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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Vitamin B12 Price Alerts
The following price alerts are still active:
- Apr 29, 2026NOW Methyl B-12 250 Lozenges dropped by 6.7% to $13.99 at AllStarHealth
- Apr 29, 2026Country Life Methyl B12 60 Lozenges (only 1000mcg - Cherry) dropped by 15% to $12.43 at iHerb.com
- Apr 29, 2026Mary Ruth's Methyl B12 Organic Liquid Spray 1 Oz. (only Strawberry) dropped by 29% to $15.58 at Walmart
- Apr 29, 2026Mary Ruth's Methyl B12 Organic Liquid Spray 1 Oz. (only Berry) dropped by 20.5% to $17.44 at Amazon
- Apr 28, 2026Country Life Methyl B12 50 Lozenges dropped by 17.7% to $11.30 at iHerb.com
- Apr 28, 2026Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 100 Lozenges dropped by 20% to $9.59 at Vitamin Shoppe
- Apr 27, 2026Natrol Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets dropped by 28.7% to $9.97 at Walmart
- Apr 26, 2026Nature Made Vitamin B12 75 Tablets dropped by 30% to $6.79 at iHerb.com
- Apr 26, 2026Superior Source Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only Cyanocobalamin 5000mcg & B6 & Folic Acid 800mcg) dropped by 30% to $17.61 at iHerb.com
- Apr 26, 2026Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Triple 3000mcg B6/Folic Acid 800mcg) dropped by 25.3% to $16.72 at iHerb.com
- Apr 26, 2026Superior Source Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only 1000mcg B6 & Folic Acid 600mcg Plus D3) dropped by 17.7% to $10.63 at iHerb.com
- Apr 26, 2026Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Cyanocobalamin 1000mcg & Folic Acid 400mcg) dropped by 17.7% to $5.98 at iHerb.com
- Apr 26, 2026Source Naturals MethylCobalamin 30 Lozenges dropped by 17.7% to $6.69 at iHerb.com
- Apr 23, 2026Nutricost Vitamin B12 240 Capsules (only Methylcobalamin - 2000mcg) dropped by 12.4% to $14.95 at Amazon
- Apr 23, 2026Nutricost Vitamin B12 240 Capsules (only Methylcobalamin - 1000mcg) dropped by 33.1% to $9.50 at Target.com
- Apr 22, 2026Life Extension BioActive Folate & Vitamin B12 150 Vcaps dropped by 7.6% to $14.37 at Amazon
- Apr 20, 2026NOW Vitamin B-12 (Liquid) 2 Oz. (only B-Complex) dropped by 6.6% to $5.99 at Best Price Nutrition
- Apr 20, 2026NOW Methyl B-12 60 Lozenges (only 10,000mcg) dropped by 11.6% to $17.99 at DPS Nutrition
- Apr 19, 2026Solaray Vitamin B-12 30 Lozenges (only Black Cherry - 5000mcg) dropped by 6.1% to $8.48 at VitaCost.com
- Apr 19, 2026Nature Made Vitamin B12 60 Softgels (only 5000mcg) dropped by 6.3% to $11.46 at VitaCost.com
- Apr 19, 2026Superior Source Vitamin B-12 30 Tablets (only Extra Strength 10000mcg) dropped by 15% to $21.79 at iHerb.com
- Apr 19, 2026Source Naturals Vegan True - MethylCobalamin 60 Lozenges dropped by 15% to $6.65 at iHerb.com
- Apr 19, 2026Nature's Bounty Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only 1000mcg) dropped by 29.3% to $7.59 at iHerb.com
- Apr 19, 2026Nature's Bounty Vitamin B-12 75 Tablets dropped by 15.1% to $9.13 at iHerb.com
- Apr 19, 2026Superior Source Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 5000mcg & Vitamin D3 5000 IU) dropped by 37.2% to $21.66 at iHerb.com
- Apr 12, 2026Mason Naturals Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only 3000mcg Quick Dissolve) dropped by 15% to $7.96 at iHerb.com
- Apr 12, 2026Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Triple 3000mcg) dropped by 30% to $15.95 at iHerb.com
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- Apr 05, 2026Nature's Way Vitamin B-12 100 Lozenges (only Cherry) dropped by 12.7% to $15.74 at iHerb.com
- Apr 02, 2026Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 90 Chewables dropped by 22.5% to $24.99 at AllStarHealth
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- Mar 13, 2026Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 & Methyl Folate 60 Chewables dropped by 11.2% to $26.99 at AllStarHealth
- Mar 08, 2026Solgar Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B-12) 30 Nuggets (only 1000mcg) dropped by 10% to $3.50 at VitaCost.com
- Mar 06, 2026NOW Methyl B-12 60 Lozenges (only 5000mcg) dropped by 6.9% to $12.99 at Muscle and Strength
- Feb 22, 2026Source Naturals MethylCobalamin 60 Lozenges (only 1mg - Cherry) dropped by 15% to $6.65 at iHerb.com
- Feb 20, 2026NOW Vitamin B-12 250 Lozenges dropped by 26.5% to $14.99 at Muscle and Strength
- Feb 20, 2026Natrol Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets dropped by 11.7% to $13.59 at AllStarHealth
- Jan 18, 2026Mason Naturals Vitamin B-12 100 Tablets (only 250mcg) dropped by 8.8% to $4.46 at iHerb.com
- Jan 18, 2026Solgar Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B-12) 60 Nuggets (only 1000mcg) dropped by 10.5% to $7.70 at iHerb.com
- Jan 15, 2026Swanson Vitamin B12 30 Vcaps dropped by 64.4% to $2.84 at iHerb.com
- Jan 15, 2026The Vitamin Shoppe Vitamin B12 100 Capsules dropped by 8.3% to $10.44 at iHerb.com
- Dec 28, 2025Superior Source Vitamin B-12 60 Tablets (only Methylcobalamin 1000mcg) dropped by 13.2% to $9.89 at AllStarHealth
- Dec 20, 2025Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 & Methyl Folate 100 Chewables dropped by 25% to $11.99 at AllStarHealth
- Nov 11, 2025Source Naturals MethylCobalamin 120 Lozenges (only 5mg - Cherry) dropped by 17.2% to $27.00 at AllStarHealth
- Oct 12, 2025Irwin Naturals One-Per-Day Mega B-12 60 Softgels dropped by 15% to $13.59 at AllStarHealth
- Sep 08, 2025Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 60 Lozenges dropped by 31.6% to $17.89 at AllStarHealth
- May 19, 2025NOW Vitamin B-12 (Liquid) 8 Oz. dropped by 14.1% to $12.99 at Muscle and Strength
- Sep 23, 2024Solgar Vitamin B12 250 Vcaps dropped by 9.4% to $19.66 at iHerb.com
- Feb 02, 2023Vitacost Vitamin B12 2 Oz. dropped by 16.7% to $6.99 at VitaCost.com
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Vitamin B12 Reviews & Videos
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Jan 03, 2026Is Vitamin B12 Underrated in Sports Nutrition?
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Dec 18, 2025The Science of Vitamin B12: HTBA's MecobalActive Clinical Study Deep Dive | Episode 196
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Nov 05, 2025HTBA's MecobalActive B12 for Food, Beverage, and Supplements | Episode 188
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