We show the best vitamin B12 supplement taking into account the chemical form, dose, periodicity, and route of administration.
The vegan diet is not without controversy. Proponents of plant-based nutrition claim that eliminating animal products from the diet produces countless health benefits. Despite this, vegans could become seriously ill if they forget to take an essential nutrient. We are talking about vitamin B12.
This vitamin is essential for our survival and is found almost exclusively in meat, dairy products, and eggs. If you are vegan, vegetarian, if you are over fifty years old or have intestinal malabsorption problems, read this article carefully. We will teach you how to prevent and identify B12 deficiency. Your health depends on it!
Why trust us?
Our editorial team spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and comparing products to find the best value for money.
We do not publish any sponsored articles. We sometimes receive a commission from Amazon when you buy a product via our links. It allows us to finance our work while remaining completely impartial. Read more
The best vitamin B12 supplement brands on the market
The following products are distinguished by their quality and the high degree of user satisfaction. We have selected a wide range of formats from which to choose the product that best suits you. Once you’ve chosen your supplement, we recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, unless your doctor or nutritionist gives you different guidelines. Are you ready? Let’s start then.
Also, read our other guides on the best supplements for hair, iron supplement, Whey proteins, and the best Creatine pills and powder.
Nature Made Vitamin B12
Among the best vitamin B12 supplements, according to our investigation, there is the Nature Made Vitamin B12. It has a reduced number of additives, does not contain magnesium stearate and has an excellent quality / price ratio. They are also gluten-free, so people with celiac disease can consume these tablets.
This supplement contains 200 vitamin B12 tablets in the form of cyanocobalamin, making them easy to digest. Each dose provides 500 mcg of this vitamin, which is 20.833% of the recommended daily amount.
People checked its effectiveness through blood tests and were satisfied with it. The negative reviews are very few and generally do not appreciate the annoyance in swallowing the tablets. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price here
Jarrow Formulas Methyl B12
Jarrow Formulas Methyl B12 is a flavored chewable or soluble vitamin B12 made with methylcobalamin, which is B12 with the addition of a methyl group. This form of B12 is easily used by the body, and the methyl group contributes to a detoxification process called methylation.
It is a very effective vitamin B12 supplement to support energy and cardiovascular health as well. Jarrow Formulas Methyl B12 offers all the benefits of vitamin b12 that you can ask for and uses a quality form of B12 to administer them.
Users appreciate the effectiveness and ease of taking (the tablets are not large). Many have noticed improvements in sleep quality and physical energy. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price here
Natrol Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolve Tablets
Natrol Vitamin B12 is a powerful vitamin B12 supplement in a soluble tablet. It is strawberry flavored, 100% vegetarian and can be dissolved under the tongue (sublingual) without any type of liquid to wash it off. The use of cyanocobalamin is very beneficial for vegetarians and others who may be deficient in vitamin B12.
Each unit provides 5000 mcg of vitamin B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin. It is free of genetically modified products, gelatin, gluten, and sugar. It is therefore a supplement that celiacs, as well as vegetarians and vegans, can consume without hesitation.
In addition, the company Natrol is committed to five strategic principles that guide their brand: quality, staff, innovation, customer service, and profitability. Therefore, you can easily rely on these B12 supplements. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price here
Now foods 2,000 mcg 100 Lozenges
Now Foods B12 2000mcg is an affordable B12 vitamin pill. They have formulated their vitamin B12 to include multiple forms of the vitamin. They use Cyanocobalamin, which is highly beneficial in supporting healthy B12 levels, and Methylcobalamin which provides additional detoxifying benefits.
The company also uses dibencozide, which is basically another name for adenosylcobalamin. Taken together, this product is diverse and provides all the benefits of vitamin B12 each form offers. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price here
Garden of Life Vitamin Code
Garden of Life Code Vitamin B12 includes a blend of probiotics and enzymes that provide additional digestive support and an organic blend of fruits and vegetables that provides natural vitamins and minerals. Overall, this supplement provides a healthy dose of vitamin B12 fortified with probiotics, enzymes, and natural vitamins and minerals that work as multivitamins.
In addition, Garden of Life B12 vitamin is RAW, gluten-free, and dairy-free with no binders or fillers. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price here
Doctor’s Best Fully Active
Doctor’s Best Fully Active B12 is a vitamin B12 pill that comes in vegetarian capsules. It is extremely inexpensive and uses methylcobalamin, which provides additional benefits. It is suitable for vegans and aids in vitamin B12 deficiency.
