Kickers 80 Hour Energy Spray Review
Kickers 80 Hour Energy Spray is an over-the-counter oral spray supplement. It comes in a small, breath-spray-sized bottle of about 0.7 fl oz (20 ml). It was marketed on TV and sold at convenience stores, Walmart and online. It is meant to be a portable, sugar-free alternative to energy shots and coffee. The label says it gives a fast lift in energy, alertness and performance, with no crash or jitters. Packaging claims a bottle supplies about "80 hours" of energy across many doses. Reviewers instead describe roughly 20 to 30 doses per bottle. A typical dose is 3 to 6 sprays held under the tongue. The formula is a proprietary energy blend. Reviewers who read the label list these ingredients: - Vitamin B3 (niacin): 125 mg, 625% of the Daily Value. - Vitamin B6: 10 mg, 500% DV. - Vitamin B12: 200 mcg, 3,333% DV. - Green tea extract. - Panax ginseng extract. - Caffeine. - White willow bark. I could not find a published per-spray caffeine amount. One reviewer guessed it is near the 33 mg per spray of a competing product. The mechanisms described below come from general nutrition science, not from clinical studies of this product: 1. **Delivery.** The liquid is sprayed into the mouth and held under the tongue, where it is meant to be absorbed through the oral mucosa. The marketing says this gives an onset of about 30 seconds. Sublingual absorption can bypass some digestion and first-pass liver metabolism for certain compounds. How much of the B vitamins actually gets absorbed this way is not well established. 2. **B vitamins.** B3, B6 and B12 are cofactors in cellular energy metabolism. They help turn food into usable ATP. They do not stimulate the body directly. They help most when someone is deficient. Because they are water-soluble, the body excretes extra amounts. 3. **Caffeine.** This is the likely source of any noticeable lift. It blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, which reduces drowsiness and raises alertness. It can also cause jitteriness, a short-lived effect, or trouble sleeping. 4. **Botanicals.** Green tea extract adds more caffeine and L-theanine-type compounds. Ginseng is traditionally used as an adaptogen for fatigue. White willow bark is a salicin source and is sometimes included in energy formulas. Evidence for these ingredients at the doses in a spray is limited. Taken together, the product works as a mild caffeine-plus-B-vitamin stimulant in a convenient format. It is not a substitute for sleep. People who are sensitive to stimulants, pregnant, or taking medications should check with a clinician before using it.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only34 human studies · 9 improved
4 of these 34 human studies gave the ingredient by injection, not by mouth.
Most of this spray is a 236 milligram proprietary energy blend. Its contents and amounts are hidden, and no studies of it were found. The two listed vitamins have been studied for energy, and the better studies found no benefit. For niacin, a review pooling 27 studies of 1,599 adults found that niacin-related compounds did not improve tiredness or sleep [1]. A 12-week trial in dialysis patients found that a nutrient mix with niacin did not change fatigue [2]. High-dose nicotinamide riboside did not ease fatigue in people with long COVID [3]. A single large niacin dose shortened time to exhaustion during cycling [4]. Only an open-label trial reported less fatigue [5]. Those studies used much higher doses than the 65 milligrams here. For vitamin B12, a review of 16 trials in people who were not deficient found no benefit for thinking or mood, and too little data on fatigue to judge [6]. Trials in heart patients, cyclists, singers and people with chronic fatigue syndrome also found no gain in energy or quality of life [7][8][9][10]. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 34 studies →Hide the studies
- Across 16 randomized trials with 6276 people without vitamin B12 deficiency, B12 did not improve thinking or depression, and only one trial looked at fatigue so it could not be analyzed.Effects of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Fatigue: A Systematic Review, Met…
- Across 27 studies of 1,599 adults, NAD+ precursors did not improve perceived fatigue or sleep, but nicotinamide mononucleotide improved endurance and NADH improved cognitive performance.Domain-specific effects of NAD+ precursors on fatigue and functional performance: a systematic review and network meta-a…
- In 10 trials of 489 people, NADH was well tolerated and linked to better quality of life, less anxiety and lower heart rate after stress, but fatigue results were not clearly shown.Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: a systematic review.
