Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Memory and Brain Function
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitamin B12 is scientifically recognized as essential for proper neurological function, and its deficiency is well-documented to cause cognitive impairments, including memory loss, confusion, and, in severe cases, irreversible neurological damage. Several clinical studies have shown that individuals with low levels of vitamin B12, especially older adults, are at increased risk for cognitive decline and memory problems. Supplementation in deficient individuals can reverse or improve these symptoms. For example, research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Neurology has demonstrated that correcting B12 deficiency can slow cognitive decline in some patients. However, for individuals with normal B12 levels, there is limited evidence that supplementation provides significant memory or brain function benefits. Large-scale reviews and meta-analyses suggest that while B12 is vital for brain health, extra supplementation does not enhance cognition in people who are not deficient.
Historically, the link between B12 and brain function has been recognized since the discovery of pernicious anemia and its neurological consequences in the early 20th century. Today, B12 supplementation is a standard treatment for deficiency-related cognitive symptoms. In summary, vitamin B12 is scientifically validated as crucial for preventing and treating cognitive problems in deficient individuals, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend its use for memory enhancement in the general, non-deficient population.
Other ingredients used for Memory and Brain Function
2'-Fucosyllactoseacai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-pinene
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
asparagus
astaxanthin
waterhyssop
beet
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
black currant
black garlic
sesame
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
Indian frankincense
broccoli
caprylic acid
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
Chinese salvia root
choline
cinnamon
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish protein
folate
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fruit blend (proprietary)
ginkgo biloba
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
green tea
guarana
guayusa
hesperetin
huperzine A
inositol
jujube
kale
krill oil
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-serine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tyrosine
lactobacillus reuteri
lecithin
lion's mane
lutein
luteolin
maca
mackerel
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
moringa
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oat
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
perilla
phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pollen
polygala root
pomegranate
pregnenolone
prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)
pumpkin
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhodiola
rutin
saffron
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
selenium
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
strawberry
sulforaphane glucosinolate
threonic acid
tocotrienols
tomato
trans-pterostilbene
almond fruit
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vinpocetine
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
mulberry
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
suma
jiaogulan
tinospora cordifolia
lingzhi
morus
root tuber
ferulic acid
chrysanthemum
cistanche
lotus seed
royal jelly
terpene lactones
purslane
yerba mate
biota seed
goji berry
algae
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Arachidonic Acid
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Anserine
Alpha glyceryl
Andrographolide
Avocado
Agmatine
Adrafinil
Acetylcholine
Amentoflavone
Agarwood
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Acer Truncatum bunge
Aniracetam
anthocyanosides
Black Seed
Bilobalide
Butylphthalide
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Breadnut
Blepharis
Beef liver
Baccosides
Bacopin
Baicalein
Basidiomycota
Boswellia
Brahmi
Bacopa
Blue-Green Alage
Bifidobacteria
bacoside
Baicalin
Bird's nest
Centrophenoxine
Camellia sinensis
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyanobacteria
Carnosine
Catalpol
Chebulic acid
Cod Liver Oil
Codonopsis
Cyanidin
Cruciferous
Centella asiatica
Cinnamic Acid
Chocolate
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Creatine
Catuaba
Convolvulus prostratus
Crocetin
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Celastrus
Cytidine
cola nut
Canscora
Currant
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Dendrobium
Decursin
Decursinol
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
Date
epicatechin
Egg
