SYS ONLINE
← Categories

B12 Deficiency

Energy and neurological implications.

Ranked by evidence strength across reported benefits.

Compound#1· strong

Creatine Monohydrate

The most-studied and effective ergogenic aid — replenishes ATP via the phosphocreatine system.

Fatty Acid#2· strong

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

Marine long-chain omega-3s — the most-studied anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular nutrient.

Compound#3· strong

Coffee

Caffeine + polyphenol matrix with strong evidence for mortality and T2D reduction.

Vitamin#4· strong

Vitamin B12

Essential cobalamin for methylation, red blood cell formation, and myelin maintenance.

Amino Acid#5· strong

L-Theanine

Calm focus — alpha-wave amino acid from green tea that takes the edge off caffeine.

Compound#6· strong

Caffeine

Adenosine antagonist with strong evidence for cognitive and physical performance.

Vitamin#7· strong

Hydroxocobalamin (B12)

Long-acting injectable form of B12 — used clinically for deficiency and cyanide poisoning.

Vitamin#8· strong

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Cofactor for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve conduction.

Vitamin#9· strong

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Cofactor for >100 enzymes including neurotransmitter synthesis.

Mineral#10· strong

Iron

Oxygen-carrying mineral central to hemoglobin and cellular respiration.

Compound#11· strong

Beetroot Juice

Dietary nitrate source improving NO production, BP, and endurance performance.

Vitamin#12· strong

Methylfolate (L-5-MTHF)

Bioactive folate that bypasses the MTHFR enzyme — preferred in MTHFR variants and pregnancy.

Compound#13· strong

Creatine Monohydrate

Gold-standard creatine form — the most studied supplement in sports science.

Herb#14· strong

Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean)

Natural L-DOPA source studied for Parkinson's, libido, and fertility.

Nootropic#15· strong

Piracetam (Cognitive)

Original racetam used for cortical excitability disorders.

Compound#16· strong

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

NAD+ precursor with bioavailability and longevity research interest.

Compound#17· strong

NMN

NAD+ precursor similar to NR; bioavailability route debated.

Vitamin#18· strong

B-Complex (Drinking Recovery)

Alcohol depletes B1, B6, folate — repletion supports neurological recovery.

Vitamin#19· strong

Methylcobalamin (B12)

Active methyl-form of B12 — directly usable in the methylation cycle.

Vitamin#20· strong

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

NAD+ precursor that bypasses the flush — studied for cellular aging.

Herb#21· strong

Bacopa Monnieri

Ayurvedic nootropic with strong evidence for memory consolidation over 8–12 weeks.

Fatty Acid#22· strong

Algal Omega-3 (Vegan EPA/DHA)

Plant-based EPA and DHA from microalgae for vegan diets.

Compound#23· strong

Modafinil (Rx note)

Wakefulness-promoting Rx — listed for reference; not a supplement.

Compound#24· strong

Choline Bitartrate

Affordable choline source — supports phospholipid synthesis and methylation.

Herb#25· strong

Bacopa Monnieri

Ayurvedic nootropic with strong evidence for memory and recall after chronic dosing.

Fatty Acid#26· strong

Omega-3 (rTG form)

Re-esterified triglyceride EPA/DHA — ~70% better absorption than ethyl ester form.

Fatty Acid#27· strong

Algal Omega-3 (DHA/EPA)

Plant-source DHA (and some EPA) from cultivated marine algae — vegan alternative to fish oil.

Mineral#28· strong

Ferrous Sulfate

Standard low-cost iron salt — effective but commonly causes GI side effects.

Mineral#29· strong

Heme Iron Polypeptide

Animal-source heme iron — absorbed via separate receptor, unaffected by phytates/calcium.

Compound#30· strong

Ubiquinone (CoQ10)

Standard oxidized CoQ10 — cheaper and effective in younger adults who can readily reduce it.

Compound#31· strong

Idebenone

Synthetic CoQ10 analog with better water solubility; used in LHON.

Compound#32· strong

Guanfacine (Ref)

α2A-agonist reference drug for prefrontal focus and ADHD.

Fatty Acid#33· strong

DHA (Prenatal)

Critical fatty acid for fetal brain and retinal development.

Compound#34· strong

ALA (R-isomer)

Natural enantiomer of α-lipoic acid with better bioavailability.

Compound#35· moderate

Coenzyme Q10

Mitochondrial electron carrier and lipid-soluble antioxidant.

Amino Acid#36· moderate

L-Carnitine

Shuttles long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation.

Herb#37· moderate

Maca

Andean root associated with libido improvement and energy without hormone changes.

Herb#38· moderate

Rhodiola Rosea

Arctic adaptogen — reduces fatigue and improves mental performance under stress.

Herb#39· moderate

Curcumin

Yellow polyphenol from turmeric — anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive when properly bioavailable.