- A review of 14 reviews found oral niacin and nicotinamide can cause side effects including fatigue, stomach upset, flushing and liver problems, more often at higher doses and with niacin than nicotinamide.The adverse effects of oral niacin/nicotinamide - an overview of reviews.
- In 2029 heart disease survivors, about 3 years of low-dose B vitamins including 0.02 mg B12 did not improve quality of life, and slightly more activity limits from emotional problems were seen.B vitamin and/or n-3 fatty acid supplementation and health-related quality of life: ancillary findings from the SU.FOL.O…
- In 202 dialysis patients given a multinutrient mix including niacin for 12 weeks, fatigue and quality of life did not differ from placebo, though heart rate variability and a herpes virus marker improved.Effects of nutritional supplementation on fatigue, and autonomic and immune dysfunction in patients with end-stage renal…
- In 160 heart disease patients over about 38 months, niacin plus a med caused fatigue, nausea or muscle aches in 9% versus 5% on placebo, not a significant difference.Read the study on PubMed (14759379) →
- In 58 people with long-COVID, 2000 mg of nicotinamide riboside daily raised blood NAD+ about 3-fold but did not significantly improve fatigue, cognition, or sleep versus placebo.Effects of nicotinamide riboside on NAD+ levels, cognition, and symptom recovery in long-COVID: a randomized controlled …
- In 50 people recovering from COVID-19, one month of 1-methylnicotinamide improved 6-minute walk distance in 92% versus 60% without it, and severe fatigue was 20% versus 56%.Use of 1-MNA to Improve Exercise Tolerance and Fatigue in Patients after COVID-19.
- In 43 adults with sleep complaints, a blend containing a small amount of vitamin B3 taken with the evening meal for 14 days shortened sleep onset time and improved next-morning mood and vigor, but had no effect on cognitive performance.Mulberry leaf extract combined with tryptophan improves sleep and post wake mood in adults with sleep complaints - A ran…
- In 42 healthy adults aged 40-76, a glycine, glutamine and niacin mixture taken for 3 weeks raised growth hormone by about 70% compared with placebo, but did not change IGF-I, mood or memory.Effects of an oral mixture containing glycine, glutamine and niacin on memory, GH and IGF-I secretion in middle-aged and…
- In 41 trained cyclists, 4 weeks of a combination supplement including 2.5 mcg B12 did not improve aerobic or anaerobic performance or fatigue measures compared with placebo, though blood lactate was lower after hard exercise.l-Carnitine and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Fail to Improve Anaerobic and Aerobic Performance in Trained Cyclists Despite a Reduct…
- In 32 Gulf War veterans with illness, a 4-6 week program of exercise, sauna and nicotinic acid plus other supplements improved physical quality of life by 6.9 points versus waitlist, and 11 of 16 quality of life, pain and fatigue measures improved.A Detoxification Intervention for Gulf War Illness: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
- In 25 healthy active adults, a single dose of a pre-workout blend containing 60 mg niacin raised reported vigor and energy and improved cognitive scores compared with placebo, with no gain in lifting or sprint performance.Effects of acute ingestion of a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without p-synephrine on resting energy expenditu…
- In a double-blind crossover trial of 25 resistance-trained adults, 7 days of a pre-workout drink containing 65 mg niacin (plus caffeine and other ingredients) improved some lower-body strength and endurance measures compared with placebo, but not cycling time-trial performance, with no differences in side effects.Short-Term Effects of a Ready-to-Drink Pre-Workout Beverage on Exercise Performance and Recovery.
- In 25 untrained men, a single 1000 mg dose of niacin before cycling raised the respiratory exchange ratio and shortened time to exhaustion compared with caffeine, suggesting impaired exercise performance.Niacin supplementation impairs exercise performance.
