Dibencozide
Also known as: 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, coenzyme B12, cobamamide
Effective Dosage
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Dibencozide is a naturally occurring, active coenzyme form of vitamin B12 (also called adenosylcobalamin). It plays a role in cellular energy metabolism and nitrogen assimilation. One small older study suggested it may help limit muscle protein breakdown in post-surgical patients, and animal research found it can enhance the pain-relieving effects of opioid drugs — but neither finding has been validated in modern human trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't build muscle — no human evidence supports this claim. Not proven to boost athletic performance or increase strength. The bodybuilding industry has marketed it heavily, but a 1993 survey found these performance claims had no published research backing them. Not a proven anabolic agent.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dibencozide is a naturally occurring, active coenzyme form of vitamin B12 (also called adenosylcobalamin). It plays a role in cellular energy metabolism and nitrogen assimilation. One small older study suggested it may help limit muscle protein breakdown in post-surgical patients, and animal research found it can enhance the pain-relieving effects of opioid drugs — but neither finding has been validated in modern human trials.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose (insufficient research data)
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no bioavailability data provided in the available studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Marketed aggressively to bodybuilders since the 1980s-90s with performance claims that have never been validated in human clinical trials
- Only 1 indexed clinical trial on PubMed despite being sold in over 1,000 registered supplement products — a major mismatch between market presence and evidence
- Most available research is from the 1970s-1990s and conducted in surgical or animal settings, not healthy athletes
- Animal study showing opioid-enhancing effects has unknown implications for human supplement use
Products Containing Dibencozide
See how Dibencozide is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-09