Ergothioneine
Elk antler
Emblicanin
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eucommia ulmoides
Enokitake
Folic Acid
Flammulina velutipes
glucose
Glycine
Periwinkle
walnut
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by vitamin B12
AlcoholismAlzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Autoimmune Disorders
Bell's Palsy
Birth Defects (prevention)
Burning Feet or Hands
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Exercise
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Infertility
Memory and Brain Function
Mental Illness
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Nursing
Paralysis
Pernicious Anemia
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Senility
Smell (loss of)
Sore or Geographic Tongue
Stress
Wasting
Products containing vitamin B12
Integrative Therapeutics
Active B-Complex
Vitabase
Active Man's Formula
Vitabase
Active Woman's Multi
Pure Encapsulations
Adenosyl/Hydroxy B12
Pure Encapsulations
Adenosyl/Hydroxy B12 Liquid
Metagenics
AdvaClear
Metagenics
AdvaClear
Thorne
Advanced Bone Support Oscap
Thorne
Advanced Nutrients Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
Amino-NR
Metagenics
Axis Endo™ Mango
Douglas Laboratories
B-Complex
Vitabase
B-Complex 100 mg Sustained Release
Thorne
B-Complex #12
Thorne
B-Complex #6
Pure Encapsulations
B-Complex Plus
Pure Encapsulations
B-Complex Plus
Designs For Health
B-Supreme
Designs For Health
B-Supreme
Pure Encapsulations
B12 5000 liquid
Integrative Therapeutics
B12-Active
Pure Encapsulations
B12 Folate
Pure Encapsulations
B12 Liquid
Pure Encapsulations
B6 Complex
Pure Encapsulations
B6 Complex
Thorne
Basic B Complex
Thorne
Basic Nutrients 2/Day Multivitamin
Thorne
Basic Prenatal Multivitamin
Metagenics
Blisphora®
Thorne
Catalyte
Designs For Health
CatecholaCalm™
Metagenics
Ceralin® Forte
Vitabase
Cholesterol Support
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change Daily Essentials
Integrative Therapeutics
Clinical Nutrients HP
Designs For Health
CraveArrest™
Thorne
Craving and Stress Support Relora Plus
Integrative Therapeutics
Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics
Detoxication Factors
Designs For Health
DFH Complete Multi™
Designs For Health
DFH Complete Multi™ with Copper
Designs For Health
DFH Complete Multi™ with Copper & Iron
Vitabase
Easy Iron
Pure Encapsulations
Energize Plus™ Pure Pack
Metagenics
EstroFactors®
Metagenics
Fem Prenatal®
Designs For Health
FemGuard+Balance™
Thorne
Ferrasorb
Pure Encapsulations
Folate 5,000 Plus
Metagenics
GI Sustain™ Powder
Metagenics
Glutagenics
Integrative Therapeutics
Glycemic Manager
Metagenics
Glycogenics
Vitabase
Hair, Skin & Nails Formula
Metagenics
Hemagenics
Metagenics
Hemagenics
Metagenics
HerSynergy®
Pure Encapsulations
Homocysteine Factors
Pure Encapsulations
Homocysteine Factors
Designs For Health
Homocysteine Supreme™
Designs For Health
Homocysteine Supreme™
Metagenics
Intrinsi B-12 Folate
Metagenics
Intrinsi B12-Folate
Integrative Therapeutics
Iron Complex
Integrative Therapeutics
K-PAX MitoNutrients
Metagenics
Ketogenic Shake Chocolate
Metagenics
Ketogenic Shake Vanilla
Klean Athlete
Klean B-Complex
Klean Athlete
Klean Multivitamin ™
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Metagenics
Lipo-Gen™
Metagenics
Lipo-Gen
Designs For Health
Liposomal B Supreme
Integrative Therapeutics
Lipotropic Complex
Pure Encapsulations
Lipotropic Detox
Pure Encapsulations
Liquid B-Complex
Douglas Laboratories
Liquid B12
Integrative Therapeutics
Liquid Iron
Designs For Health
Lithium Synergy
Designs For Health
LV-GB Complex™
Thorne
MediClear Plus
Thorne
Men's Multi 50+
Designs For Health
Metabolic Synergy™
Designs For Health
Metabolic Synergy™
Metagenics
MetaGlycemX™
Metagenics
MetaGlycemX
Metagenics
MetaKids Multi Soft Chew Grape
Metagenics
MetaKids Nutrition Powder Chocolate
Metagenics
MetaKids Nutrition Powder Vanilla
Metagenics
MetaRelax®
Douglas Laboratories
Methyl B12 Plus
Thorne
Methyl-Guard
Thorne
Methyl-Guard Plus
Pure Encapsulations
MethylAssist
Metagenics
MethylCare
Pure Encapsulations
Methylcobalamin 1,000 mcg
Pure Encapsulations
Methylcobalamin 1,000 mcg
Designs For Health
Mitochondrial NRG™
Metagenics
MitoVive
Designs For Health
Mood-Stasis™
Pure Encapsulations
Multi t/d
Pure Encapsulations
Multi t/d
Thorne
Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
Thorne
Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
Metagenics
Multigenics®
Metagenics
Multigenics Chewable Orange
Metagenics
Multigenics Intensive Care
Metagenics
Multigenics Intensive Care without Iron
Metagenics
Multigenics without Iron
Integrative Therapeutics
Multiplex-1 No-Iron
Designs For Health
NeuroCalm™
Pure Encapsulations
NeuroMood Pure Pack
Designs For Health
NeuroRenew™
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950®
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950®