- In 21 untrained men, a caffeine supplement containing 40 mg of niacin taken once did not improve bench press strength, leg extension strength, or time to exhaustion on a bike compared with placebo.Acute effects of a caffeine-containing supplement on bench press and leg extension strength and time to exhaustion durin…
- In 20 singers with mild vocal symptoms, a single 1000 mcg B12 injection did not improve voice fatigue or singing measures more than a placebo injection.Effect of Vitamin B12 Injection on the Vocal Performance of Professional Singers: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Co…
- In 15 people with chronic fatigue syndrome, injections of liver extract with folic acid and B12 worked no better than placebo, which had a strong response.Liver extract-folic acid-cyanocobalamin vs placebo for chronic fatigue syndrome.
- In a placebo-controlled crossover pilot in healthy middle-aged adults, 7 days of RiaGev (1520 mg twice daily) raised blood NAD+ metabolites and reduced fatigue and improved concentration and motivation compared with baseline, with no clinically relevant side effects.A Combination of Nicotinamide and D-Ribose (RiaGev) Is Safe and Effective to Increase NAD+ Metabolome in Healthy Middle-…
- In 70 diabetic fatty liver patients, 1000 mg of nicotinamide daily for 12 weeks improved quality of life including the activity and fatigue scores versus no supplement, in an open-label trial.Nicotinamide supplementation in diabetic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients: randomized controlled trial.
- In a chart review of 2142 people with fibromyalgia, 42.4% had vitamin B12 deficiency, and deficiency was linked to higher odds of fatigue (odds ratio 1.39) after adjusting for vitamin D.Association of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone With Fatigue and Neurologic Symptoms in Patients …
- In a retrospective study of 689 children without complaints, 23.2% had vitamin B12 deficiency and it was linked to vitamin D deficiency, but no supplement was tested for energy.Is There An Association Between Vitamin B12 Level and Vitamin D Status in Children?
- In 335 older adults, vitamin B12 levels were not associated with frailty, and no supplement was tested.Association between serum vitamin B12 level and frailty in older adults.
- Women with fibromyalgia had lower vitamin B12 levels than 58 healthy women, and lower levels were linked to more tender points, though this study did not test supplements.Could ferritin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D play a role in the etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome?
- Vitamin B12 levels were normal in 55 people with primary fibromyalgia, who reported muscle fatigue as one of their most disabling symptoms.Primary fibromyalgia. A clinical and laboratory study of 55 patients.
- In a survey of 38 people with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia who had weekly or more frequent B12 injections for six months or more, 15 were good responders who rated themselves much or very much improved, and higher doses and longer use were linked to better response.Response to vitamin B12 and folic acid in myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia.
- In a retrospective review of 38 children with neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, all recovered within one month of B12 supplementation; fatigue was among the symptoms but was not reported separately.Neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency: analysis of pediatric patients.
- In a study of 37 adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension, 29% had a functional vitamin B12 deficiency, but no supplement was tested, so the study does not show whether B12 improves energy.Nutritional status in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- In a small case series of 20 infants with vitamin B12 deficiency, who were treated with cyanocobalamin, clinical and lab findings improved overall, though energy was not separately reported and the dose and duration were not stated.Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Infants.
- All 5 people with ALS who received methylcobalamin injections reported more energy and less fatigue, based on interviews; the dose was not stated.Patients' experiences with methylcobalamin injections in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- This survey of hypothetical scenarios found people kept taking B12 for fatigue after a small symptom improvement, showing post hoc bias rather than any real effect of B12 on energy.Post Hoc Bias in Treatment Decisions.
- In hypertensive patients, a nicotinamide mononucleotide supplement lowered blood pressure and improved vascular function, but energy was not measured.NAD+ exhaustion by CD38 upregulation contributes to blood pressure elevation and vascular damage in hypertension.
- In this mostly lab and animal study, nicotinamide with pyridoxine helped muscle stem cells regenerate muscle and improved strength in animals, but energy was not measured.Nicotinamide and pyridoxine stimulate muscle stem cell expansion and enhance regenerative capacity during aging.