Compound#40· moderate

Choline

Essential nutrient for cell membranes, methylation, and acetylcholine synthesis.

Herb#41· moderate

Panax Ginseng

Adaptogenic ginseng studied for fatigue, cognition, and erectile function.

Herb#42· moderate

American Ginseng

Cooler adaptogen with stronger evidence for blood sugar and cold-flu prevention.

Herb#43· moderate

Mucuna Pruriens

Natural L-DOPA source studied for mood, libido, and Parkinson's.

Compound#44· moderate

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Phospholipid that supports cognition and may blunt cortisol response to stress.

Compound#45· moderate

Ubiquinol (CoQ10)

Reduced active form of CoQ10 — preferred in adults over 40 and those with statin-induced depletion.

Herb#46· moderate

Salvia officinalis (Sage)

Culinary sage with cholinergic and anti-hyperhidrosis effects.

Nootropic#47· moderate

Alpha-GPC

Bioavailable choline source studied for cognition and acute power output.

Amino Acid#48· moderate

Taurine

Conditionally essential amino acid involved in bile salt conjugation, osmoregulation, and cardiac function.

Herb#49· moderate

Ginkgo Biloba

Vasoactive herb studied for cognition in the elderly and tinnitus.

Herb#50· moderate

Gotu Kola

Adaptogen used for cognitive support, anxiety, and wound healing.

Compound#51· moderate

Shilajit

Himalayan mineral exudate rich in fulvic acid, studied for testosterone and fatigue.

Compound#52· moderate

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Phospholipid precursor with cytidine bonus — supports membranes and dopamine.

Herb#53· moderate

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Andean root traditionally used for libido and fertility — non-hormonal mechanism.

Herb#54· moderate

Rhodiola Rosea

Arctic adaptogen for mental fatigue, burnout, and stress resilience.

Herb#55· moderate

Ginkgo Biloba

Vasodilatory leaf extract for cognition and microcirculation.

Mineral#56· moderate

Magnesium L-Threonate

Magnesium bound to L-threonic acid — the only form shown to meaningfully raise brain magnesium.

Fatty Acid#57· moderate

Krill Oil

Phospholipid-bound EPA/DHA from Antarctic krill — includes astaxanthin antioxidant.

Compound#58· moderate

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Direct NAD+ precursor — popular longevity supplement with growing human data.

Herb#59· moderate

Kanna (Sceletium)

South African succulent acting as SSRI + PDE4 inhibitor for mood and stress.

Amino Acid#60· moderate

L-Tyrosine (Dopamine Replenishment)

Catecholamine precursor — replenishes dopamine/norepinephrine pools after stimulant use.

Vitamin#61· moderate

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

FAD/FMN precursor central to redox reactions and migraine prophylaxis.

Amino Acid#62· moderate

L-Tyrosine

Catecholamine precursor preserving cognition under stress and sleep deprivation.

Herb#63· moderate

Lemon Balm

Mild anxiolytic with cognitive calming effects via GABA-T inhibition.

Herb#64· moderate

Schisandra

Adaptogenic berry traditionally used for stamina, liver protection, and stress resilience.

Mushroom#65· moderate

Cordyceps

Medicinal fungus studied for aerobic capacity and immune modulation.

Nootropic#66· moderate

Piracetam

Original racetam; modulates AMPA receptors and membrane fluidity. Rx in many countries.

Compound#67· moderate

Alpha-GPC (Cholinergic Recovery)

Choline source — supports acetylcholine after stimulant-driven depletion.

Amino Acid#68· moderate

L-Tyrosine (Thyroid Substrate)

Amino acid substrate paired with iodine to form thyroid hormones.

Herb#69· moderate

Panax Ginseng (Sexual Health)

Korean red ginseng with RCT-level evidence for erectile dysfunction.

Compound#70· moderate

Huperzine A

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from club moss — potent cholinergic enhancer.

Compound#71· moderate

Uridine Monophosphate

Pyrimidine nucleoside — supports phosphatidylcholine synthesis and dopamine receptor density.

Vitamin#72· moderate

Adenosylcobalamin (B12)

Mitochondrial coenzyme form of B12 — partners with methylcobalamin for full B12 status.

Vitamin#73· moderate

Riboflavin-5-Phosphate

Active form of B2 — used directly as FMN without liver conversion.

Vitamin#74· moderate

Benfotiamine

Lipid-soluble thiamine derivative with superior tissue penetration — used in diabetic neuropathy.

Mineral#75· moderate

Iron Bisglycinate

Chelated ferrous iron — best-tolerated form with high absorption and minimal GI distress.

Nootropic#76· moderate

Sulbutiamine

Lipid-soluble thiamine derivative crossing the BBB for fatigue and focus.

Nootropic#77· moderate

Vinpocetine

Periwinkle alkaloid that increases cerebral blood flow.

