Caffeine vs B vitamins – which energy boost is best for you?

But first, coffee.

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea and energy drinks, can give you an instant energy boost. And many of us love that morning jolt. But B vitamins can also help get your energy up by releasing energy from your food – without some of the drawbacks of caffeine. So, is one better than the other?
Here’s a look at both.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a common stimulant that acts on the brain and nerves. You can find it in coffee, most teas, cocoa, chocolate, cola, guarana and energy drinks. Caffeine can help you feel more awake and energetic, but it’s overall effects on your health are more complex.

Benefits of consuming caffeine

Coffee afficionados love their morning brew. Coffee isn’t just a social pleasure - it’s a way of life for many of us. We drink coffee for the taste as well as the energy boost.

Coffee makes us feel more awake and alert because it contains caffeine - a stimulant that speeds up the messaging between our brains and bodies. Other than feeling more stimulated, people who drink coffee regularly might have a lower than average risk of certain chronic diseases.

Just be aware that too much caffeine - for example, 3 espresso coffees or 6-7 instant coffees (more than 500mg) - can give you jitters and make it hard for you to sleep. So always stick to the recommended amounts.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins are a group of vitamins supporting a range of functions in your body that keep you feeling well. B vitamins include :

thiamin (vitamin B1)
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
niacin (vitamin B3)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
biotin (vitamin B7)
folic acid (vitamin B9)
cobalamin (vitamin B12)

Benefits of consuming B vitamins

Each B vitamin supports a different function in your body. But generally, they help :

release energy from food
relieve stress
keep your nervous system healthy
red blood cell production

Most people can get all the B vitamins they need from the food that they eat. But sometimes, getting enough nutrients from your diet can be difficult.

That’s when a multi-vitamin like Berocca can be helpful alongside a healthy and balanced diet. Berocca’s tailored formula contains the water-soluble B vitamin complex and vitamin C, as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium and zinc. All these micronutrients are known to play an important role in energy metabolism and cognitive function.

Benefits of B vitamins

Support healthy mood balance

Help relieve stress & mild anxiety

Enhanced mental performance & stamina

Improved memory

Enhanced physical stamina*

Support concentration

*when taken daily for 28 days

Risk of taking B vitamins

When taken as directed, B vitamin supplements can be safe.
If you have more than you need, your body knows how to get rid of the excess safely. Anything that your body does not need is passed out in your urine. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) can make your urine more intense in colour.

The verdict

So, if you’re looking for a more sustainable and longer-lasting energy boost, perhaps it’s time to consider your B vitamin intake. Berocca provides a caffeine free alternative to coffee. If you love the caffeine hit, look no further than Berocca Boost which contains all B-vitamins, with added caffeine and guarana!