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only32 reviews
Customer feedback is mixed. It leans toward "useful but modest," and experiences vary a lot from person to person. Fans on eBay and Amazon praise the convenience and the quick, light lift. They describe taking a few sprays after morning coffee, or using it as a cheaper, lower-sugar stand-in for a can of energy drink. Several long-time buyers say the B vitamins and caffeine give a clean boost, with focus and little jitteriness. Some also say it caused no stomach upset, which they contrasted with energy shots and pills. Reviewers also like the value, since one small bottle can last weeks. Students and people who can't get coffee find it handy for study sessions or a slump. The complaints are fairly consistent. The most common one is the taste, which people compare to poison or breath spray. One blogger advised keeping a drink nearby. Several say it only works if you take 5 or 6 sprays and hold them under the tongue, which one reviewer found unpleasant enough to cause gagging. Many reviewers call the effect short-lived. One said the energy was gone within about two hours. Another said it stopped working after about an hour on a later try. Some felt it was mediocre or barely noticeable, and one said it didn't give the kick they needed. A few buyers had problems with the pump not spraying. Users also say the label doesn't give the caffeine content per spray, so dosing is guesswork. The "80 hours" claim strikes some as misleading, since a bottle works out to far fewer actual doses. One forum user reported odd side effects: after a pre-bed dose they felt tired but slept in an unusual way, with vivid false awakenings and sleep paralysis. That suggests the stimulant can disturb sleep if taken late. Overall, people who like it value the speed and portability. Skeptics find it weak, brief and unpleasant to take. Review sites also note that some of the favorable ratings look repetitive, so scores should be read with caution.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only8 of 10 recommend it
Most of the panel backs vitamin B12, the main ingredient: five of ten have a latest position of recommends, two use it, two are neutral, and one warns. They mostly take it for nerve health and myelin (the coating around nerves), brain function, mood, and energy, and several say to get tested and fix a deficiency, with one aiming for a level around 500. The preferred form is methylcobalamin, with one panelist favoring a liposomal and micellar version for absorption, and another suggesting a sublingual form or injections for older people. Some pair it with vitamin B6 and folate, and one warns that B12 can boost light's melatonin-suppressing effect, so it should not be taken too close to bedtime. Niacin is a smaller ingredient in this product; panelists mostly discuss it as a building block for NAD, though one stopped using it after trials showed little benefit for heart outcomes.
See all 10 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Thomas DeLauer · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- Recommends Vitamin B12 for mental health and mood, explaining its role in myelination and neurotransmitter production. They specifically recommend a liposomal and micellar form of methylcobalamin B12 for better absorption and to avoid toxicity.
- Uses niacin as part of their detoxification protocol, taking enough to flush about half an hour before a sauna session.
- Mentions that a single serving of sardines provides vitamin B12 at something like three to four times the daily needs.
- Recommends taking methylcobalamin as a methylated form of B vitamin for mitochondrial function.
- Discusses niacin as an essential vitamin involved in NAD production and known for its flushing effect as a vasodilator. He also mentions its role as an agonist for GPR109A receptors, which could potentially block fat mobilization.
- Notes that Niacin or Vitamin B3 can be good, but taking a lot can increase methylation, so it needs to be balanced.
- Warns that taking high doses of Niacin can put a lot of burden on the methylation system.
- Advises against taking vitamin B12 if one's diet already provides enough, suggesting a B complex or liver capsule instead for B vitamins.
- Was taking Vitamin B12 with fat burner injections, which he later stopped cold turkey, leading to a period of intense emotional and hormonal imbalance.
- Warns that high levels of supplemental vitamin B12 are a risk factor for insomnia, as it is an energy-building supplement, and advises taking it in the morning or lowering the dose.
- Recommends occasionally taking a little bit of niacin, a B3 vitamin, as it is a great precursor for NAD and helps with energy manufacturing.