People checked its effectiveness through blood tests and were satisfied with it. The negative reviews are very few and generally do not appreciate the annoyance in swallowing the tablets. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price here
Source Naturals MethylCobalamin Vitamin B-12
Source Naturals Methylcobalamin Vitamin B12 is a cherry-flavored sublingual vitamin B12 tablet that is made using methylcobalamin. Does not contain dairy, eggs, yeast, gluten, corn, soy, or wheat. It also does not use salt, sugar, starch, preservatives, artificial colors, fragrances, or preservatives. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price here
Everything you need to know about vitamin B12
Let’s do a little review of the key points when choosing a suitable B12 supplement. Remember that we are looking for a supplement and a dose for healthy adults without deficits, who want to stay.
If you have a diagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency, or if you have been a vegetarian for a long time without supplementing, consult a professional first. You may need to take higher doses for some time.
Which form of Vitamin B12 is better?
When buying vitamin B12, we can find it in different chemical forms. A maintenance B12 supplement for a healthy person should be in the form of cyanocobalamin for the following reasons:
- It is the most studied form as a supplement and we know the dose that should be recommended.
- It has no toxic dose.
- This form is very stable to heat, light, and pH, which is important so that a supplement that we store for a long time does not lose effectiveness.
- It is the cheapest way, a factor that is basic in a supplement that should be taken long-term or even for life.
Other forms of B12, such as methylcobalamin, should not be used without professional supervision, since we do not know the necessary doses well (we do know that they should be much higher than those of cyanocobalamin), nor are we completely clear about their metabolism or effectiveness in filling liver reserve.
Methylcobalamin is used in some severe cases of deficiency with symptoms, or in smokers (combined with cyano), or in people with some liver or kidney disease. If this is your case, first consult a specialized dietitian-nutritionist who can advise you.
The recommended dose: daily or weekly?
We must ensure that the supplement has a sufficient amount of vitamin B12, since, among the products that are on sale in our country, many offer doses that do not meet the needs of a vegetarian person.
The recommended dose depends on the frequency with which the vitamin is to be taken:
- The preferred dose is weekly, since it is the one with the highest absorption security because it does not depend on intrinsic factor (this is the name given to a protein secreted in the stomach that helps absorb vitamin B12 in the intestine). In that case we will choose a supplement that contains 2,000 mcg to take it once a week. We can also take 1,000 mcg twice a week.
- If we are going to opt for daily supplementation, we will choose a supplement that contains between 25 and 100 mcg. Now, remember that, in addition to being a more uncomfortable and more expensive dose, its absorption depends on more factors and it is easier for it to suffer.
This last daily dose is much higher than the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake), which is 4 mcg per day. Therefore, the doses are not proportional when going from daily to weekly. And IDR is intended to be consumed several times a day, not just once.
We could look at the IDR if we were to take fortified foods several times a day, but it does not seem very practical or highly recommended, given that in our country fortified foods are not too suitable for daily consumption (they are, for the most part, cereals and vegetable drinks, often sugary).
The form of administration: B12 oral or injectable?
The oral route will be the preferred route of administration. Although it is still common to recommend injected B12, today we know that pharmacological doses (above 1,000 mcg) have the same effect as an injection, even in gastrectomies patients, since, as we said, they directly diffuse the intestinal wall without the need for intrinsic factor. In very few cases it will be necessary to use injections.
By the way, b12 ampoules that are sold as injectables can be drunk.
Although it is often heard, it is not necessary for B12 to be accompanied by other vitamins of group B. That is, it is interesting in some pathologies, but in the case of a healthy vegetarian person, in maintenance, the rest of vitamins group B are already provided by diet and weekly megadoses need not be accompanied by anything else (if you have any, nothing happens, but it is not necessary).
What are the benefits of vitamin B12?
As we have seen, there are numerous benefits of vitamin B12 in our bodies. B12 strengthens the immune system as a whole, reducing the risk of diseases, including cancer.
In addition, this nutrient helps improve sleep, stabilize the emotional state and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Another advantage of proper vitamin B12 supplements is that it increases mood and help absorb other nutrients in the body.
Vitamin B12 also strengthens muscles.
Vitamin B12 also strengthens muscles. Because this nutrient acts on the nervous system, it allows you to exercise more precisely, reducing the risk of injury.
Another advantage is that this vitamin helps memory and concentration.
