From the Research
Vitamin B Complex Supplementation Effects
- The effects of vitamin B complex supplementation on physical and mental performance have been studied in various trials 1, 2, 3.
- A randomized double-blind trial found that 28-day supplementation with vitamin B complex significantly improved exercise endurance performance and reduced exercise fatigue biochemical metabolites in healthy individuals 1.
- A systematic literature review found that high-dose B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplementation improved perceived stress, physical stamina, concentration, and general mental health in healthy populations 2.
- Another study found that vitamin B6 supplementation increased the amount of dream content recalled, but did not affect dream vividness, bizarreness, or color 4.
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial found that high-dose B-complex vitamin and mineral supplementation improved ratings of stress, mental health, and vigour, and improved cognitive performance during intense mental processing in healthy males 3.
Cognitive Function and Depressive Symptoms
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that vitamin B12 supplementation had an insignificant effect on cognitive function and depressive symptoms in the general population 5.
- The meta-analysis found no significant effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on cognitive memory function, with an average standardized mean difference of -0.03 (95% CI: -0.07 to 0.01) 5.
- Similarly, the meta-analysis found no significant effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on depressive symptoms, with an average standardized mean difference of -0.01 (95% CI: -0.0773 to 0.0525) 5.
Stimulatory Effect
- The studies suggest that vitamin B complex supplementation may have a stimulatory effect on physical and mental performance, particularly in terms of improving exercise endurance and reducing fatigue 1, 2, 3.
- However, the evidence for a stimulatory effect on cognitive function and depressive symptoms is less clear, with some studies finding no significant effect 5.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of vitamin B complex supplementation on physical and mental performance, and to explore the conditions under which it is most effective 5.