- Notes that nicotinamide, niacin, NMN, and NR all have essentially the same effect on NAD when taken orally, with NMN and NR likely breaking down into nicotinamide and niacin in the gut.
- Notes that depending on one's diet, adding a good multivitamin might be beneficial, specifically recommending a methylated multivitamin for better absorption and utilization.
- Explains that Nicotinoyl GABA can cross the blood-brain barrier by piggybacking with Niacin (B3), increasing the likelihood of GABA getting into the brain.
Dr. Eric Berg · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- Recommends taking the natural form of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, to support nerve regeneration, myelin production, and nerve growth factors.
- States that expensive NAD+ supplements only turn into $5 niacin in the body and that research has shown niacin can actually raise NAD levels in the blood 5 to 8 times their baseline levels.
- Recommends cheap flush niacin, stating that it outperforms expensive NAD supplements and even IV drips in raising NAD levels in the blood.
- Notes that Vitamin B12 is intimately involved in the nervous system and may be behind sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- States that cheap niacin, which creates a flush, ends up more in the blood than expensive NAD versions, suggesting it is more effective for unhealthy individuals.
- Niacin is linked to several areas of physical and mental health. Studies have looked at its effects on cholesterol, the heart, liver health, schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.
- Recommends taking vitamin B12 if on a med.
- Briefly mentions Vitamin B12 in relation to neuropathy.
- States that vertical ridges on nails could mean a vitamin B12 deficiency, and slightly brown or grey nails, especially for vegans, could indicate low B12. Completely white nails with a pink strip across the top could also be low B12.
- Mentions that thicker white lines in a different location on nails are usually because of a vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency.
- Recommends incorporating vitamin B12 foods into the diet, especially for those who don't regularly consume animal products, to prevent irreversible damage to the nervous system.
- Niacin has been studied for its connection to cholesterol, heart health, mood disorders, and liver function.
- Flushing niacin is the form used to support balanced cholesterol levels, while no-flush versions do not provide the same benefits.
- Dr. Berg mentions that fermented dairy contains vital nutrients, including vitamin B12.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- States that vitamin B12 is a nutritional deficiency that impacts mental health.
- Explains that pellagra, which killed 100,000 Americans, was a niacin deficiency, a B vitamin.
- Recommends vitamin B12 with vitamin B6 and folate as supplements with strong evidence for PMS.
- Mentions that repletion of vitamin B12 can help safely withdraw someone from meds and that simple vitamin B12 deficiencies are important to address in a depression workup.
- Lists Vitamin B12 as important for nerve health and energy.
- Lists niacin as a B vitamin cofactor that helps mitochondrial function.
- Mentions vitamin B12 as a core nutrient required for methylation, noting that deficiencies can lead to various health issues.
- Recommends supplementing with Vitamin B12 for hair follicle health and growth, especially for vegans, as many people are deficient.
- Recommends checking vitamin B12 levels as a first step before taking any supplements.
- Warns that meds (meds) block the absorption of vitamin B12, which requires stomach acid to be absorbed. Long-term B12 deficiency can lead to depression, neurological problems, and dementia.
- Recommends Vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, about 1000 micrograms a day, as a methylating vitamin necessary for detoxifying and excreting hormones.
- Uses niacinamide as part of a compounded acne cream.
- Dr. Hyman states that vitamin B12 deficiency is common, affecting 80-90% of vegans and vegetarians, and over 20% of adults in the general population, often due to acid blockers, digestive issues, or insufficient intake.
- Notes that 55-year-olds stacking psilocybin with niacin and lion's mane showed faster reaction times in a study.
Ben Greenfield · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- Recommends getting vitamin B12 tested and supplementing if deficient, as B12 deficiency can cause damage to the myelin coating around nerves, including cochlear nerves, and improve tinnitus severity scores.
- States that Nrf2 activators, when combined with something like niacin, may have a good effect on plaque progression.
- Mentions nicotinamide as an ingredient found in many NAD products and notes that niacinamide and nicotinamide are structurally the same.
