Last verified: 17 days ago
Dibencozide
Also known as: 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, cobamamide, coenzyme B12
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Active form of B12 with very limited human research; marketed for muscle growth but evidence is lacking.
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What it does
Dibencozide is the coenzyme form of vitamin B12 (adenosylcobalamin), naturally produced in the body and involved in cellular energy metabolism and nitrogen assimilation. One small older study...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
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Found in
What the Science Says
Dibencozide is the coenzyme form of vitamin B12 (adenosylcobalamin), naturally produced in the body and involved in cellular energy metabolism and nitrogen assimilation. One small older study suggested it may help limit protein breakdown (catabolism) in post-surgical patients receiving corticosteroids. Animal research indicates it may enhance the pain-relieving effects of opioid drugs, though this has no established relevance to healthy supplement users.
What It Doesn't Do
No clinical evidence it builds muscle or boosts athletic performance. No proof it raises anabolic hormones. The bodybuilding claims made for it have never been validated by published research. Don't confuse 'involved in metabolism' with 'improves performance' — that's a classic marketing stretch.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May help limit protein breakdown in post-surgical patients on corticosteroids.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no bioavailability data provided in the available studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Performance claims made by supplement manufacturers are not supported by any published clinical research
- Only one relevant human study exists, and it was conducted in post-surgical patients in 1977 — not healthy athletes
- Widely sold in over 1,000 registered supplement products despite virtually no modern clinical evidence
- Animal studies showing opioid-enhancing effects raise theoretical safety questions that have not been studied in humans
Products Containing Dibencozide
See how Dibencozide is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dibencozide do?
Active form of B12 with very limited human research; marketed for muscle growth but evidence is lacking.
What is the effective dose of Dibencozide?
No established dose (insufficient research data)
Is Dibencozide safe?
Performance claims made by supplement manufacturers are not supported by any published clinical research
What doesn't Dibencozide do?
No clinical evidence it builds muscle or boosts athletic performance.
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: 2026-05-25