It can be challenging to consume enough nutrients at times, which is why more and more people are turning to the best vitamin B12 supplements, for example, to ensure they're achieving a balanced diet.
Vitamin B12 is particularly popular as it plays an important role in the creation of red blood cells and DNA. The potential benefits don't end there though, as vitamin B12 has also been linked to reducing mental decline as well as improving mood.
With this in mind, we've scoured the web to put together a list of stand-out vitamin B12 supplements based on their price, ingredients, customer reviews, and any other features that we think make them worth considering, much like we did with our list of the best multivitamins.
We've also answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding vitamin B12 to help you work out whether vitamin B12 supplements are worth adding to your diet. Before that though, let's get into our list...
Best vitamin B12 supplements
- Nature Made Vitamin B12 - best pure vitamin supplement
- Global Healing Triple Activated Vitamin B12 - a great liquid option
- Amazon Basics Vitamin B12 - an extra strong contender
- NOW Supplements Vitamin B12 - best vegan choice
- Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men - a superb multivitamin supplement
1. Nature Made Vitamin B12
Best pure vitamin B12 supplement
Serving: 1,000mcg
We're starting with Nature Made Vitamin B12 capsules, designed to contain nothing but essential vitamin B12, alongside the necessary ingredients to create the soft gels.
In each of these capsules, you'll discover a potent dose of 1,000mcg of cyanocobalamin. As affirmed by the NHS, cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 commonly used to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Their purity is what makes these capsules stand out. They're free from any artificial flavours, synthetic dyes, or gluten. This means you're receiving a concentrated burst of vital nutrients without any unnecessary additives.
What's more, a single container houses a generous supply of 150 soft gels. In our estimation, this represents outstanding value, as a mere one-capsule daily regimen is recommended. So, you not only get a top-quality vitamin B12 supplement but also a long-lasting supply.
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2. Global Healing Triple Activated Vitamin B12
Best liquid vitamin B12 supplement
Serving: 5,000mcg
If you're looking for a vitamin B12 extract though, then this Global Healing Triple Activated Vitamin B12 supplement could be for you.
One serving size is meant to be 1ml; however, as this tiny amount contains 5,000mcg of vitamin B12, we'd argue you could use even less and still reap the potential benefits that vitamin B12 has to offer.
Rather than cyanocobalamin, Global Healing uses a combination of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, some of the biologically active forms of vitamin B12, plus another manufactured variation in hydroxocobalamin.
Methylcobalamin is especially interesting as research by Zhang et al. has linked it to potential pain-killing properties. As a result, this vitamin B12 supplement might be able to aid your post-workout recovery.
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3. Amazon Basics Vitamin B12
Best extra strong vitamin B12 supplement
Serving: 3,000mcg
If you're looking to seriously up your vitamin B12 intake, make sure you check out the Amazon Basics Vitamin B12 supplement for a more potent boost to your diet.
These gummies truly stand out, providing an impressive 3,000mcg in just two servings, thanks to the powerful combination of methylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin. But what makes these gummies exceptional isn't just their high potency; it's also their delicious taste, ensuring a delightful experience while delivering vital nutrients to your body.
Moreover, these gummies cater to various dietary needs and preferences, being both vegan-friendly and free from wheat and gluten. This inclusivity makes them suitable for a wide range of individuals.
If the dosage feels too high, you can easily adjust your intake by consuming just one gummy a day instead of the recommended two. This adaptability makes the Amazon Basics Vitamin B12 supplement a versatile choice on our list.
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4. NOW Supplements Vitamin B12
Best vegan vitamin B12 supplement
Serving: 1,000mcg
Continuing with the vegan theme and revisiting a company we previously featured in our list of the best cod liver oil capsules, let's now focus on NOW Supplements Vitamin B12 lozenges.
These tablets are specially formulated for vegans, vegetarians, and those following kosher diets, as they are free from dairy, eggs, gluten, and soy, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary requirements.
What's more, each lozenge contains 1,000mcg of cyanocobalamin, a vital form of vitamin B12, which is crucial for various bodily functions. Additionally, the lozenges also provide folate, known as vitamin B9, which plays a significant role in DNA and RNA formation and is associated with protein metabolism, according to the Havard School of Public Health.
