Better Nutrition April 2019

The Best Energy Booster You’ve Never Heard Of
This trendy new supplement ingredient may hold the key to ultimate energy at any age // By Vera Tweed
What do college students, their older siblings, parents, and
grandparents have in common? The need for plenty of energy.
The reasons may differ—from cramming for exams and playing
sports to managing work and family schedules and overcoming
age-related fatigue—but the underlying mechanism is the
same. And so are the benefits of a novel supplement that
enhances your own energy production without acting as a
stimulant, so it won’t keep you up at night.
The supplement is Robuvit, an extract from a specific species
of French oak that was considered sacred in ancient times for its
medicinal qualities. “We had to do things intuitively, hundreds
of years ago, and now, we can actually look at what this individual
tree species does,” says Fred Pescatore, MD, an integrative
physician in New York, and author of The A-List Diet.
In recent years, 17 studies have tested the supplement and
found that it boosts energy in healthy people, as well as in
those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. It also improves
exercise recovery and performance, speeds up recovery from
the flu, and improves the liver’s detoxification ability.
the study, blood tests used to measure liver enzymes and
other markers showed that all participants had similar levels
of damage. Half the group then took 300 mg daily of Robuvit
for 12 weeks, and blood tests were repeated. The markers for
liver health of those taking Robuvit improved significantly.
Researchers concluded that the supplement demonstrated
“significant protective activity,” likely because it is a strong
antioxidant and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
FASTER RECOVERY FROM FLU
Among his patients who took Robuvit during flu season,
says Pescatore, “People were amazed at how quickly they got
over the flu.” In a study of people who had already had the
flu for 7–10 days, a daily dose of 300 mg of Robuvit speeded
up recovery from lingering symptoms, including weakness,
fatigue, and disturbed sleep.
HOW ROBUVIT WORKS
The tree from which Robuvit is extracted is the only known
source of roburins, unique plant chemicals whose name comes
from “robur,” the Latin word for strength or power. “Roburins
work on the cellular function of the mitochondria,” says
Pescatore. Mitochondria are microscopic energy-generating
components in every cell. Robuvit enhances energy by helping
mitochondria to burn fuel more efficiently.
BETTER ENERGY, SLEEP, AND MOOD
Several clinical trials have found that Robuvit
improves energy and reduces work-related
burnout in healthy adults of all ages. One study
found that it also enhances mood and sleep.
The supplement was tested in a group of
40 middle-aged people who complained of
fatigue, insomnia, and mood problems. They
all followed a lifestyle program for eight weeks,
which included doing gentle exercise, restricting
caffeine, and not eating or using electronic devices
before bedtime. Half of the participants also took 300 mg daily
of Robuvit, and those taking the supplement experienced a
significantly greater improvement in their symptoms, compared
to the lifestyle-only group.
Other studies have looked at people suffering from a combination
of debilitating symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome. “Clinical
research shows that Robuvit helps to combat nagging chronic
fatigue symptoms such as loss of memory and concentration, poor
sleep quality, headaches, sore throat, and extreme exhaustion,”
says Pescatore.
A HEALTHIER LIVER
Environmental toxins, medications, and alcohol can overload
the liver’s capacity to break down waste materials and detoxify
our bodies. Robuvit can help.
The supplement was tested in a group of 44 people with
temporary liver damage from heavy drinking. At the start of
Did You
Know?
A hangover is a
sign that your liver
is temporarily
overloaded with
toxins.
QUICKER EXERCISE RECOVERY
A study of 54 amateur triathletes found that
taking 300 mg of Robuvit daily during two weeks
of training reduced muscle cramps and pain, and
improved performance. Pescatore also has personal
experience with this effect. At age 57, he does trapeze workouts
twice a week. “You use every muscle in the body, and it’s
intense,” he says. “The first time I did trapeze, I literally couldn’t
move for a week. The second time I did it, I took Robuvit two
days before and I was a completely different person.”
HOW TO TAKE ROBUVIT
Robuvit is a patented ingredient found in several brands of
supplements, including Jarrow Formulas and Life Extension.
Studies have found 300 mg daily to be an effective dose.
Pescatore recommends taking Robuvit with food, at any time
of day. It doesn’t interact with medications, but anyone with
kidney disease should consult their doctor before taking any
supplement. Robuvit has not been tested on pregnant women.
Energy improvement should be noticeable within a couple
of weeks of taking the supplement, but can occur much sooner.
For faster flu recovery, take it at the first sign of symptoms.
APRIL 2018 • 37