Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that a mature and growing body needs to operate correctly. The nutrient keeps blood cells and nerves healthy. It also has a hand in DNA production.[1, 3] Vitamin B-12 is stored in the liver for several years, making deficiency a rare occurrence.
Benefits and uses
Vitamin B12 is used for a variety of medicinal purposes, but especially the prevention and treatment of B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia (caused by B12 deficiency).[1]
In addition, it is used for:[1, 2]
- Mood enhancement
- Improving concentration
- Alzheimer's disease
- Memory loss
- Heart disease
- Male infertility
- Diabetes
- Sleep disorders
- Osteoporosis
- AIDS
- Asthma
- Cancer prevention
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Macular degeneration prevention (age-related)
- Kidney disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Skin conditions
Recommended dosage
Vitamin B12 comes in the form of pills, lozenges, creams, injections, and nasal gel. It is available in many multivitamin formulas as well as by itself. The suggested dose is 1mcg to 25mcg daily, but it is also dependent upon age, condition, diagnosis and form used. Consult your physician regarding the best option for you, especially if you eat a meat-free diet or have head weight-loss surgery, both risk factors for B12 deficiency.[1, 2, 3, 5]
B12 Deficiency
Symptoms of B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, yellowed skin (jaundice), numbness and tingling in the extremities, balance problems, depression, dementia, megaloblastic anemia (production of abnormally large red blood cells), memory problems, mouth and tongue soreness. The nervous system can be negatively affected by B12 deficiency as well. If you suspect you have a vitamin deficiency, your doctor can do a simple blood test.
Those at risk of B12 deficiency include:
- Older adults
- People with pernicious anemia
- Those who have had surgery of the gastrointestinal system
- People with digestive disorders
- Vegetarians and vegans
Does B12 work
Vitamin B12 seems to work well for reversing a B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia. It may be effective for age-related macular degeneration when taken along with folic acid, vitamin B6, and other vitamins.[1] It's not as effective for sleep disorders, stroke prevention, or memory enhancement in older people. There isn't enough evidence to recommend B12 for eczema, Alzheimer's disease, canker sores, cancer, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, high cholesterol, skin conditions, and fatigue. There is no evidence that the vitamin boosts energy or athletic performance.[1, 2, 3]
Safety issues
Vitamin B12 is considered safe when taken properly.
- Do not take B12 in large amounts.
- Vitamin B12 is safe to use on the skin.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women can safely take B12 in recommended doses. Consult your physician.
- Do not take B12 if you have Leber's disease (eye disease)
- Do not use B12 if you are allergic to cobalt.
Interactions
Vitamin B12 interacts with a variety of medications and supplements, as well as with alcohol. Do not mix B12 with the following:
| Substance | Side effect |
|---|---|
| Chloramphenicol | B12 has a hand in making new blood cells while chloramphenicol decreases new cell production. |
| Potassium | This mineral can reduce B12 absorption. |
| Folic acid | Taking a lot of folic acid can mask a B12 deficiency. |
| Vitamin C | This vitamin may destroy dietary vitamin B12. Take vitamin C two or more hours after eating. |
| Alcohol | Drinking excessively for two weeks or more can hinder B12 absorption. |
| Acid reflux and peptic ulcer drugs | These may interfere with B12 absorption. |
| Metformin (diabetes medication) | This drug may thwart B12 absorption. |
This is not an exhaustive list. If you're taking any medication, consult your healthcare provider before taking B12.
Sources of vitamin B12
Some foods are natural sources of vitamin B12 while others are fortified with it. Check nutrition facts on labels for details. Examples of B12-rich foods are: [3]
![]()
Beef liver
- Clams
- Fish
- Poultry
- Dairy products
- Breakfast cereal
Considerations
- Follow all directions for supplement use, including B12.
- Supplements can act like drugs if they are used in large amounts. Take as directed.
- Inform your health care provider of all supplements and complementary care you use. Discuss proper dosages particular to your symptoms and medical history.
- Herbs and other supplements are not strictly regulated by the government. Product safety and consistency are not guaranteed. Effects may vary according to brand and batch.
- Purchase B12 from companies you trust, who have a good reputation.
- Don't take our word for it. Consult other reputable sources such as scientific journals for information on B12 and any other complementary or alternative treatment before experimenting with it. Educate yourself about what you put into your body!
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet and an overall healthy lifestyle can have a significant, positive effect on your mental and physical state.
- Although we don't sell B12, you can compare quality and price of a variety of brands here at PricePlow.com. Please note that we are not doctors. We take no responsibility for the products listed here since we do not manufacture them.
The best B12 supplement
Here at PricePlow, we stick with NOW Foods when it comes to high-quality, GMP-compliant, low-cost supplements. It is no different with B-Vitamins. Forget the marketing nonsense and stick with trusted, quality brands.
