From the Guidelines
5 Hour Energy does not contain hydroxocobalamin, but rather cyanocobalamin, a different form of vitamin B12. The formulation of 5 Hour Energy includes cyanocobalamin as part of its B-vitamin complex, with each 2-ounce bottle containing 500 micrograms (mcg) of cyanocobalamin, approximately 8,333% of the daily recommended value 1. Hydroxocobalamin is another form of vitamin B12, often used in medical settings for treating B12 deficiency, but it is not the form used in 5 Hour Energy. Both cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin are converted to the active forms of B12 in the body, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. The American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention notes the importance of a balanced diet and suggests that dietary supplements, including vitamin B12, should be used to correct documented deficiencies or insufficiencies, rather than for general health purposes or cancer prevention 1.
Key points to consider:
- 5 Hour Energy contains cyanocobalamin, not hydroxocobalamin.
- Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 commonly used in supplements.
- The high content of vitamin B12 in 5 Hour Energy is part of its B-vitamin complex.
- The actual energy boost from 5 Hour Energy comes primarily from its caffeine content.
- Dietary supplements, including vitamin B12, should be used judiciously and based on individual needs, as recommended by the American Cancer Society 1.
From the Research
Energy Drink Ingredients
- The study 2 examined the nutrition fact panels of top-selling energy drinks and shots in the US to characterize common ingredient profiles.
- The results showed that vitamin B12 was present in 67% of the energy drinks, with an average amount of 5244.5 ± 10,474.6% of the daily value.
Hydroxocobalamin in Energy Drinks
- However, the study 2 did not specifically mention hydroxocobalamin as an ingredient in 5 Hour Energy drinks.
- Hydroxocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12, and studies 3, 4, and 5 discuss its use and bioavailability in treating vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 Forms
- The study 5 compared the bioavailability and utilization of different forms of vitamin B12, including hydroxocobalamin, and found that all forms can improve vitamin B12 status.
- However, the study did not provide information on the specific ingredients of 5 Hour Energy drinks or their formulation.
Conclusion on Hydroxocobalamin in 5 Hour Energy
- Based on the available evidence, it is unclear whether 5 Hour Energy drinks contain hydroxocobalamin, as the study 2 only reported on the presence of vitamin B12 in general, and not specifically on the form of hydroxocobalamin.