Why Your Multivitamins Might Be Making You Tired (And What You Should Take Instead)
Read more of my work on Medium.Com: https://medium.com/@akhild2008
You’ve been taking them religiously — but what if your supplements are doing more harm than good?
I used to think I had my health routine down. Wake up at 6, jog two miles, green smoothie packed with kale and bananas, and of course — a daily multivitamin. I felt like I was checking all the right boxes.
But then something strange happened: I started feeling exhausted. All. The. Time. Like dragging-myself-out-of-bed, can’t-focus-on-work, is-this-burnout-or-a-vitamin-deficiency kind of tired.
I didn’t want to believe it, but the culprit turned out to be the very thing I thought was helping me: my multivitamin.
The Hidden Problem with Your Multivitamin
Most people don’t realize that not all vitamins are created equal. Many store-bought multivitamins contain:
- Synthetic or poorly absorbed forms of vitamins (like cyanocobalamin instead of methylcobalamin for B12).
- Imbalanced nutrient ratios that compete with each other during absorption (like too much calcium blocking magnesium uptake).
- Low-quality fillers and binders that make them harder to digest.
For example, if you’re taking a multivitamin with non-methylated B12 or folic acid, your body might not be able to properly convert it — especially if you have a common genetic variation like MTHFR. The result? Fatigue, foggy brain, irritability, and more.
The Science Behind the Slump
B vitamins — particularly B12, B6, and folate — are crucial for energy metabolism. When your body can’t use them properly, it disrupts your mitochondria’s ability to make energy.
Add to that poorly absorbed iron (which is vital for oxygen transport in your blood) and you’ve got a recipe for unexplained fatigue, even when you’re “doing everything right.”
Your daily supplement might be flooding your system with vitamins you can’t use, stressing your liver and digestive system without delivering the energy boost you expected.
So… What Should You Do Instead?
- Look for whole-food-based or third-party tested supplements. Brands like MegaFood, Thorne, and Garden of Life use more bioavailable ingredients.
- Get blood work done. You may not even need a multivitamin — you might just need one or two specific nutrients.
- Opt for methylated B vitamins. Look for labels with methylcobalamin(B12) and methylfolate instead of the cheaper forms.
- Skip the extras. Don’t overload on iron, calcium, or fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) unless recommended by a doctor.
The Bottom Line: You’re Not Lazy. You’re Just Misinformed.
It’s frustrating to feel like you’re doing all the right things and still feel like garbage. But often, the solution is simpler than you think. A little label reading, a smarter choice at the supplement aisle, and a conversation with your doctor might be all it takes to get your energy back.
Have you noticed a difference when switching your supplements?
Drop a comment below or send this article to someone who needs a boost — but not the kind their multivitamin is giving them.