Compound#78· moderate

Bifidobacterium longum 1714

Psychobiotic strain shown to reduce stress and improve memory.

Herb#79· moderate

Yerba Mate (Weight)

Polyphenol-caffeine extract used for appetite and energy.

Compound#80· moderate

P-Synephrine (Bitter Orange)

Bitter orange alkaloid used as ephedrine-replacement fat burner.

Mushroom#81· moderate

Cordyceps CS-4

Standardized cultivated cordyceps for kidney and energy support.

Herb#82· moderate

Schisandra (Adaptogen)

Berry adaptogen for stress, focus, and liver protection.

Herb#83· moderate

Lemon Balm (Stress)

Melissa officinalis for acute stress and cognitive performance.

Compound#84· moderate

Spermidine (Wheat Germ)

Polyamine that induces autophagy and may extend lifespan.

Compound#85· moderate

Creatine (Cognitive Dose)

Higher-dose creatine for cognitive performance under stress.

Nootropic#86· moderate

Citicoline (Cognition)

Intermediate in phosphatidylcholine synthesis; boosts focus.

Compound#87· moderate

Uridine Monophosphate

Pyrimidine that supports synaptic membrane synthesis.

Compound#88· moderate

Phosphatidylcholine (PC)

Major brain and hepatic phospholipid often given for liver support.

Compound#89· moderate

5-HTP (Mood Dose)

Serotonin precursor used for mild depression and migraine.

Herb#90· moderate

Rosemary (Cognitive)

Rosmarinus officinalis for memory and mood via inhalation or oral.

Herb#91· moderate

Yerba Mate (Focus)

Polyphenolic stimulant alternative to coffee for focus.

Herb#92· moderate

Panax Ginseng (Cognitive)

Asian ginseng (G115) studied for mental performance.

Herb#93· moderate

Rhodiola SHR-5 (Fatigue)

Adaptogen for stress-related fatigue and burnout.

Compound#94· moderate

Shilajit (Fulvic-Standardized)

Himalayan mineral pitch with fulvic acids studied for testosterone.

Herb#95· moderate

Butterbur

Petasites hybridus extract for migraine prophylaxis and allergic rhinitis.

Herb#96· moderate

Bacopa CDRI-08

Standardized Bacopa monnieri extract for memory.

Peptide#97· moderate

Selank

Russian anxiolytic peptide based on tuftsin.

Peptide#98· moderate

Semax

Russian nootropic ACTH analog for cognitive enhancement.

Compound#99· moderate

MCT C8 (Caprylic Acid)

Pure C8 medium-chain triglyceride for ketone production.

Herb#100· moderate

Mucuna Pruriens

Velvet bean providing natural L-DOPA.

Compound#101· moderate

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)

Redox cofactor for mitochondrial biogenesis.

Amino Acid#102· moderate

Ergothioneine (Mushroom-Derived)

Natural ergothioneine from oyster mushrooms.

Amino Acid#103· moderate

L-Phenylalanine

Precursor to tyrosine and catecholamines.

Herb#104· moderate

Theracurmin

Nano-particle curcumin for bioavailability.

Compound#105· moderate

Luteolin

Flavone with anti-inflammatory effects.

Mushroom#106· moderate

Cordyceps Militaris

Cordycepin-rich mushroom for energy and exercise.

Herb#107· moderate

Rhodiola SHR-5

Standardized Rhodiola for fatigue.

Herb#108· moderate

Suma Root

Brazilian ginseng adaptogen.

Herb#109· moderate

Black Maca

Lepidium meyenii black variant for energy.

Mushroom#110· moderate

Lion's Mane Erinacines

Hericium erinaceus mycelium for NGF.

Mushroom#111· moderate

Lion's Mane Fruiting Body

Hericinones-rich beta-glucan source.

Nootropic#112· moderate

CDP-Choline (Citicoline)

Phospholipid precursor for cognition.

Compound#113· moderate

Soy Lecithin

Phosphatidylcholine source.

Compound#114· moderate

Phosphatidylcholine

Membrane phospholipid for liver.

Amino Acid#115· moderate

Suntheanine

Pharmaceutical-grade L-theanine.

Compound#116· moderate

Picamilon

Niacin-GABA conjugate.

Nootropic#117· moderate

Aniracetam

Fat-soluble racetam.

Nootropic#118· moderate

Oxiracetam

Racetam for cognition.

Vitamin#119· moderate

Allithiamine

Garlic-derived fat-soluble thiamine.

Vitamin#120· moderate

Folinic Acid (Leucovorin)

Reduced folate form.

Vitamin#121· moderate

Methylcobalamin High-Dose

Active B12 form for neuropathy.

Nootropic#122· moderate

CDP-Choline (Citicoline)-Stroke

Acute stroke neuroprotection.

Nootropic#123· moderate

Noopept (GVS-111)

Russian dipeptide nootropic.

