While entirely possible to maintain adequate levels of energy in the body through the effects of a balanced diet, many of us suffer from nutrient deficiencies as a result of strenuous workouts or bodily functions that prevent us from storing a lot of energy. Energy supplements serve those of us who experience these deficiencies by revving up our metabolism to break down nutrients into energy.

Not all energy supplements are created equal, and each serves different functions. The important factor in determining which substances are right for you is to define which functions your body needs the most help in. These energy boosters come in three distinct categories: stimulants, which increase our metabolism; substances that affect metabolism, or how our body derives energy from nutrients; and calories, which are the measurement of the energy potential in the food we eat.

Of the various energy stimulants included in supplements, caffeine is probably the one you will feel the most. Caffeine steps up the metabolism and causes people to feel better by providing mental focus and pushes back fatigue. When introduced to the body, caffeine stimulates the body to activate the central nervous system and release the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline). Adrenaline causes a temporary boost in energy and allows you to sustain your strenuous workout sessions.

Another component of energy supplements is their ability to affect our metabolism. These supplements are rich in nutrients already available in our body through the foods we eat, but also have the benefit of affecting how the body processes nutrients and converts them to energy. The supplements boost Coenzyme Q10, B vitamins, and carnitine that are deficient in athletes and bodybuilders that push themselves to the max.

You should know that calories serve as energy boosters to the body. Without a sufficient amount of calories, the body will lack in energy and fail to grow. Energy supplements rich in calories usually include carbohydrates like sugars, which can easily be broken down by the body and absorbed as energy. Carbohydrates broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream provide fuel for going the extra distance, which is especially important to athletes like marathon runners and heavy lifters.

The main thing to remember is that the body needs energy in order to operate. You may need energy supplements as a boost to a poor diet, or because you need that extra energy to get through a tough training session after a long day. Whatever the case may be, energy supplements can give you the boost to get there.