Supporting Energy & Endurance Naturally: Ingredients Athletes Look For
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As more people look to support their fitness and active lifestyles naturally, interest has grown in supplements that focus on supporting energy, endurance, and resilience rather than short-term stimulation.
For athletes and active individuals, the goal is often consistency, balance, and long-term support—making ingredient choice and quality especially important.
This article explores some of the naturally derived ingredients commonly researched and used in sports and active-lifestyle supplements, and what to look for when choosing them.
Energy vs Stimulation: An Important Distinction
Not all “energy” supplements work in the same way.
Some rely heavily on stimulants, which may provide a short-term boost but can be followed by fatigue or reliance over time. Others focus on ingredients that support the body’s natural energy-producing processes, helping to maintain steady performance during regular training and activity.
For many athletes, especially those training frequently, supporting energy metabolism and resilience is often preferred over quick bursts of stimulation.
Eleuthero: Traditionally Used for Endurance & Resilience
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), sometimes known as Siberian ginseng, has a long history of use in traditional practices and was extensively studied in the former Soviet Union.
Historically, Eleuthero was researched in relation to:
- Physical endurance
- Adaptation to demanding environments
- Supporting resilience during periods of increased physical workload
Rather than acting as a stimulant, Eleuthero is often discussed in scientific literature as an adaptogenic plant, meaning it has been studied for its role in supporting the body’s ability to adapt to physical and environmental stressors.
This makes it a common ingredient in supplements designed for long-term use alongside training routines.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Supporting Cellular Energy Production
Coenzyme Q10, commonly referred to as CoQ10, is a naturally occurring compound found in nearly every cell of the human body.
Its primary role is within the mitochondria—the part of the cell involved in producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is often described as the body’s energy currency.
As a result, CoQ10 has been widely studied in relation to:
- Cellular energy production
- Exercise performance
- Physical output and endurance
Levels of CoQ10 in the body are known to decline with age, which is one reason it is often included in supplements aimed at active adults and athletes.
Why We Use Adaptogens & Energy-Supporting Nutrients Combined
We combined the adaptogenic plant Eleuthero with the nutrient CoQ10 to support different but complementary areas:
- Adaptogens are studied for their role in supporting resilience and balance
- Energy-supporting nutrients like CoQ10 are involved in cellular energy pathways
They are often chosen to support consistent performance over time, rather than immediate stimulation.
The Importance of Consistency for Active Individuals
Unlike pre-workout stimulants, supplements containing ingredients such as Eleuthero and CoQ10 are generally associated with consistent use rather than one-off dosing.
In research settings, these ingredients are often evaluated over weeks rather than days, reinforcing the idea that they are intended to complement long-term training and lifestyle habits.
Individual responses vary, and supplements should always be viewed as supportive rather than essential.
Quality, Standardisation & Transparency Matter
For athletes, supplement quality is just as important as ingredient choice.
Key factors to look for include:
- Clearly identified ingredients and botanical names
- Standardised herbal extracts where applicable
- Transparent labelling of dosages
- Responsible sourcing and manufacturing standards
Without standardisation and clear labelling, it can be difficult to compare products or understand what you are actually taking.
A Balanced Approach to Performance Support
No supplement can replace the fundamentals of performance:
- Adequate nutrition
- Proper hydration
- Training recovery
- Rest and sleep
Natural supplements are best used as part of a broader, balanced approach to supporting an active lifestyle—not as shortcuts or performance guarantees.
Is This Type of Supplement Suitable for Everyone?
As with all supplements, suitability depends on individual circumstances.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or undergoing medical treatment should always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before using supplements containing herbal ingredients or CoQ10.
References & Further Reading
The information in this article is informed by established scientific literature and authoritative sources, including:
- Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress-protective activity. Pharmaceuticals.
- Davydov, M., & Krikorian, A. D. (2000). Eleutherococcus senticosus as an adaptogen: A closer look. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- Littarru, G. P., & Tiano, L. (2007). Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: An update. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care.
- Hernández-Camacho, J. D., et al. (2018). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in aging and disease. Frontiers in Physiology.
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Scientific opinions on Coenzyme Q10.
- International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Position stands on dietary supplements and exercise performance.