Think you’re getting enough vitamin B12? Think again. Even if you’re consuming animal products on the regular, you may still be missing out on this essential vitamin. That’s because not all B12 is created equal. While animal products like fish, chicken, and eggs are a great source of the vitamin, they also contain proteins called trogocytosis, which prevent the vitamin from being absorbed and used by the body. So, those animal products only serve to make you feel more full than they actually help you get the vitamin your body needs.
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, it’s crucial to make sure you’re getting enough B12, especially since it’s so difficult for your body to store and replace.
Here are the best vitamin b12 supplements you should add to your shopping cart.
Our Editor’s Best Vitamin B12 Supplements Reviews
- Energy metabolism support supplement(1): contains one 150 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin B12 1000 mcg Softgels for a 150 day supply
- These Nature Made B12 1000mcg softgels help break down food into energy that your body can use all day long
- Vitamin B 12 helps support brain cell function and mood health (2)
- Vitamin B12 is important for proper red blood cell formation and helps reduce fatigue for those low in B12 vitamins
- Adults take one B 12 vitamin softgel daily with water and a meal
- Energy metabolism support supplement(1): contains one 150 count bottle of Nature Made Sublingual B12 1000 mcg Fast Dissolve Tablets for a 150-day supply
- Nature Made B12 1000mcg tablets help break down food into energy that your body can use all day long
- B-12 vitamin helps support brain cell function and mood health(2)
- Vitamin B12 supplements provide B12, which is important for proper red blood cell formation and helps reduce fatigue for those low in B12 vitamins
- Easy to take with a great tasting flavor; simply dissolve one B12 1000 mcg sublingual tablet under tongue before swallowing. Adults take one Vitamin B12 tablet daily with a meal
- 240 Capsules of Vitamin B12 In Each Bottle
- 2,000mcg of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) in each (Vegetarian) Capsule
- High Quality B12, Vegetarian Friendly, Non-GMO, Gluten Free
- Tested by Independent (3rd Party), ISO-Accredited Laboratories
- Made in a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
- Energy metabolism support supplement(1): contains one 60 count bottle of Nature Made B12 Gummies 3000 mcg per serving for a 30-day supply
- Vitamin B12 gummies for adults helps support brain cell function and mood health (2)
- Extra Strength Vitamin B12 supplements provide B12 to help reduce fatigue for those low in B12 vitamins
- Delicious cherry and mixed berry flavors; Adults, chew two Vitamin B 12 gummies daily
- These gluten free Vitamin B-12 gummies have no synthetic dyes, no artificial flavors, no artificial sweeteners, and no high fructose corn syrup
- Energy metabolism support supplement(1): contains one 60 count bottle of Nature Made Maximum Strength Vitamin B 12 5000 mcg Softgels for a 60-day supply
- Vitamin B12 supplements help break down food into energy that your body can use all day long
- Nature Made B12 Vitamins 5000 mcg helps support brain cell function and mood health(3)
- Vitamin B12 is important for proper red blood cell formation and helps reduce fatigue for those low in B12 vitamins
- Adults, take one Vitamin B-12 softgel daily with water and a meal
- Premium Folate Supplement: Vitamin B12 and folate help convert carbohydrates into energy and break down proteins in the body; provides metabolism support*
- Nervous System Support: Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and folate (L-5-MTHF) support the nervous system, and function as hair, skin, and liver aids.*
- Cognitive Support: Folate is essential for fetal neural development; B12 is an important nutrient for memory and cognitive support*
- Supports Gut Health: Support G.I. tract thanks to the active form of the B12 vitamin, methylcobalamin; also a liver support supplement*
- Pure Difference: What we leave out matters, too; Pure Encapsulations products are free from common allergens, artificial or unnecessary ingredients, and GMOs
- Active B12: Each capsule provides 1 mg vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, which is more efficiently used by the body compared to other forms of vitamin B12, like cyanocobalamin
- Heart & Brain Health: Supports a normal level of homocysteine in the body to benefit healthy cardiac function, blood cell formation, and optimal nerve function*
- Sleep Support: Helps maintain normal circadian rhythms to support restful sleep and supports healthy methylation processes in the body*
- Third-Party Certified: This product has been third-party tested and certified to verify what's in the package matches what's on the label and to confirm it contains no unsafe levels of contaminants
- Trusted: Thorne is chosen by champions and trusted by 100+ professional sports teams, a proud partner of U.S. National Teams, and the #1 recommended clinical brand by health-care practitioners (2023 Health-Care Practitioner Seller Survey)
- Energy metabolism support supplement(1): contains one 200 count bottle of Nature Made B12 500 mcg Tablets for a 200 day supply
- These Nature Made Vitamin B12 tablets help break down food into energy that your body can use all day long
- B-12 vitamin helps support brain cell function and mood health (2)
- Vitamin B12 is important for proper red blood cell formation and helps reduce fatigue for those low in B12 vitamins
- Adults take one B 12 vitamin tablet daily with water and a meal
- 20,000 mcg Sublingual B Complex – A blend of Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid, Thiamine B1, Riboflavin B2, Niacinamide B3, Pyridoxine B6, Biotin B7, Folic Acid B9 & Methylcobalamin B12 vitamins for energy, brain, heart, metabolism, vitality & immune aid. The perfect energy mix of B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B9 & B12 with natural berry flavor & 2 months of intake.