- Believes the niacinamide approach, along with the NAMPT/salvage pathway angle, is underrated and deserves more attention.
- Mentions niacin as a natural approach that might be good for plaque regression.
- Notes that 10X Health System's methylene blue tablets plus light stack supports energy and recovery at the cellular level by promoting healthy metabolism through niacinamide.
- Uses Niacinamide as a clean building block for NAD+ as part of NAD Regen.
- Recommends priming the skin with niacinamide to reduce hyperpigmentation, noting its effectiveness in reducing hyperpigmentation by 50% in an ex-girlfriend's laser burn.
- Mentions that a deficiency in niacin could lead to handling far less alcohol due to its role in detoxifying acetaldehyde.
- Mentions niacin as a supplement that can really heat the body up, leading to more sweating and detox.
- Has been impressed with and uses Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilen shampoo, conditioner, and serum, which contain ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera, an amino acid complex, vanillyl butyl ether, zinc PCA, and Capilia Longa to help with hair growth, strength, and recovery.
- He recommends Vitamin B12, especially for kids on a vegan or vegetarian diet, as it is essential for nervous system development.
- Mentions that blood testing for an energy crisis would include nutritional things like a vitamin B12 level.
- Ben Greenfield consumes vitamin B12 as part of the Update Energy Drink.
Dave Asprey · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- States that Vitamin B12 is extremely important for every kind of brain function and recommends ensuring B12 levels are optimal, around 500, not just barely above normal.
- Recommends niacin, a form of vitamin B3, as one of the two most important raw materials for NAD+ production, found in foods like beef liver, chicken, turkey, and fish, or from supplements.
- Dave Asprey recommends niacin, a form of vitamin B3, as one of the two most important raw materials for NAD+ production, found in foods like beef liver, chicken, turkey, and fish.
- Notes that niacin has been a standard longevity ingredient since the 1990s.
- Dave discusses how niacinamide compares as an NAD precursor.
- Dave explains that niacinamide is an old-school way to mildly elevate NAD levels, and it was the only way to raise NAD in the very early days.
- Used niacin for a while to address plaque in his arteries and high LP(a), but stopped because it caused high liver values and made him feel unwell, despite dropping his LP(a).
- Recommends taking vitamin B12 if one has a deficiency.
- States that he has been using niacinamide for up to 20 years for longevity.
- Mentions that niacinamide is the very oldest way of raising NAD.
- Likes niacinamide, which is a precursor to NR and NMN.
- Takes niacinamide, along with NR and NMN, for longevity, believing it provides similar performance for NAD levels.
- Dave Asprey notes that it's almost impossible to get vitamin B12 in a vegan diet, and it's primarily found in animal meat.
- Clarifies that Vitamin B12 is completely different from Vitamin B3 and is involved in different pathways, so there is no overlap with NAD pathways.
Siim Land · Vitamin B12 · uses
- Created Microvitamin, a supplement that bundled all the supplements he was taking, to help fund his a med trial.
- States that vitamin B12 deficiency is the most common reason for premature graying of hair and recommends fixing B12 status if it is deficient, as it gives a greater likelihood of reversing gray hair.
- Suggests that in the mornings, NAD supplements like niacinamide can help kickstart the circadian rhythm.
- Recommends Niacinamide for skin protection, explaining it works partly through NAD metabolism that the body uses against DNA damage and is found in protein sources.
- Mentions that only specific therapies like niacin can meaningfully reduce Lp(a).
- Notes that Niacin notoriously raises HDL cholesterol, but this increase does not lower the risk of heart disease events, and while it can be good in many cases, very high doses can affect liver function.
- Recommends niacin as a much cheaper and equally effective NAD booster compared to NMN and NR.
- Warns that niacin, an NAD precursor, can shorten sleep.
- Recommends taking 100-300 milligrams of niacin before a sauna session, as part of the Hubert protocol, to enhance sweating, vasodilation, and potentially detoxification and cardiovascular benefits.
