HTBA’s Methylcobalamin Ingredient Linked to Improved Cognitive, Physical Performance: Study

HealthTech BioActives (HTBA), a specialist in citrus flavonoids and forms of vitamin B12, recently presented new, unpublished research at Vitafoods Europe that provides evidence that its methylcobalamin ingredient, MecobalActive, may support measures of cognitive focus, physical power, and endurance in healthy, active individuals.

“While the advantages of vitamin B12 supplementation for addressing deficiencies are well researched, its impact on healthy populations with normal vitamin B12 levels is far less understood,” said Tom D’hoore, chief commercial officer of HTBA. “In line with our long-term goal to advance vitamin B12 innovation, we embarked on this study to learn how healthy, active individuals can also benefit from supplementation with our bioidentical vitamin B12 ingredient, MecobalActive. Now, we’re excited to share the highly promising results with our partners and collectively explore new possibilities for product development.” 

HTBA conducted a triple-blind study on a group of male amateur cyclists in Southern Spain between the ages of 18 and 45. The subjects received either a placebo or MecobalActive in a tablet format over three days. The ingredient was associated with an increase in physical power, reduced fatigue, and improved cognitive test response times, according to the company. Compared to placebo, subjects who underwent MecobalActive supplementation saw a 4.1% increase in physical power, a 6.4% reduction in fatigue in the Wingate Anaerobic Test, and a 4.9% reduction in cognitive test response time.

“The findings show how acute MecobalActive supplementation can enhance performance in different aspects of people’s day-to-day lives, from cognitive and physical power to agility and endurance,” said Teresa Pellicer, PhD, biotechnology manager at HTBA. “This is great news for brands looking to develop innovative health and nutrition solutions that cater for both everyday people and amateur or professional athletes who want to scale new heights in active performance.”