Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble essential vitamin that plays an important role in the body. It helps maintain red blood cells and keep your nervous system functioning well while supporting muscle health and healthy skin. Most people get enough vitamin B12 through their diet, but it can be hard for those on restrictive diets or vegans to get enough of this essential nutrient. That’s why supplements are such a great solution! If you’re looking for ways to boost your energy levels, improve sleep quality, or feel better overall—Vitamin B12 supplements are one easy way to do it! If you’re looking for the best B12 supplements to take, look no further. This blog post will review the top B12 supplements on the market today.
What are B12 supplements?
You’ve probably heard of B12. It’s a vitamin that is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of your nervous system. But you might not know where you can find it, or if you need to take a supplement.
Only a few foods naturally contain B12, including meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. This means vegetarians (and vegans!) may be more likely to run low on this important nutrient. That doesn’t mean they have to completely cut out animal products from their diet though—just one serving of meat or fish could give them all they need!
The benefits of B12 supplements.
B12 is an essential vitamin, meaning your body cannot make it, and you must get it from food or supplements. The benefits of B12 supplementation are numerous:
- Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system, heart and blood vessels, bones, and red blood cells. This potent nutrient can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and protect against depression by reducing homocysteine levels in your blood (homocysteine is an amino acid that may contribute to the hardening of the arteries). In addition to helping support your central nervous system and brain health, vitamin B12 also promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.
- A deficiency in this important nutrient can cause symptoms such as fatigue or fatigue-like symptoms; high levels of homocysteine in the blood; loss of appetite; confusion; irritability; numbness or tingling sensations (especially around the mouth); depression; impaired memory or concentration skills coupled with poor energy levels after eating meals rich in protein (egg whites) rather than carbohydrates (milk).
- Other signs that indicate you’re not getting enough B12 include red tongue corners and pale skin tone due to low hemoglobin levels caused by a lack thereof being present due to insufficient amounts present within them at any given time while interacting. With others every day.”
How we chose the best B12 supplements
- We looked at the ingredients. B12 supplements come in many forms, but the most effective is methylcobalamin (a form of vitamin B12). Many other products—even those supposed to be “natural” or “bioavailable”—contain cyanocobalamin, which doesn’t absorb as well.
- We looked at cost. Some supplements can be expensive, so we only included ones within the budget range for most people.
- We looked at reviews! People have very strong opinions about vitamins and supplements, so it’s important to look at what past customers had to say about their experiences with each product before you buy one yourself.
How to take B12 supplements.
Taking B12 supplements is simple and easy, but one key thing to keep in mind: you need to take it with food!
B12 is absorbed into the bloodstream through your digestive tract. If you don’t have any food in your stomach when taking your supplement, then your body won’t be able to process it as easily. For this reason, simply swallowing a pill without eating anything will not give you the maximum benefits of B12 supplementation.
The best way to take a vitamin B12 supplement is with a meal that has some protein (like chicken or fish), fat (like avocado), fiber (like broccoli), calcium (like milk), and iron (like spinach).
The side effects of B12 supplements.
What you may not know, however, is that B12 supplements can also cause some unwanted side effects. These include:
- Digestive issues. The high dosage of the vitamin can lead to digestive problems like nausea and diarrhea.
- Headaches and migraines. The vitamin causes headaches in some people because it puts stress on your nervous system and causes blood vessels to dilate in the brain, according to a review published in 2013 in the Journal of Neurology & Neurophysiology.
- Skin rashes or irritations at the site where you take your supplements (for example, if you take them orally). This side effect happens when there’s an allergic reaction between the supplement compound and your skin chemistry—especially if you’re prone to sensitive reactions (like me). I used to get itchy patches on my face whenever I took B12 pills every day for more than six months! If this ever happens to you, try taking less of these supplements until your body adjusts better to them over time.”
The risks of taking B12 supplements.
Before taking B12 supplements, it’s important to understand that they can be safe for most people and unsafe for others. Some medical conditions make the use of B12 supplements dangerous. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, then it’s possible that large doses of vitamin B12 could cause you harm. If this is your situation and you’re considering taking a supplement high in vitamin B12 (50 mcg or more), talk with your doctor first and ensure it’s safe before proceeding.
A lot of people worry about the risks associated with taking any supplement because they don’t want to suffer side effects like these: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or nausea; headache; dizziness; abdominal cramps; double vision; skin rash; tingling sensation (numbness); weakness of limbs/muscles — especially when first starting on the supplement regime — but these symptoms usually go away within two weeks after starting treatment.
The best B12 supplements on the market.
Some B12 supplements may cause side effects, so choosing one safe is important. If you’re looking for a high-quality and purity supplement, we recommend using Methylcobalamin, as it is considered the gold standard of B12 supplementation by many experts in the field. It also contains Folic Acid!