- USDA Organic Vitamin B Complex – Empower energized & vibrant you with our premium quality USDA-organic liquid b complex drops with vitamin B5 & Methylcobalamin B12. Organic vitamin b complex B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B9 & B12 are designed to supercharge energy levels, this liquid powerhouse is a go-to source for feeling more alive and vibrant daily.
- Energy, Brain & Heart Support – Vitamin b-complex supplements for men & women are crafted to support your brain and nerve functions to stay sharp, focused, and mentally excellent. Let your intelligence shine with sustained brain and nerve support! The robust mix of liquid vitamin b complex with Pantothenic Acid B5 & Vit B12 ensures your immune system can handle life's challenges!
- USA-made, Organic & Safe – USDA organic liquid vit b complex formula with Pantothenic Acid B5 & Methylcobalamin B12 signifies a potent dosage, ensuring each drop is robust and has maximum benefits for your wellness. Vitamin b drops are non-GMO, alcohol-free, and free of DYE or preservatives. Organic B-complex drops with Pantothenic Acid B5 & Methylcobalamin B12 have been meticulously crafted per the most rigorous industry standards.
- Made with Care & Love – At NUTRAHARMONY, we desire to provide you with quality and outstanding service. If, for any reason, you are not happy with b complex liquid drops, just let us know! Drop a message to share your experience with b vitamins complex B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 Pantothenic Acid, B6, B7, B9 & Methylcobalamin B12!
- Energy metabolism support supplement(1): contains one 160 count bottle of Nature Made B12 1000mcg Time Release Tablets for a 160-day supply
- Nature Made B12 1000 mcg dietary supplements provide B12 to help break down food into energy that your body can use all day long
- B-12 vitamin helps support brain cell function and mood health (2)
- Vitamin B12 is important for proper red blood cell formation and helps reduce fatigue for those low in vitamin B-12
- Time release formula extends vitamin absorption by the body; Adults take one Nature Made B12 timed release tablet daily with water and a meal
Best Vitamin B12 Supplements Buying Guide
Before choosing the best vitamin B12 supplement you should consider following options:
1. Measuring Vitamin B12 Levels: The most accurate way to measure vitamin B12 levels is by testing for methylmalonic acid (MMA), a breakdown product of vitamin B12. Unfortunately, this method is not readily available to most physicians and is costly.
An alternative method, although not as accurate, is to test for serum vitamin B12 levels. It is important to note that if the serum B12 level is low, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the cause is inadequate absorption of vitamin B12.
Other causes of low serum B12 levels include inadequate absorption and increased breakdown of B12.
2. Different Forms of Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 comes in several forms, including cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin.
Cyanocobalamin is the form most often found in supplements, but is the least effective. Methylcobalamin is the most effective and is the form generally used in injections.
Hydroxycobalamin is another form that is available over-the-counter, but it is not as effective as the other forms.
3. Recommended Intake of Vitamin B12: The daily recommended intake for vitamin B12, based on the Institute of Medicine, is:
1.4 micrograms for infants 0 to 6 months old
2.0 micrograms for infants 7 to 12 months old
2.4 micrograms for children 1 to 3 years old
2.8 micrograms for children 4 to 8 years old
3.0 micrograms for children 9 to 13 years old
2.6 micrograms for adolescents 14 to 18 years old
2.8 micrograms for adults 19 to 50 years old
2.8 micrograms for adults 51 to 70 years old
2.8 micrograms for adults over 70 years old
4. Measuring Vitamin B12 Status: Although measurement of serum B12 levels can be useful for some individuals, measuring MMA levels is considered the gold standard for assessing vitamin B12 status.
5. Monitoring Response to Treatment: Monitoring the response to treatment is critical. If no response is seen, the dose of vitamin B12 may need to be increased. If a response is seen and the MMA levels drop, then the dose of B12 may need to be decreased.
6. Monitoring Potential Side Effects of Vitamin B12: Although large amounts of vitamin B12 are not toxic, some individuals may develop an upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, or nausea, especially if taking oral forms of B12.
If an individual is taking large amounts of B12, the doctor may check their serum B12 levels periodically to ensure they are not becoming toxic.
7. Interpreting Test Results: It is important to remember that serum B12 levels, while not as accurate as MMA levels, may be more readily available to physicians.
In addition, serum B12 levels are useful for tracking response to treatment and may be more readily available to physicians.
The Takeaway on Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the health of the nervous system and in the formation of red blood cells.
Although deficiency in vitamin B12 is rare, it is important for health care providers to monitor vitamin B12 levels in individuals who are taking medications that interfere with B12 absorption, such as metformin, proton-pump inhibitors, and antacids.
What else you should know about vitamin b12 supplements
1. What are the benefits of vitamin B12 supplements?
Vitamin B supplements provide a range of benefits, including supporting energy production, aiding in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, and helping to maintain healthy skin and hair.
2. Who should take vitamin B12 supplements?
People with poor diets or with medical conditions that interfere with vitamin B absorption
3. How much vitamin B12 should I take?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the amount of vitamin B that an individual needs may vary depending on factors such as age, health status, and diet. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that adults consume between 1.1 and 1.2 milligrams (mg) of vitamin B per day.
4. What are the side effects of vitamin B12 supplements?
The side effects of vitamin B supplements are generally mild and include headache, nausea, and diarrhea.
5. Are there any interactions with other medications I should be aware of?
Yes, there are potential interactions with other medications. Be sure to discuss all medications, supplements, and vitamins with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best vitamin b12 supplements. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best vitamin b12 supplements will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.