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
Vitamin B12 News on PricePlow
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Feb 25, 2024 Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Liposomal Vitamin B12 Spray was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Feb 25, 2024 Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Vitamin B12 with Folic Acid was created.
Categories: Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 -
Feb 25, 2024 Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Vitamin B12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Feb 17, 2024 Product News
Swanson Vitamin B12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Feb 02, 2024 Product News
NOW Mega B-12 Daily Vits was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jan 30, 2024 Product News
Nutricost Vitamin B12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jan 29, 2024 Product News
Trace Minerals Vitamin B12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jan 28, 2024 Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe B12 Methylcobalamin has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jan 17, 2024 Product News
KAL Methyl B-12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jan 17, 2024 Product News
Superior Source Vitamin B-12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jan 08, 2024 Product News
Nutricost Vitamin B12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jan 01, 2024 Product News
NOW B-12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Dec 31, 2023 Product News
NOW B-12 Shots was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Dec 31, 2023 Product News
NOW B-12 (Liquid) has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Nov 09, 2023 Product News
Solgar Vitamin B12 has new variations: Categories: Gummy Supplements, Vitamin B12 -
Oct 30, 2023 Product News
Nature's Life Vitamin B-12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Oct 03, 2023 Product News
NutraBio Vitamin B-12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Oct 02, 2023 Product News
KAL Vitamin B-12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Sep 14, 2023 Product News
Nature Made Vitamin B-12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Aug 14, 2023 Product News
Vitacost Vitamin B12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jul 28, 2023 Product News
Swanson Vitamin B12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jul 27, 2023 Product News
Swanson Vitamin B12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jul 21, 2023 Product News
Swanson Vitamin B12 has new variations:- 250 Capsules - Energy & Metabolism - Cyanocobalamin - 500mcg
- 60 Lozenges - Energy & Metabolism - Methylcobalamin - 5000mcg - Cherry
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Jun 20, 2023 Product News
Swanson Vitamin B12 has new variations:- 100 Lozenges - with Folate - 1000mcg Energy & Metabolism - Strawberry
- 250 Lozenges - with Folate - 1000mcg Energy & Metabolism - Strawberry
- 60 Lozenges - with Folate Sugar-Free Strawberry
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Jun 07, 2023 Product News
Source Naturals MethylCobalamin has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
May 11, 2023 Product News
Source Naturals Vegan True - MethylCobalamin was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
May 02, 2023 Product News
Swanson Vitamin B12 has new variations: Category: Vitamin B12 -
Apr 22, 2023 Product News
Swanson Activated B12 Complex was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Mar 03, 2023 Product News
Swanson Vitamin B12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Feb 02, 2023 Product News
Vitacost Methyl B-12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Feb 02, 2023 Product News
Vitacost Vitamin B12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jan 27, 2023 Product News
Natural Factors Vitamin B12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Dec 29, 2022 Product News
Life Extension Vitamin B12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Dec 26, 2022 Product News
Thorne Research Vitamin B12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Oct 23, 2022 Product News
Irwin Naturals Quick-Release B-12 Extra was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Oct 23, 2022 Product News
Irwin Naturals One-Per-Day Mega B-12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jul 04, 2022 Product News
Solaray Methyl B-12 Methyl Folate was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jul 04, 2022 Product News
Solaray Methyl B-12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jun 16, 2022 Product News
KAL Ultra B-12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Jun 16, 2022 Product News
KAL Vitamin B-12 was created.
Category: Vitamin B12 -
Apr 21, 2022 Product News
Jarrow Formulas Folate Forte was created.
Categories: Heart Health Supplements, Vitamin B12
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Vitamin B12 Price Alerts
The following price alerts are still active:
- Mar 18, 2024Solgar Vitamin B12 250 Vcaps dropped by 9% to $21.74 at VitaCost.com