- Warns that Niacin, especially at high doses like 2000 mg per day, can disrupt sleep by increasing energy levels too high, causing flushing, and reducing deep sleep while increasing shallow non-REM sleep.
- Discusses Niacinamide as a form of vitamin B3 that can increase NAD+ levels, but notes it's not as effective as NMN or NR for longevity and can cause flushing.
- Mentions that Niacin is known to raise HDL cholesterol, but this does not lower the risk of heart disease events. He considers it a good supplement for many cases, noting that very high doses can affect liver function, and its benefits mostly stop at increased HDL cholesterol.
- Takes 1 gram of Vitamin B12 from DoNotAge in the morning for longevity.
- Mentions Vitamin B12 as a key nutrient involved in the methylation cycle that helps prevent methionine from raising homocysteine levels.
Andrew Huberman · Vitamin B12 · neutral
- States that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can be terrible and lead to chronic fatigue-like syndromes, as many parts of mitochondria require B vitamins.
- Recommends taking methyl B12 as part of methylated B vitamins to lower homocysteine levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Has been taking AG1 for over 10 years, once and often twice every day, to ensure he gets all necessary vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens, considering it a nutritional insurance policy.
- Reviews data on ingesting or topically applying niacinamide to improve skin's youthfulness and appearance, including reducing wrinkles, sagging, and pore size.
- Recommends niacinamide supplementation, a form of Vitamin B3, at 500 milligrams twice per day for a total of 1 gram daily, to increase ceramide production, improve skin moisture, reduce inflammation, balance oil production, and reduce the appearance of clogged pores and hyperpigmented spots.
- Has been taking AG1 since 2012 to ensure he gets enough vitamins, minerals, Prebiotic fiber, and other nutrients typically found in fruits and vegetables, providing nutritional insurance.
- Andrew Huberman started drinking AG1 in 2012 and still drinks it once or twice a day because it provides all his foundational nutritional needs, ensuring proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and fiber for optimal mental health, physical health, and performance.
- Recommends the consumption of B12 and other B vitamins, especially folate, as it has been shown to partially decrease cancer risk in people who ingest alcohol, though it does not completely offset it.
- Started taking AG1 in 2012 and still takes it once or twice a day because it covers foundational vitamin, mineral, and probiotic needs, and supports immune system function and a healthy gut microbiome.
- He has been using Athletic Greens for over a decade to cover his vitamin and mineral bases and support his gut microbiome, immune system, gut-brain axis, and mental functions.
- Recommends Methyl B12 as part of methylated B vitamins to lower homocysteine and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Vitamin B12 · warns
- Warns that Vitamin B12 enhances light's melatonin-suppressing effects and should be avoided too close to bedtime.
- States that NAD can be synthesized from the three forms of niacin, also known as vitamin B3, found in foods like lean meats, legumes, and veggies.
- Notes that a med can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, especially as absorption decreases with age, and suggests a sublingual form or B12 injections for older individuals.
- Discusses the origin of Vitamin B12, suggesting it's a microorganism that propagates in the soil and that animals get it from eating dirt, which is why it's less available in modern, sanitized plant foods.
- Describes a study where female mice fed a diet high in B vitamins, folic acid, and vitamin B12 three weeks before pregnancy had offspring that no longer had yellow fur and were not predisposed to obesity and cancer.
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick explores vitamin B12 and autism risk.
- She takes methyl B12 as part of her Thorne multivitamin, which helps keep her homocysteine levels below 9 micromoles per liter.
- Describes a study where female mice fed a diet high in B vitamins, folic acid, and vitamin B12 had offspring that silenced a gene predisposing them to obesity and cancer.
- Supplements with vitamin B12, but also notes many of the foods he eats are fortified with it, and his levels are fine.
Bryan Johnson · Vitamin B12 · uses
- States that Blueprint essential capsules and soft gels are packed with key vitamins and minerals needed for strong bone health.
