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: contains one 150 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin B12 1000 mcg Softgels for a 150 day supply(1)
- These Nature Made Vitamin B12 softgels 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 softgel daily with water and a meal
- SUPPORTS CELLULAR ENERGY HEALTH (1): Nature’s Bounty B-12 vitamins aid in the conversion of food into cellular energy (1)
- CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT (1): Vitamin B-12 is a commonly used vitamin taken to support the health of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems (1)
- HELPS MAINTAIN HEALTHY NERVES (1): B-12 plays an important role in maintaining healthy nerve cells (1)
- EASY TO SWALLOW COATED TABLETS: Nature’s Bounty B-12 tablets are coated, making them easier to swallow
- FROM THE TRUSTED WELLNESS EXPERTS: Nature’s Bounty Vitamin B-12 tablets are a product of nearly 50 years of dedication to quality, consistency, and scientific research to make vitamins and nutritional supplements of unrivaled excellence
- Bountiful Benefits in Every Bottle –– Help your body stay at its best with this B12 supplement. A B12 vegan vitamin supports healthy immune function and promotes mental clarity.* Aiding the body in breaking down food into energy, B vitamins are vital for overall well being*
- Develop a Routine –– Tired of choking on chalky capsules? Don't stress over supplements with this EZ Melts B12 vitamin tablet that dissolves in your mouth. Nutrients will be readily available for absorption after ingestion to help support cellular health.* Get your dose of vitamin B-12 even on the go
- Delicious Taste Without Compromise –– Sugary supplements seem counterintuitive. That's why our vegan B12 vitamin has zero sugar. The pleasant cherry flavor taste is created using plant-derived ingredients to make these vitamin B12 supplements easy on your tastebuds
- No Corners Cut –– Stop settling for less. This supplement contains a bioactive form of B-12 vitamin vegan vitamin: methylcobalamin. To ensure effective nervous system support is delivered with every dose.* These tablets are also made with no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
- Manufactured in the USA –– These vegan vitamin B12 supplements are non-GMO with no pesky irritants like gluten or dairy. Every ingredient is globally sourced from US-based suppliers we are on a first-name basis with. So you can be confident in consistent quality
- 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
- Energy metabolism support supplement: contains one 160 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin B12 1000 mcg Time Release Tablets for a 160-day supply(1)
- Nature Made B12 1000 mcg are dietary supplements that 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 of these Nature Made B12 timed release tablets daily with water and a meal
- Methyl-B12: A form of vitamin B12 that is more readily used by the body*
- Heart & Nerves: Supports heart health and nerve function*
- Sleep: Helps maintain normal circadian rhythms to support restful sleep*
- Methylation: Supports the body's healthy methylation processes*
- Trusted: Thorne is chosen by champions and trusted by 100+ pro teams. Thorne is the only supplement manufacturer to collaborate with Mayo Clinic on wellness research and content. Thorne is also a proud partner of U.S. Olympic Teams
- Energy metabolism(1) support supplement: contains one 60 count bottle of Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin B12 Gummies 3000 mcg per serving for a 30-day supply
- Vitamin B12 helps support brain cell function and mood health (2)
- These Extra Strength B12 gummies help reduce fatigue for those low in B12 vitamins
- Delicious cherry and mixed berry flavors; Adults, chew two B12 gummy vitamins daily
- These gluten free B12 gummies for adults have no synthetic dyes, no artificial flavors, no artificial sweeteners, and no high fructose corn syrup
- Energy metablosim support supplement: contains one 60 count bottle of Nature Made Maximum Strength Vitamin B12 5000 mcg Softgels for a 60-day supply(1)
- This Vitamin B12 supplement helps break down food into energy that your body can use all day long
- B-12 vitamin 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 softgel 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
- Made in a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
- Energy metabolism support supplement: contains one 50 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin B12 1000 mcg Fast Dissolve Tablets for a 50-day supply(1)
- These Nature Made Vitamin B12 fast dissolve 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
- Easy to take with a great tasting flavor; simply dissolve 1 tablet under tongue before swallowing. Adults take one Vitamin B12 tablet daily with 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.