- Mar 18, 2024Nature's Bounty Vitamin B-12 2 Oz. (only 5000mcg - Liquid) dropped by 8.1% to $13.68 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Vitamin B12 100 Capsules dropped by 10% to $3.67 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Activated B12 Complex 60 Lozenges dropped by 10% to $17.00 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Vitamin B12 250 Lozenges dropped by 9.9% to $12.22 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Vitamin B12 60 Lozenges (only Energy & Metabolism - Methylcobalamin - 5000mcg - Cherry) dropped by 30% to $11.10 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Vitamin B12 30 Capsules dropped by 10.1% to $1.87 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Vitamin B12 60 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin - 2500mcg - Cherry) dropped by 10% to $7.26 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Vitamin B12 60 Chewables dropped by 10% to $8.63 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Vitamin B12 100 Lozenges dropped by 10% to $5.04 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Vitamin B12 60 Lozenges (only with Folate Sugar-Free Strawberry) dropped by 10% to $7.17 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Swanson Vitamin B12 2 Oz. dropped by 10% to $11.70 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Triple 3000mcg) dropped by 10% to $19.65 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Cyanocobalamin 1000mcg B6 & Folic Acid 400mcg) dropped by 6.1% to $7.12 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only Cyanocobalamin 1000mcg & Folic Acid 400mcg) dropped by 6.1% to $10.41 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only 1000mcg B6 & Folic Acid 600mcg Plus D3) dropped by 10% to $13.53 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Extra Strength 10000mcg B6 & Folic Acid 1200mcg) dropped by 8.4% to $24.05 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Source Naturals B-12 Fast Melt 60 Tablets dropped by 10% to $16.36 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 30 Tablets (only Extra Strength 10000mcg) dropped by 10% to $24.00 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 5000mcg & Vitamin D 5000 IU) dropped by 7.2% to $33.23 at iHerb.com
- Mar 18, 2024Nature's Way Vitamin B-12 100 Lozenges (only Cherry) dropped by 14.5% to $16.24 at iHerb.com
- Mar 04, 2024Solgar Vitamin B12 250 Nuggets dropped by 31.4% to $21.28 at iHerb.com
- Mar 04, 2024Nature's Bounty Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only 1000mcg) dropped by 15% to $9.13 at iHerb.com
- Mar 04, 2024Source Naturals MethylCobalamin 240 Lozenges dropped by 15% to $21.53 at iHerb.com
- Mar 01, 2024Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 100 Lozenges (only Tropical - 2500mcg) dropped by 18.7% to $9.99 at Netrition
- Feb 28, 2024Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 & Methyl Folate 100 Lozenges dropped by 9.7% to $18.96 at Vitamin Shoppe
- Feb 20, 2024Nutricost Vitamin B12 240 Capsules (only Methylcobalamin - 5000mg) dropped by 41.1% to $21.80 at iHerb.com
- Feb 19, 2024Nutricost Vitamin B12 240 Capsules (only Methylcobalamin - 1000mg) dropped by 31.9% to $14.20 at iHerb.com
- Feb 19, 2024Source Naturals MethylCobalamin 120 Tablets (only 5mg - Cherry) dropped by 10% to $33.39 at VitaCost.com
- Feb 16, 2024Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 & Methyl Folate 100 Chewables dropped by 23.7% to $12.49 at AllStarHealth
- Feb 11, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 30 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 10000mcg B6 & Folic Acid 1200mcg) dropped by 12.9% to $20.29 at AllStarHealth
- Feb 11, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 5000mcg) dropped by 10% to $17.99 at AllStarHealth
- Feb 06, 2024Doctor's Best Fully Active B12 60 Vcaps dropped by 8.2% to $4.49 at AllStarHealth
- Feb 04, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 30 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 10000mcg) dropped by 10% to $17.99 at AllStarHealth
- Feb 04, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only Cyanocobalamin 1000mcg) dropped by 10.5% to $8.49 at AllStarHealth
- Feb 04, 2024NOW B-12 (Liquid) 2 Oz. (only B-Complex) dropped by 11.5% to $4.49 at Best Price Nutrition
- Jan 29, 2024Trace Minerals Vitamin B12 2 Oz. dropped by 21.1% to $14.99 at AllStarHealth
- Jan 28, 2024Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 1000mcg B6 & Folic Acid 400mcg) dropped by 9.7% to $9.29 at AllStarHealth
- Jan 24, 2024Solaray Methyl B-12 60 Lozenges (only 5000mcg - Cherry) dropped by 40.2% to $12.49 at AllStarHealth
- Jan 10, 2024Solaray Vitamin B-12 90 Lozenges (only Cherry - 1000mcg) dropped by 12.9% to $10.44 at MySupplementStore
- Jan 10, 2024NOW B-12 250 Lozenges dropped by 21.9% to $14.99 at Muscle and Strength
- Jan 09, 2024Solaray Vitamin B-12 90 Lozenges (only Cherry - 1000mcg with Folic Acid) dropped by 21.1% to $8.99 at Best Price Nutrition
- Dec 31, 2023NOW B-12 (Liquid) 2 Oz. (only Liposomal Spray) dropped by 10.7% to $7.99 at AllStarHealth
- Dec 25, 2023Nature Made Vitamin B-12 50 Tablets dropped by 10.5% to $7.79 at VitaCost.com
- Dec 25, 2023Nature Made Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only 2500mcg) dropped by 10.6% to $10.69 at VitaCost.com
- Oct 29, 2023Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 5000mcg B-6 & Folic Acid 800mcg) dropped by 7.4% to $19.99 at AllStarHealth
- Oct 02, 2023KAL Vitamin B-12 90 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 1000mcg - Red Raspberry (ActivMelt)) dropped by 49% to $10.19 at AllStarHealth
- May 25, 2023Country Life Vitamin B-12 100 Lozenges dropped by 10.5% to $5.94 at Best Price Nutrition
- May 23, 2023NOW Methyl B-12 90 Vcaps dropped by 13.3% to $13.79 at AllStarHealth
- Feb 02, 2023Vitacost Vitamin B12 2 Oz. dropped by 16.7% to $6.99 at VitaCost.com
- Feb 02, 2023Vitacost Vitamin B12 100 Capsules dropped by 19.5% to $14.49 at VitaCost.com
- Feb 02, 2023Vitacost Vitamin B12 60 Capsules dropped by 19.9% to $9.44 at VitaCost.com
- Dec 13, 2021Source Naturals MethylCobalamin 30 Tablets dropped by 15.7% to $10.49 at VitaCost.com
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