Vitamins
Vitamin B12
In plain language
Essential for nerves and energy. Only truly helps people who are deficient - vegetarians, vegans, older adults and some medication users are most at risk.
Is it an approved medication?
No — not an approved medication
No - sold as a food/OTC supplement, not a prescription medication in its general oral form
How strong is the evidence?
Strong, but only if you are genuinely deficient
The main thing to know
Very safe even at high doses - but won't boost energy in someone who isn't actually low.
Mechanism
Cofactor for DNA synthesis and myelin formation; absorption depends on intrinsic factor and healthy gastric/ileal function.
Potential benefits
- Correction of deficiency-related fatigue, cognitive symptoms and neuropathy
Regulatory status
Dietary supplement / prescription injectable forms for severe deficiency