- Recommends Niacinamide as a supplement for skin health, noting it is in the Blueprint stack.
- He uses Niacinamide, found in serums or moisturizers, morning and night, and takes 15 mg in Blueprint Essential Capsules.
Peter Attia · Vitamin B12 · neutral
- Notes that deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as B12, can be a cause of hair loss in women.
- Peter Attia's AVIA Skincare vitamin C serum also contains niacinamide, which is useful to apply to the skin right after washing.
- Used to prescribe niacin to many patients, primarily to raise HDL, lower APO B, triglycerides, LDL, and LP(a), but stopped after clinical trials showed minimal or disappointing effects on reducing cardiovascular events.
- Notes that niacin lowers LP little a but was not shown to have clinical benefit in outcome studies, and they are not currently using it.
- Recalls that a flush from niacin typically occurred with doses of a few grams.
- Explains that niacin does reduce Lp(a) levels, increase HDL, and lower triglycerides, but two large cardiovascular outcome trials have shown no cardiovascular benefits and many side effects, such as flushing. He concludes that the cost-to-benefit ratio does not support its use.
- He dives into data on the possible treatments for lowering Lp(a) such niacin, meds, and PCSK9 inhibitors.
- States that niacin is a dead drug and is not recommended by any guidelines, though some still selectively use it for Lp(a).
- Warns against taking high doses of nicotinamide (a form of niacin/vitamin B3) because it is an effective inhibitor of sirtuins, which are enzymes one wants to keep active for the purpose of raising NAD.
- Peter Atia notes that some people still argue niacin makes sense because it lowers LP little-a, but he advises against it, stating that it has a weak lowering effect of about 20% and that he knows many lipidologists who would not use it.
- Warns against niacin, stating that it causes acanthosis nigricans, worsens insulin resistance, and has numerous other side effects, despite lowering apoB. He recounts a patient who experienced a severe pruritic reaction, thinking he was going to die.
- Explains that when a person is not responding to traditional B vitamins, they will step it up and give them methylcobalamin B12.
- Notes that Ryan Lochte was suspended for a doping rule violation after a social media post showed him taking vitamin B12 in an illegal way, by IV infusion.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 4 for Energy
The ineffective grade rests on the two vitamins, but the main ingredient is the 236 mg proprietary energy blend, which has no studies, so the evidence for the product as a whole is thin rather than negative. So it is graded Tier 4, as the studies disagree.
- Emerging: not enough evidence to rank higher yet.
Where the evidence disagrees: 18 of the 34 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Nervous system, Metabolic system, Digestive system
Combine with: For energy, this spray can be paired with B-complex vitamins (including B6 and folate), magnesium glycinate, and CoQ10 to support cellular energy production, and with L-theanine to smooth out caffeine jitters. Keep total caffeine intake moderate and avoid taking it late in the day to protect sleep. If your real goal is vision support, choose a separate formula with lutein (10 mg) and zeaxanthin (2 mg), as used in AREDS2-style formulas, plus astaxanthin, omega-3 DHA/EPA, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and bilberry or saffron extract. Regular eye exams are also recommended.
Possible side effects: Studies link niacin to flushing, stomach upset, fatigue and liver problems, mostly at doses far above this one. Reviewers mention a very bad taste, gagging, and disturbed sleep when it is taken late.
Supplement Facts
Niacin 65 mg · Vitamin B12 100 mcg · Kickers Proprietary Energy Blend 236 mg
| Niacin | 65 mg | |
| Vitamin B12 | 100 mcg | |
| Kickers Proprietary Energy Blend | 236 mg | † |
Other ingredients: Purified Water, Maltitol, Sucralose, Natural and Artificial flavors, Saccharin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.
Directions: Place spray nozzle under hot water if clogged. Directions: Take 5 full sprays under tongue. For maximum results wait 30 seconds before swallowing. Increase or decrease dosage based on desired energy level.
Barcode (UPC) 730985601915 · Label source: NIH label database · Report a label change
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Graded November 7, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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