Nootropic#124· moderate

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)

Choline analog for cognition.

Nootropic#125· moderate

Pyritinol

Pyridoxine derivative for cognition.

Compound#126· moderate

Galantamine (Plant-Derived)

Snowdrop alkaloid AChE inhibitor.

Herb#127· moderate

Ginkgo Biloba EGb 761

Standardized Ginkgo for cognition.

Vitamin#128· moderate

Biotin (High-Dose)

High-dose for MS and hair.

Compound#129· moderate

Enzogenol

New Zealand pine bark extract.

Compound#130· moderate

Pycnogenol (Pine Bark)

French maritime pine bark for circulation.

Compound#131· moderate

Royal Jelly

Queen bee secretion with 10-HDA.

Compound#132· moderate

Bee Pollen

Pollen collected by bees.

Compound#133· moderate

GOS (Galactooligosaccharides)

Galactose-based prebiotic.

Compound#134· moderate

6-Shogaol (Ginger)

Bioactive ginger compound.

Herb#135· moderate

Turmeric Essential Oil

Ar-turmerone for brain regeneration.

Herb#136· moderate

Longvida Curcumin

SLCP curcumin for brain bioavailability.

Herb#137· moderate

Lemon Balm Melissa Officinalis (Bluenesse)

Standardized Melissa for cognition.

Mineral#138· moderate

Heme Iron Polypeptide

Heme iron from bovine blood.

Fatty Acid#139· moderate

DHA-Dominant Fish Oil

High-DHA for brain health.

Fatty Acid#140· moderate

Algae Omega-3

Vegan EPA/DHA source.

Fatty Acid#141· moderate

Salmon Roe Phospholipids

Phospholipid omega-3s from salmon eggs.

Mushroom#142· limited

Lion's Mane

Edible medicinal mushroom that upregulates NGF and BDNF — studied for nerve growth and cognition.

Herb#143· limited

Eleuthero

Adaptogen used to support stamina, immune function, and stress resilience.

Herb#144· limited

Cistanche Tubulosa

Desert plant tonic for libido and cognition.

Mineral#145· limited

Magnesium Malate

Magnesium + malic acid — favored for daytime energy and fibromyalgia-related fatigue.

Vitamin#146· limited

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)

Component of coenzyme A, central to fatty acid and acetylcholine synthesis.

Mineral#147· limited

Lithium Orotate (low-dose)

Low-dose lithium salt studied for mood stability and neuroprotection.

Herb#148· limited

Yerba Mate

South American caffeine-containing tea with saponin and chlorogenic acid content.

Compound#149· limited

Pregnenolone

Master steroid precursor; small doses studied for cognition and PTSD.

Nootropic#150· limited

Noopept

Synthetic dipeptide (peptide-like) studied for cognition and neuroprotection; not FDA approved.

Compound#151· limited

PQQ

Cofactor stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α).

Herb#152· limited

Kratom (caution)

Atypical opioid herb with stimulant low-dose and sedating high-dose effects; addiction risk.

Mineral#153· limited

Magnesium L-Threonate

Mg form designed for brain penetration; studied for cognition and sleep.

Mushroom#154· limited

Lion's Mane (Neuroregeneration)

NGF-upregulating mushroom — included in post-use stacks for neurotrophic support.

Amino Acid#155· limited

L-Ornithine

Urea-cycle amino acid that lowers fatigue and supports nighttime GH release.

Nootropic#156· limited

Pramiracetam

Racetam family — increases high-affinity choline uptake.

Nootropic#157· limited

Phenylpiracetam

Racetam + phenethylamine moiety — stimulant-like nootropic with rapid tolerance.

Compound#158· limited

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)

Mitochondrial biogenesis cofactor — pairs with CoQ10 for energy production.

Compound#159· limited

Agmatine Sulfate

Arginine metabolite with NMDA modulation and analgesic properties.

Nootropic#160· limited

9-Me-BC

β-carboline alkaloid that upregulates dopamine neurons in animal models.

Nootropic#161· limited

Centrophenoxine

Cholinergic precursor that reduces lipofuscin accumulation in neurons.

Nootropic#162· limited

Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide

Hydrazide analog of phenylpiracetam reported to support memory and locomotion.

Nootropic#163· limited

Coluracetam

Racetam acting on high-affinity choline uptake; studied for depression/anxiety.

Compound#164· limited

Fisetin (Senolytic)

Polyphenol senolytic with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

Compound#165· limited

Ergothioneine (Extra)

Unique thiol antioxidant concentrated in mitochondria via OCTN1.

Nootropic#166· limited

Noopept (High-Dose)

Russian dipeptide claimed to enhance BDNF and NGF.

Mineral#167· limited

Magnesium Acetyl-Taurate

Brain-penetrant Mg form combined with taurate for mood.