Best B12 and multivitamin combo: Ritual Multivitamin Capsules
These capsules are a great all-in-one vitamin and mineral supplement that delivers a full spectrum of nutrients. These vegan, gluten-free capsules contain no artificial colors or flavors, making them perfect for vegans and people with food allergies. The formula is also non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) to help support your health without any chemicals added in the manufacturing process.
Best subscription service: Persona Vitamin B12 Capsules
Looking for the best value for money, convenience, and quality, look no further than Persona’s monthly delivery service. Each month they’ll send you a fresh supply of vegan-friendly capsules made with non-GMO ingredients and no fillers, so you can skip the supermarket and know that all your supplements are safe. They also offer some of the most competitive prices on their website (you can even get 10% off with an exclusive coupon code), making it easy to stock up on every vitamin or supplement you need. Plus, they’re super transparent—they give thorough explanations about when and why they use certain natural ingredients in their products—which is something we all want in our health supplements!
Best for energy: Care/Of Vitamin B12 Capsules
- Care/Of Vitamin B12 Capsules (500mg): This is one of the best B12 supplements on the market. It supplies 1000mcg of B12 in each capsule—which is higher than any other supplement on this list—and also includes 5000mcg of folate and 100mcg of both vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B6, and vitamin B5. Plus, it’s only $10 for 50 capsules! The only downside is that they’re large pills with an unpleasant texture for some people.
Best soft gel: Nature Made B12 Softgel
If you have trouble swallowing pills or are looking for an easy vitamin to travel with, consider taking Nature Made B12 SoftGel. The soft gel is small enough to swallow quickly and easily, so you can take it on the go without worrying about choking or getting sick from taking too much at once. It also dissolves quickly in the stomach, making it easy to digest and absorb into your system. If you want some variety in your supplement routine but still want something easy for your body to process and utilize, these vitamins might be exactly what you need.
In addition to being easier on your digestive system than other B12 supplements (such as sublingual tablets), these vitamins also come in convenient packaging, making them perfect for travel. Each bottle contains 30 soft gels (which means six months’ worth if taken as recommended), so they won’t take up much space in your suitcase or backpack when heading out on vacation or business trip! This makes them perfect for people who tend not only to take their vitamins but also like having things ready to go before heading out the door each morning—or even those who prefer things organized by day instead of the month since they don’t always remember which day they last took their pill(s).
Best budget pick: Natrol Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolve Tablets
- The Natrol Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolve Tablets are the best budget pick. They’re easy to swallow, digest, and absorb (even for people with stomach ulcers), and they’re vegan, gluten-free, and Kosher!
- If you can afford more than $5 per day on a supplement, we recommend you consider taking the Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 Liquid instead. But if not go with the Natrol product above – it’s one of the most inexpensive ways to get your daily dose of vitamin B12.
Best high dose: Amazon Elements Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin Lozenge
This is the best option if you need to get a high dose of vitamin B12. This lozenge contains 8,000 micrograms of methylcobalamin—the most bioavailable form of B12. It also has 50mg of folic acid and 25mg of zinc, which work together to support healthy brain function and nervous system development. These vitamins are all in an easy-to-swallow lozenge format so that you can take them on the go!
Best chewable: Jarrow Formulas Methyl B12 Chewable
We recommend Jarrow Formulas Methyl B12 Chewable for those who want a chewable supplement. It’s vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. In addition to that, it does not contain any:
- Gelatin
- Gluten (wheat)
- Soy
- Dairy products or eggs
This is the best option for you if you have any allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Best gummy: Vitafusion Vitamin B12 Gummy
The best gummy supplement is Vitafusion Vitamin B12 Gummy.
These gummies are chewy, sweet, and pleasant to eat. The fruit flavors mask the bitter taste of vitamin B12, making it easy to swallow without feeling like you’re taking medicine every day.
Best vegan gummy: Solimo Vitamin B12 Gummy
A vegan B12 supplement, the Solimo Vitamin B12 Gummy is a delicious way to get your daily dose of this vital vitamin. The gummy has 500 mcg of cyanocobalamin per serving and contains no artificial colors or flavors. It’s also free of wheat, gluten, corn, and dairy products—all common allergens for those who follow a plant-based diet. If you’re looking for an easy way to up your intake of this essential nutrient without breaking too much from tradition or dietary restrictions, these chewy fruit-flavored treats may be just what you need!
Best capsule: Doctor’s Best Fully Active B12 Capsule
If you prefer to take your vitamins in capsule form, Doctor’s Best Fully Active B12 Capsule is a good choice. It delivers 250 mcg of vitamin B12 per capsule, with no fillers or additives.
Best vegan: MaryRuth’s Methyl B12 Organic Liquid Spray
MaryRuth’s Methyl B12 Organic Liquid Spray
Vegetarian, vegan, and organic, this vitamin B12 supplement is perfect for those with dietary restrictions. It’s also easily absorbed through the digestive system and gets into your bloodstream quickly. If you’re looking for a convenient way to get this vitamin’s benefits in an easy-to-use format, this is it!
