How much B12 is in a NOS energy drink?

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the nutrition label, a standard 16 fl oz can of NOS energy drink contains 500% of the Daily Value for Vitamin B12. This seemingly high percentage is a common feature in many energy drinks, often used as a marketing tool to imply a robust energy boost, but the reality of how the body uses it is more complex.

Quick Summary

A 16 fl oz can of NOS energy drink provides 500% of the daily recommended intake for Vitamin B12, totaling 30 micrograms. This vitamin assists in red blood cell formation and DNA production, but the energy boost from the drink primarily comes from caffeine and sugar, not the excess B12.

Key Points

High B12 Content: A standard 16 oz can of NOS energy drink contains 30 micrograms (mcg) of Vitamin B12, which is 500% of the Daily Value (DV).
Synthetic Form: The B12 used in NOS is cyanocobalamin, a synthetic version commonly found in supplements and fortified products.
Marketing vs. Effect: The high B12 content is primarily a marketing strategy; the perceived energy boost comes from caffeine and sugar, not the excess B12.
Excretion of Excess B12: Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, any amount not needed by the body is simply excreted in the urine for those without a deficiency.
Energy Source: The true energy-enhancing components of NOS are its high caffeine content (160 mg per can) and the fast-acting energy from its sugar.
Low Toxicity: Despite the high percentage, Vitamin B12 has a very low potential for toxicity, and there is no set Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL).

The Vitamin B12 Content in NOS Energy Drinks

A standard 16-ounce (473 ml) can of NOS energy drink contains a substantial amount of Vitamin B12. Multiple sources, including direct retailer nutrition labels and food databases, confirm that a single serving provides 30 micrograms (mcg) of Vitamin B12, which translates to 500% of the Daily Value (DV). The specific form of B12 listed in the ingredients is cyanocobalamin, a synthetic version commonly used in fortified foods and supplements. The 'High Performance Energy' marketing of NOS often highlights this high B12 content as a key component of its CMPLX 6 blend, alongside ingredients like caffeine, taurine, and guarana.

What Does 500% Daily Value Actually Mean?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin B12 for an adult is 2.4 mcg per day. Therefore, consuming a NOS energy drink provides an amount far exceeding this recommendation. However, it's crucial to understand how the body processes water-soluble vitamins like B12. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, which can build up to toxic levels in the body's fat stores, excess water-soluble vitamins are typically flushed out in the urine. This means that for individuals who are not deficient in B12, most of the 500% DV will be excreted without providing any additional benefit or energy boost. The body simply absorbs what it needs and discards the rest.

B12 vs. Caffeine: The True Source of Energy

Despite the marketing, the primary energizing effects of NOS energy drink do not come from its high B12 content, but rather from its caffeine and sugar. A 16 oz can of NOS contains 160 mg of caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that directly affects the central nervous system, leading to feelings of alertness and reduced fatigue. While Vitamin B12 is essential for metabolism and helps the body convert food into energy, it does not act as a stimulant in the same way. The energy boost felt after drinking a NOS is a direct result of the stimulant effect of the caffeine and the quick release of energy from the high sugar content.

Common Ingredients in NOS Energy Drink:

Carbonated Water
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Caffeine
Taurine
Inositol
Guarana Extract
B-Vitamins (including Vitamin B12)

Comparing B12 in NOS to Other Energy Drinks

The practice of overloading energy drinks with B-vitamins is widespread. The B12 content in NOS is significant, but it is not unique. Here is a comparison to illustrate the variance across different brands:


Feature	NOS Energy Drink (16 oz)	Red Bull (12 oz)	5-Hour Energy Shot (2 oz)
Vitamin B12 Amount	30 mcg (500% DV)	2.88 mcg (120% DV)	500 mcg (8,333% DV)
Caffeine	160 mg	111 mg	200 mg
Sugar	51 g	38 g	0 g
Form of B12	Cyanocobalamin	Cyanocobalamin	Cyanocobalamin

This comparison shows that while NOS has a high concentration of B12, products like 5-Hour Energy take this practice to an extreme. This highlights that the B12 quantity is often more of a marketing point than a functional component of the energy boost.

Potential Risks of Excessive B12 Intake

Unlike many other vitamins, Vitamin B12 does not have an established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) because of its low potential for toxicity, even at very high doses. However, this does not mean consuming excessive amounts offers extra benefits. While the risk of harm is low, reliance on energy drinks for B12 is not a healthy way to manage nutritional needs. Long-term, consistent consumption of energy drinks can lead to health issues associated with high sugar intake and caffeine dependency, including:

Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns
Increased anxiety and jitteriness
Weight gain due to high sugar content
Dental issues from high acidity and sugar

The B12 content in NOS and similar drinks is largely for marketing and to address potential deficiencies in some individuals, but it's not the driving force behind the energy effect.

Conclusion: The Role of B12 in Energy Drinks

In summary, a 16 fl oz can of NOS energy drink provides 30 mcg of Vitamin B12, which accounts for 500% of the Daily Value. While this vitamin is crucial for bodily functions like red blood cell production, the significant energy rush from the drink is primarily attributed to its caffeine and sugar content, not the B12. For a person without a B12 deficiency, consuming this amount results in the excess vitamin being harmlessly excreted. The inclusion of high levels of B-vitamins in energy drinks is a common marketing strategy, but it's important for consumers to understand that the perceived energy boost is mostly due to other, more potent ingredients. For those concerned about their B12 intake, a balanced diet rich in animal products or a standard supplement is a more reliable and healthier source.

Get more insights from reliable health resources:

For detailed information on Vitamin B12, consult the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people without a pre-existing B12 deficiency, the vitamin content in NOS does not provide an energy boost. The energizing effect comes from the high caffeine and sugar content.

No, consuming 500% of the DV for B12 is not considered dangerous for healthy individuals. Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, so the body will naturally excrete any excess amount.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for B12 for most adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) per day.

A standard 16 oz can of NOS energy drink contains 160 mg of caffeine from various sources, which is the primary source of the energy boost.

Yes, NOS Zero Sugar is also formulated with B-vitamins, including cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), even though it contains no sugar.

The B12 in NOS is typically cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form. While the body can utilize it, the B12 from natural food sources like meat, eggs, and dairy is often better absorbed and comes as part of a more balanced nutritional profile.

Energy drink companies often include large amounts of B-vitamins for marketing purposes. B12 is associated with energy metabolism, creating the perception that the product is a powerful source of energy, though the effect is primarily due to other ingredients.