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950®
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® A without Copper & Iron
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® with NAC
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® with Vitamin K
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® without Copper, Iron & Iodine
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® without Iron
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® without Iron
Integrative Therapeutics
Nutrivitamin No-Iron
Pure Encapsulations
O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Designs For Health
OcuForce™
Integrative Therapeutics
Osteoprime Forte
Integrative Therapeutics
Osteoprime Ultra
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™ Detox Program
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™Chocolate Detox Kit
Designs For Health
PaleoMeal®
Designs For Health
PaleoMeal®
Integrative Therapeutics
Physicians Elemental Diet Dextrose Free
Integrative Therapeutics
Physician's Elemental Diet
Integrative Therapeutics
Physician's Elemental Diet
Integrative Therapeutics
Physicians Elemental Diet Kit
Metagenics
PhytoMulti™ Multivitamin
Metagenics
PhytoMulti With Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMulti Without Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMultivitamin
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Cleanse
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Cleanse Plus™ 570g
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Meal
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Meal Plus
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Meal
Metagenics
PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Douglas Laboratories
Prenatal
Pure Encapsulations
PreNatal Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
PreNatal Nutrients
Designs For Health
Prenatal Pro™
Designs For Health
Primal Multi™
Integrative Therapeutics
ProThrivers Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
PureGenomics® B-Complex
Pure Encapsulations
PureGenomics® Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
PureGenomics® UltraMultivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
PureLean® Protein
Pure Encapsulations
PureMelt B12 Folate
Pure Encapsulations
PurePals
Pure Encapsulations
PurePals with Iron
Pure Encapsulations
PureResponse™ Multivitamin
Douglas Laboratories
Relora ®-Plex
Metagenics
Renagen™ DTX
Pure Encapsulations
RevitalAge™ Nerve
Designs For Health
SAMe
Designs For Health
SAMe
Metagenics
SeroSyn
Thorne
Stress B-Complex
Douglas Laboratories
Stress-B-Plus ™
Designs For Health
Super Liquid Folate
Vitabase
Super Stress Formula
Metagenics
Testralin®
Thorne
Thyrocsin
Designs For Health
Tricobalamin™ lozenges
Designs For Health
Trifolamin™ lozenges
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Essential Packets
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Multi™
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Multi™
Designs For Health
Twice Daily Multi™
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra B-Complex
Pure Encapsulations
Ultra B-Complex with PQQ
Designs For Health
Ultra B12-Folate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® 2 Daily
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive 50+ -EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
ULTRA PREVENTIVE® III W/COPPER
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® Kids Grape Flavor
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® Kids Orange Flavor
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive One Daily
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive® X
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green
Pure Encapsulations
Ultra Pure Pack
Metagenics
UltraClear Detox Powder
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus® Detox Powder
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus pH Detox Powder Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraClear Plus pH Detox Powder Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Chai
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations
UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraMeal® Daily Support Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Daily Support Mixed Berry
Metagenics
UltraMeal Rice Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations
UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations
UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations
UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations
VisionPro Nutrients
Designs For Health
Vitamin B12 Lozenges
Thorne
Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
Thorne
Women's Multi 50+
Pure Encapsulations
Women's Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Women's Nutrients
Designs For Health
Women's Twice Daily Essential Packets