Best all-around: Vitamin Shoppe Vitamin B Complex Spray
This spray contains several different vitamin B supplements available in one bottle—you read that right! You can get your daily dose of vitamins without remembering which ones you need and when you should take them. All you have to do is shake it up before application (this helps ensure even distribution throughout the product) and then spray once on each wrist or in your mouth twice daily—that’s it!
Nature-made: The best B12 supplement to buy is Nature-Made Vitamin B-12 1000 mcg softgels.
B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps keep your body healthy. It’s essential for the production of red blood cells and DNA, as well as for keeping your nervous system working properly. B12 is found in animal products, such as meat (especially liver), fish, eggs, and milk. If you don’t eat these foods regularly or are vegan or vegetarian, you may not be getting enough B12 from your diet alone; taking a daily supplement can fill any gaps in your diet.
Nature Made Vitamin B-12 1000 mcg soft gels contain 1000 mcg of vitamin B-12 per serving size one soft gel capsule and can help improve energy levels while maintaining healthy brain function. These soft gels are suitable for vegetarians/vegans, so they are ideal for those who do not consume meat or dairy products but still require more than what their diet provides by increasing their intake through supplementation with this product every day to ensure that adequate levels of vitamin B-12 are present within their systems!
Best value for money: Kirkland Signature High Potency Vitamin B-12 1000 mcg
If you’re looking for the best value for money in the B12 market, Kirkland Signature High Potency Vitamin B-12 1000 mcg is your best bet. This supplement is manufactured by Costco and sold under their house brand. It’s easy to swallow and only costs $8 per 60 tablets.
The manufacturer claims that each dose contains 1000 mcg of vitamin B12, though some customers report feeling nauseated after taking this product (a common side effect of high doses).
Best hypoallergenic option for those with sensitivities and allergies: Pure EncapsulationsB-12 Folate Plus
If you are sensitive to certain compounds, like folic acid and other B-vitamins, then Pure Encapsulations B-12 Folate Plus is the best hypoallergenic option. This supplement does not contain any of these compounds, so there is no risk of allergic reaction. It also has a high bioavailability rating as it contains methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin (your body more easily absorbs this type of vitamin B12).
The downside is that this supplement comes in tablet form only; however, it’s easy to swallow because the tablets are small and coated with vegetable cellulose fiber which ensures that they will dissolve quickly upon being swallowed by your body.
That lasts all day and night: Source Naturals Optimum B-12 Timed
If you’re looking for a vitamin b-12 supplement that you can take once a day, Source Naturals Optimum B-12 Timed Release is your best option. It contains methylcobalamin—a form of vitamin b-12 that is much easier to absorb than other forms of the vitamin and works well when taken in higher doses.
Methylcobalamin helps maintain a healthy metabolism while supporting cardiovascular health and mental clarity. With just two daily tablets, Source Naturals Optimum B-12 Timed Release will give you all the energy you need throughout your busy day!
Strong supplementation: Klaire Labs Hydroxy B 12
Klaire Labs Hydroxy B 12 is the best high dosage option for those who want to take the most effective and bioavailable form of B12 available. This supplement is the most effective and most bioavailable form of B12 available. It’s also non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian/vegan friendly.
Klaire Labs Hydroxy B 12 comes in a liquid form that’s easy to swallow because it has no taste or odor. The recommended dosage is one drop daily (or every other day), but if you’re looking to get a more powerful dose than this product offers, check out our next pick on this list: Jarrow Formulas 1000mcg Methylcobalamin Organic Liquid (formerly known as Methyl TMG).
Best liquid sublingual supplement: The Nestle Nutrition Advera Adult Complete Methylcobalamin with MetaFolate and Lutein
Liquids are made to be absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat. They are designed to bypass the digestive system, making it hard for some supplements to be digested. This is especially true with capsules or tablets with a coating on them, making them harder for your stomach acids to break down and absorb.
Liquid supplements usually come in two forms: sublingual (underneath the tongue) and oral (swallowed). Liquid sublingual are absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessels under your tongue, while liquid oral supplements go through normal digestion processes like any other pill. If you’re looking for an easy way to get more B12 into daily life without swallowing pills or dealing with side effects from taking too many vitamins, then liquid sublingual may be right up your alley!
Those that allow you to skip the injection process: Solgar Methylcobalamin Vitamin B12 5000mcg Nuggets.
The Solgar Methylcobalamin Vitamin B12 5000mcg Nuggets are delicious cherry-flavored vitamin nuggets that allow you to skip the injection process. They’re chewable and gluten-free, with no artificial flavors or colors. While some people may prefer injectable B12 supplements, most people have no issue taking a vitamin that doesn’t require them to poke themselves with painful needles.
Conclusion
The best B12 supplements are designed to change your health and help you feel better. Taking the right one is important because it can significantly affect how well your body absorbs and uses B12. To know more about choosing the right one, check out our article on The Best Vitamins For You.
