Effects of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Fatigue: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
Markun S, et al.
Published in Nutrients
Methodology
Systematic review, random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomised controlled trials of vitamin B12 supplementation reporting cognitive, depressive or fatigue outcomes, with risk-of-bias assessment.
Key Findings
Meta-analysis of randomised trials (6,276 participants) found vitamin B12 supplementation produced no significant benefit for cognitive function, depressive symptoms or fatigue in adults, including in participants with low or borderline baseline B12; meta-regression showed no dose-response or duration effect.
Conclusions
Vitamin B12 supplementation is likely ineffective for improving cognitive function and depressive symptoms in patients without advanced neurological disorders.
Limitations
Many included trials used combined B-vitamin regimens, limiting attribution to B12 alone; few trials enrolled frankly deficient participants; heterogeneous outcome instruments; most trials in older adults, so results may not generalise to younger or vegan populations.
Supplements Studied
Vitamin B12 supplementation is likely ineffective for improving cognitive function and depressive symptoms in patients without advanced neurological disorders.
Outcomes Measured
Meta-analysis of randomised trials (6,276 participants) found vitamin B12 supplementation produced no significant benefit for cognitive function, depressive symptoms or fatigue in adults, including in participants with low or borderline baseline B12; meta-regression showed no dose-response or duration effect.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
Swiss academic institutional funding; no industry support
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.