In short, these are some pretty well-rounded lozenges that deliver essential vitamin B12 while also contributing to enhancing your diet with the added benefits of folate.
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5. Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men
Best multivitamin B12 supplement
Serving: 100mcg
If you're after a supplement that contains multiple vitamins, not just B12, then Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men might be the supplement for you.
Among the stacked list of ingredients is 100mcg of vitamin B12. However, you're also getting vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. Vitamin D is particularly interesting as it's one of the hardest to get hold of through your diet, yet plays an important role in keeping your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy, according to the NHS.
When it comes to the vitamin B12 side of things though, this supplement might be more suitable for someone looking to keep their daily intake lower than some of the higher doses seen so far in our list.
That said, you'd also be getting so many other nutrients which, according to Optimum Nutrition, have been tailored toward supporting cellular energy and metabolism. So, if it's a packed multivitamin you're after, then we'd recommend checking out this Opti-Men supplement.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Finding the right supplements can often lead to a lot of questions. Don't worry though because we've answered some of the most frequently asked queries surrounding vitamin B12, in particular, right here.
What does vitamin B12 do?
Vitamin B12 has been linked to several potential health benefits; however, one of its most important functions is to form red blood cells and DNA according to the Havard School of Public Health.
However, its importance doesn't end there. Vitamin B12 has also been linked to maintaining and developing brain and nerve cells, particularly during pregnancy. One study of note by Molloy et al. found women with a vitamin B12 deficiency were five times more likely to encounter neural tube defects in their children.
With its link to brain development, vitamin B12 has also been shown to slow your rate of memory loss as you get older. A study by Oulhaj et al. supports this as the research found a combination of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduced mental decline in participants with mild cognitive impairment.
How much vitamin B12 do you need in a day?
It's recommended by the Havard School of Public Health that men and women aged 14 or older should consume 2.4mcg of vitamin B12 a day. However, this doesn't appear to be agreed upon, with the NHS advising adults aged 19 to 64 to consume around 1.5mcg a day.
With the recommended dosage not fully established, it might be easier to work out how much is too much vitamin B12 instead.
Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be an established upper limit or toxic level of vitamin B12 supplementation either, although there is one study by Meyer et al. that found consuming 25mcg per day or higher may increase the risk of bone fractures.
As a result, we'd advise against consuming too much vitamin B12 as part of your everyday diet. Somewhere between 1.5 to 2.4mcg seems to be a safe amount.
When should you take vitamin B12?
It's recommended by the Cleveland Clinic that, like most water-soluble vitamins, you take B12 on an empty stomach with a glass of water.
As vitamin B12 can give a boost in energy, it's also advised you take your supplements in the morning to avoid any disruptions when you're trying to get to sleep.
Of course, these are only recommendations as when to take vitamin B12 will come down to when it's convenient for you. Our main advice would be to pick a time that suits you and stick to it each day to ensure your body is receiving a consistent amount of the supplement.
Who is most likely to be deficient in vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is primarily absorbed in the stomach, so individuals with digestive issues, such as celiac disease, face an elevated risk of developing a deficiency in this essential nutrient. Similarly, those who follow restrictive diets with limited animal product consumption, such as vegans or vegetarians, are also susceptible to B12 deficiency. This is because foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products are rich sources of vitamin B12, which is one of the biggest benefits of adding beef liver to your diet.
Furthermore, individuals with anemia, a condition characterised by a low red blood cell count, may be at increased risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, incorporating vitamin B12 supplements into your diet can be especially beneficial for those with anemia, as this nutrient plays a crucial role in addressing this condition and promoting overall health.
Can you take vitamin B12 alongside other supplements?
Yes, in most cases, you can take vitamin B12 alongside other supplements. Vitamin B12 is generally safe to take in combination with other vitamins, minerals, or dietary supplements. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially if you have specific health concerns or if you are taking any medications.
Some supplements may interact with medications or have potential side effects when taken together. Additionally, certain supplements may have overlapping benefits or provide excessive amounts of certain nutrients when combined. A healthcare professional can help you determine the appropriate dosages and combinations based on your individual needs and health status.
To ensure safety and effectiveness, it's important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines for each supplement and to inform your healthcare provider about all the supplements you are taking, including vitamin B12, so they can provide personalised advice and monitor your overall nutrient intake.