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
- SUPPORTS CELLULAR ENERGY HEALTH (1): Nature's Bounty Vitamin B-12 1000 mcg aids in converting food into cellular energy (1)
- CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT (1): Vitamin B-12 supplements contribute to the health of your cardiovascular and circulatory systems (1)
- MAINTAINS HEALTHY NERVES (1): Great for nerve health, B-12 vitamin helps maintain healthy nerve cells (1)
- EASY TO SWALLOW: These Vitamin B-12 tablets are coated so they are easy to swallow, providing convenience in your daily vitamin regimen
- TRUSTED WELLNESS: From trusted wellness experts, these B-12 Vitamins are made with quality ingredients, backed by 50 years of scientific research
- 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
- 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
- Manufactured in an NSF Certified, GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
- 5-in-1 Liquid Vitamin B Complex: Each 1.5 ml serving contains Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin) 5000 mcg, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCl) 3.4 mg, Vitamin B1 (as Thiamine Mononitrate) 2.4 mg, Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide) 16 mg, and Vitamin B9 (Folate as Folic Acid) 400 mcg DFE.
- Comprehensive Daily B Vitamin Support: Our Vitamin B complex liquid sublingual formula supports brain function, energy metabolism, and immune health as part of a daily wellness routine.
- Sublingual Liquid Format: Place drops under your tongue for 30 seconds, then swallow. A convenient alternative to capsules and gummies — no pills, no mess
- Carefully Formulated Vegan B12 Drops: Our Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin drops contain no fillers, are Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and made in the USA with global ingredients.
- 5-in-1 B Vitamin Formula: Each bottle provides 40 servings of five essential B vitamins. If you're unhappy with your purchase, just reach out to us.
- SUBLINGUAL B-12: Enjoy the benefits of this Essential Vitamin in delicious Natural Berry Flavor!
- POTENT FORMULA: Fast dissolve tablets feature 5,000 mcg of Vitamin B-12 as Methylcobalamin
- EXPERTLY CRAFTED: Our vegan formula is backed by our commitment to purity and potency
- HORBAACH MANUFACTURERS: Laboratory Tested, Trusted Ingredients, Superior Quality, 100% Guaranteed!
- NATURALLY FREE OF: Gluten, Yeast, Milk, Lactose, Soy, Artificial Flavor, Preservatives, & Non-GMO
- 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)
- Liquid Vitamin B12 Drops – a pledge of your vivacity and energy! B12 5000mcg – unbeatable & tasty support for your health goals! Formulated to support optimal levels of the vitamin to the body through fast absorption. B12 drops support mood, maintain brain health, and increase energy production.
- Focus, Mood & Energy - B12 drops for men & women are crafted to enhance mood and energy, helping you stay sharp and focused. Boost your overall health and well-being with our B12 vitamins.
- Brain Support – Stay smart & healthy. B12 liquid vitamin drops - unbeatable support for your health goals. Unleash the power of 5000 mcg of liquid B12 drops! Red & tasty vitamins with berry mix flavor support cognitive functions and memory at a high level, as well as maintain brain energy & functioning.
- Advanced Formula – GMO & sugar-free, and completely fabulous vegan vitamin B12! Vitamin B12 drops are manufactured in the USA using advanced technology to ensure the finest quality! That's why every drop of vitamin B12 liquid supplements is safe, effective, and meets 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 vitamin B12 liquid, just let us know! Drop a message to our support team to share your outstanding experience with B12 liquid vitamins! And remember, we care for your well-being!
- 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
- Full-Body Benefits: This Jarrow Formulas methylated B12 and B9 supplement combines the active forms of these vitamins to support cellular energy production, healthy brain function, DNA and neurotransmitter synthesis, and amino acid metabolism(1)
- Homocysteine Metabolism: Methyl B-12 and methyl folate in this B12 and folate supplement facilitate metabolism of homocysteine into methionine, while P5P supports amino acid metabolism, including pathways involved in cysteine production (1)
- Chewable Tablet: Each naturally flavored chewable tablet delivers 2.5 mg vitamin B6, 680 mcg DFE folate, and methyl B12 1000mcg; our B9 & B12 vegan formula has no wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts or sesame
- Superior Nutrition and Formulation: The goal of Jarrow B12 is to promote optimal health with effective, affordable and superior formulation of vitamin B12 supplements; our customers can be assured purity and value
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.