Researchers in Spain investigated whether three days of supplementation with HTBA’s branded methylcobalamin ingredient, MecobalActive, improved anaerobic performance and cognitive function in amateur cyclists, with the hypothesis that it would enhance both physical and mental performance markers.
“Short-term methylcobalamin supplementation may be associated with changes in selected performance and cognitive measures under high-intensity exercise conditions in recreationally trained individuals,” they wrote in the journal Nutraceuticals.
Methylcobalamin vs other vitamin B12 forms
Vitamin B12 supports DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation and neuromuscular function, and when B12 levels are low, athletes can experience reduced oxygen transport, greater fatigue, slower recovery, and impaired performance.
Vitamin B12 exists in several forms, including cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin (MeB12), and adenosylcobalamin. In the body, these forms are converted into two active coenzyme forms—methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
Methylcobalamin is important in the methylation cycle, which supports DNA and protein regulation, methionine production, and neurotransmitter balance, potentially influencing mood and cognitive resilience in sport. Previous research suggests that methylcobalamin may show better tissue uptake and lower urinary loss compared with cyanocobalamin.
Despite its importance, the researchers of the new study said that there is limited research on how vitamin B12 supplementation affects sports performance, noting that existing studies mostly focus on forms like hydroxocobalamin rather than methylcobalamin.
Short-term vitamin B12 supplementation boosts cycling performance
The researchers used a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design to investigate the effects of short-term MeB12 supplementation on cognitive and physical performance. They recruited 18 male amateur cyclists who were randomly assigned to receive either MeB12 or a placebo in two separate treatment periods, with a seven-day washout between conditions.
All participants trained regularly, were free from conditions affecting vitamin B12 metabolism or absorption, and did not use supplements or medications during the study period. They attended three assessment sessions; The first visit included health screening, anthropometric measurements, dietary assessment and familiarisation with cognitive testing; the second and third visits involved completing the full experimental protocol in either the MeB12 or placebo condition in a randomized order. Each testing session included blood sampling, a cognitive reaction-time test, a repeated high-intensity cycling fatigue protocol, and repeated cognitive and blood assessments.
The fatigue protocol consisted of five maximal 30-second cycling sprints with recovery periods in between, designed to induce high levels of physical fatigue. Cognitive performance was measured using a reaction-time light system before and after the exercise protocol. Blood samples were also collected to assess vitamin B12 levels and general health markers.
Researchers administered MeB12 or placebo as sublingual tablets for three days in each condition, with the final dose taken approximately five hours before testing.
Results showed that three days of MeB12 supplementation improved both physical and cognitive performance in amateur cyclists. Compared with placebo, participants produced higher peak power output and relative peak power during repeated Wingate sprints and showed less fatigue across sprints. Cognitive performance also improved, with faster completion times on a mental agility task. In addition, MeB12 supplementation increased serum vitamin B12 levels by about 16.8%.
The authors suggest that the performance improvements may be linked to effects on the central nervous system and neuromuscular function. They propose that MeB12 may reduce perceived effort and improve motor output during maximal exercise by supporting nerve conduction, myelin repair, and neuromuscular efficiency.
Vitamin B12 may have indirect antioxidant effects, increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase through pathways involving NRF2 activation, the report noted. Furthermore, MeB12 may enhance attention and psychomotor speed through effects on neural metabolism and neurotransmission.
“Compared with placebo, supplementation was associated with higher absolute and relative peak power during a repeated Wingate protocol, a smaller decline in IF% across sprints, and shorter completion times in a reaction-based cognitive task,” the researchers concluded. “Short-term intake was also associated with increased serum vitamin B12 concentrations, including in participants with baseline values within the normal range.”
They added that future research should include other markers, such as methylmalonic acid, to provide a better assessment of functional status.
Source: Nutraceuticals; doi: 10.3390/nutraceuticals6020035; “Short-Term Methylcobalamin Supplementation Is Associated with Changes in Anaerobic and Cognitive Performance in Amateur Cyclists: A Randomized Crossover Trial.” Authors: Martínez-Noguera, F. J. et al.
