medical advice is paramount when experiencing severe and/or long-term exhaustion. Often, fatigue can be explained by an aspect of life that has become unmanageable, like work or relationship stress, or poor sleep, diet and movement habits. In other instances, it’s unclear where the root cause of fatigue lies and, once medical causes have been eliminated, it can be worthwhile considering a supplement to assist in relieving fatigue and regaining energy and clarity.
Five of the most effective, evidence-based ingredients that can help relieve fatigue and boost energy found in health supplements in Australia are:
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SWEET MELON (CUCUMIS MELO)
Also known as Muskmelon, this juicy fruit is a rich source of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme found in all body cells that plays a key role in the body’s antioxidant defense system. Oxidative stress has a strong, established association with fatigue and SOD has been shown to assist in relieving fatigue and improving cognitive processes.⁷ Look out for SOD Extramel® S complex - a highly concentrated extract of SOD from sweet melon that has been shown to improve energy, mental clarity and physical and cognitive performance in several clinical trials via its potent antioxidant action.⁸ -
NICOTINAMIDE RIBOSIDE CHLORIDE (NRC)
Essential as a precursor in the biosynthesis of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), NRC plays a critical role in multiple metabolic and cellular processes that produce and maintain energy in the body. It helps to boost NAD⁺ levels, which in turn supports cognitive function, increases energy, and improves general health and well-being.⁹ -
COENZYME Q10 (COQ10)
This fat-soluble antioxidant plays a dual role in supporting energy production at a cellular level by fueling the mitochondria,¹⁰ whilst reducing free radicals formed in the body.¹¹ -
GLUTATHIONE
A major antioxidant found in the majority of body cells and has been shown to improve aerobic metabolism.¹² It’s important to choose a highly bioavailable form of glutathione; look for OPITAC® as a quality source in your supplement formula. -
ACETYL-L-CARNITINE
A naturally occurring amino acid derivative, acetyl-L-carnitine facilitates the movement of fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are critical players in the production of ATP, or cellular energy.¹³
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