B12 has numerous advantages for your health, both physical and psychological.
B12 also strengthens hair, nails and skin, as it promotes reproduction and cell replacement.
The downside is that those with dietary restrictions cannot replenish or maintain vitamin rates with food alone, and the use of supplements is necessary.
The following are the main advantages of vitamin B12:
Advantages
- It improves the immune system and prevents diseases, including cancer.
- Calm symptoms of depression
- Maintains the nervous system
- It prevents anemia.
- Protect the heart
- Strengthens nails, hair and skin.
- It gives energy and strengthens the muscles.
How much does vitamin B12 cost?
The price of vitamin B12 varies greatly depending on the manufacturer’s brand, composition, and package size / number of servings.
In general, you’ll find that vitamin B12 costs between $ 15 and $ 300. Of course, you don’t have to buy the most expensive of all. The main thing is that you make an evaluation with your doctor to define the dose and the period of use that will influence the quantity to be purchased.
Where to buy vitamin B12?
You will find vitamin B12 for sale in pharmacies, supplement stores, department stores and hypermarkets such as Lojas Americanas e Extras.
But our recommendation is that you make your purchase in online stores such as Amazon Spain. Thus, it not only guarantees more options to choose from, but you also get vitamin B12 from the comfort of your home.
Did you know that complex B is made up of eight vitamins?
They are: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cyanocobalamin (B12).
In general, these vitamins participate in the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, help break down fats and proteins, act on gastric muscles, and aid in the absorption of nutrients from the intestine.
Purchase criteria: what to consider before choosing the best vitamin B12
As we have seen, to supplement with vitamin B12, you must be accompanied by your doctor.
After confirming the need to replace or maintain nutrient rates, you need to understand what differentiates one product from another in order to make the best purchase.
That is why we have selected for you the key factors to consider before buying vitamin B12:
- Shape
- Composition
- Active principle
- Dose
- Size
Below, we’ll explain each of these factors in detail so you can make the best decision and invest in the ideal vitamin B12.
Shape
Vitamin B12 can be found in tablets, solutions, syrup or in injectable form. However, the most common is to find B12 in tablets or in liquid form.
The choice here is very personal, since it will depend on the practicality and also on the ease of ingestion. The most common is to find B12 in tablets or in liquid form.
In general, older people are the most benefited by B12 drops. This is because in this age group it is common that there may be some difficulty absorbing the vitamin in the stomach.
Vitamin injections are already more restricted. In this case, a prescription is required to apply.
Composition
After choosing how to take the vitamin, we recommend that you consider the composition of the product.
You can choose to buy the vitamin in its pure composition. In this case, there should be no other ingredient listed in the nutritional table of the product other than B12.
But you will also find that vitamin B12 is sold as part of a multivitamin complex, which includes other nutrients. This will depend on your nutritional needs and your goal.
In any case, however, be careful of additives like artificial sweeteners, dyes or flavors that can have negative effects on your health.
Active principle
It is important that you also keep in mind what is the active ingredient in vitamin B12, which varies according to the manufacturer’s brand.
The most popular forms of B12 are methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and cyanocobalamin.
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of B12 and is one of the most commonly found active ingredients found in vitamin supplement formulas.
However, some people respond with allergic reactions. Anyone who has kidney problems or is a smoker should also avoid cyanocobalamin. It is important to check the type of B12 in the formula and evaluate which one is best for you.
The World Health Organization, for example, recommends hydroxocobalamin. This is the form of vitamin B12 naturally produced by most microorganisms.
Its greatest advantage over cyanocobalamin is that it has a high storage efficiency and does not release toxins.
Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are the two biologically active forms of vitamin B12 that have the advantage of being stored successfully in the liver.
Dose
The dosage of the supplements also varies widely, so it is important to keep this information in mind before buying vitamin B12.
The compounds can provide, in each dose, between 10 mcg and 5000 mcg of vitamin B12. This choice will depend on the recommendation of your doctor.
Size
Also, note the package size. This will be reflected in the duration of the use of the vitamin and also in the price of the product.
In general, you will find B12 in vials containing between 30 and 400 tablets. If you choose B12 liquid, you will find bottles ranging from 60ml to 150ml.
That’s all for now, friends. These are some of the best B 12 supplements on the market. Do you have any questions or suggestions? Let us know. You can use the comment section below. We will try to solve your doubts ASAP. And please do share this article with your friends and family. Thank you.