References
- WebMD.com; "Vitamin B12"
- MedlinePlus; "Vitamin B12;"
- Office of Dietary Supplements; "Vitamin B12;"
- Mayo Clinic; "Vitamin B12," Updated 2012
- Patrick K. Skerrett; Harvard Health Publications; "Vitamin B12 deficiency can be sneaky, harmful;" January 2013
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- Jan 16, 2022Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 & Methyl Folate 100 Chewables dropped by 25.0% to $11.99 at AllStarHealth
- Jan 16, 2022Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 100 Lozenges (only Tropical - 2500mcg) dropped by 11.1% to $10.26 at iHerb.com
- Jan 10, 2022Nature's Bounty B-12 30 Tablets dropped by 31.1% to $10.99 at VitaCost.com
- Jan 10, 2022Source Naturals B-12 Fast Melt 60 Tablets dropped by 10.0% to $16.45 at iHerb.com
- Jan 10, 2022Nature's Way Vitamin B-12 100 Lozenges (only Black Cherry) dropped by 25.8% to $11.63 at iHerb.com
- Jan 06, 2022Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 100 Lozenges (only Cherry - 500mcg) dropped by 8.3% to $5.49 at AllStarHealth
- Jan 05, 2022NOW Ultra B-12 16 Oz. dropped by 11.5% to $21.06 at iHerb.com
- Jan 05, 2022NOW Ultra B-12 4 Oz. dropped by 11.6% to $8.42 at iHerb.com
- Jan 05, 2022NOW B-12 2 Oz. (only Liposomal Spray) dropped by 11.5% to $7.36 at iHerb.com
- Jan 04, 2022NOW B-12 8 Oz. dropped by 61.9% to $4.99 at Muscle and Strength
- Dec 30, 2021Country Life Methyl B12 50 Lozenges dropped by 13.6% to $13.47 at Best Price Nutrition
- Dec 30, 2021Country Life Methyl B12 120 Lozenges (only 3000mcg - Berry) dropped by 12.2% to $25.39 at AllStarHealth
- Dec 30, 2021Country Life Methyl B12 60 Lozenges (only 5000mcg - Cherry) dropped by 6.9% to $11.99 at AllStarHealth
- Dec 13, 2021Source Naturals MethylCobalamin 30 Tablets dropped by 15.7% to $10.49 at VitaCost.com
- Dec 12, 2021Doctor's Best Fully Active B12 60 Vcaps dropped by 23.5% to $4.39 at AllStarHealth
- Dec 09, 2021Country Life Vitamin B-12 100 Lozenges dropped by 12.5% to $5.94 at Best Price Nutrition
- Nov 28, 2021Country Life Active B12 Dibencozide 60 Lozenges dropped by 17.0% to $12.69 at AllStarHealth
- Nov 01, 2021MRM B-12 Methylcobalamin 60 Lozenges dropped by 15.0% to $7.56 at AllStarHealth
- Nov 01, 2021Superior Source B-12 60 Tablets (only Cyanocobalamin 1000mcg & Folic Acid 400mcg) dropped by 27.8% to $7.10 at eVitamins
- Oct 19, 2021Solgar Vitamin B12 30 Nuggets (only 1000mcg) dropped by 25.9% to $4.63 at VitaCost.com
- Oct 18, 2021Superior Source B-12 60 Tablets (only Cyanocobalamin 10000mcg) dropped by 30.6% to $17.89 at AllStarHealth
- Oct 16, 2021NOW Vitamin B-12 250 Lozenges dropped by 16.7% to $14.99 at Muscle and Strength
- Oct 08, 2021Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Dicobalene-V 200 Tablets dropped by 22.8% to $8.00 at AllStarHealth
- Sep 30, 2021NOW Vitamin B-12 2 Oz. (only Liposomal Spray) dropped by 6.3% to $6.89 at AllStarHealth
- Sep 09, 2021Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 100 Chewables dropped by 27.5% to $5.98 at iHerb.com
- Aug 18, 2021NOW Vitamin B-12 60 Lozenges dropped by 12.7% to $6.89 at AllStarHealth
- Aug 09, 2021Nature's Bounty B-12 2 Oz. (only 5000mcg - Liquid) dropped by 16.5% to $9.68 at iHerb.com
- Jun 09, 2021NOW Methyl B-12 120 Lozenges dropped by 9.7% to $18.99 at AllStarHealth
- May 10, 2021Nature's Bounty B-12 40 Tablets (only 5000mcg - Quick Dissolve) dropped by 21.7% to $12.36 at iHerb.com
- Apr 05, 2021Solgar Vitamin B12 60 Nuggets (only 1000mcg) dropped by 9.1% to $6.99 at AllStarHealth
- Mar 15, 2021Superior Source B-12 60 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 5000mcg) dropped by 12.5% to $19.99 at AllStarHealth
- Mar 15, 2021Superior Source B-12 60 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 1000mcg B6 & Folic Acid 400mcg) dropped by 7.5% to $10.29 at AllStarHealth
- Mar 15, 2021Superior Source B-12 30 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 10000mcg B6 & Folic Acid 1200mcg) dropped by 23.4% to $24.29 at AllStarHealth
- Aug 23, 2020Superior Source B-12 30 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 10000mcg) dropped by 54.4% to $10.21 at eVitamins
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