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6 Best B12 Supplements 2024: Top Brands To Boost Your Energy
Updated on
- Written by Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD
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1MD Vegan B12
- Boosts energy levels.
- 90-day money-back guarantee.
- Heart, blood, immunity supportive.
Future Kind+ Vegan B12 Methylcobalamin Chewable
- Vegan.
- Supports energy production.
- Supports cognition and immunity.
10% Off Coupon: 10OFF
Persona Nutrition Vitamin B-12
- Supports red blood cell production.
- Supports nerve health.
- Vegan.
People mostly use vitamin supplements to add to what they do not get from their diet. So for what reasons would you need to get the best B12 supplements?
This piece will highlight all you need to know about what vitamin B12 offers the human body. After reading this piece, you will also have six of the best B12 supplement brands from which to choose for an energy boost. The pros, cons, selling points, and research to support the ingredients will all be covered in this systematic review.
To learn this and more, keep reading.
6 Best B12 Supplements On The Market In (April. 2024)
- 1MD Vegan B12 – Editor’s Choice
- Future Kind+ Vegan B12 Methylcobalamin Chewable – Best B12 Tablets
- Persona Nutrition Vitamin B-12 – Best B12 For Red Blood Cell Production
- HUM Nutrition B12 TURBO – Best B12 Supplement For Weight Loss
- Life Extension Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin – Best B12 Supplement For Brain Health
- Care/Of Vitamin B12 – Best Vitamin B12 Complex For Absorption
What Is B12?
Vitamin B12,[1] also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble nutrient and one of the eight B vitamins. It is necessary for healthy red blood cell production, energy levels, deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, nerve health, and homocysteine metabolism.
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal-derived foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. So, vegetarians and vegans may need to supplement or consume fortified foods to get enough of this nutrient.Vitamin B12 deficiency[2] can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, constipation, nerve damage, and anemia. Crohn’s disease,[3] a cause of B12 deficiency, can lead to serious health problems.
Why Do We Need Vitamin B12?
The first reason, as stated above, is that B12 vitamin is necessary for proper red blood cell formation.[4] Red blood cells are vital since they carry oxygen throughout the body. And this correlates with the second reason, energy production,[5] which is the focal point of this review.
Healthy blood helps to ensure that the body’s cells receive an adequate supply of oxygen, which is necessary for energy production.
Vitamin B12 is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, which helps to produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate.
Vitamin B12 is also necessary for the nervous system[6] to function as it stimulates the production of the protective sheath surrounding nerve cells. The myelin sheath[7] surrounds the nerves, and it helps insulate the nerves and facilitates the efficient transmission of electrical impulses throughout the body. The thicker the myelin around the nerve, the faster its ability[8] to transmit a signal.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can degrade the myelin sheath, leading to a condition called peripheral neuropathy,[9] which causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet when nerve conduction is impaired. B12 deficiency can also lead to a decline in cognitive function and memory loss, depression, and an increased risk of dementia.
This vitamin is also involved in the synthesis of DNA. B12 is required to properly function as an enzyme called methionine synthase,[10] which converts the amino acid homocysteine into methionine. This process is important because methionine is needed to synthesize DNA properly.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a buildup of homocysteine in the body, interfering with the normal functioning of methionine synthase and decreasing DNA synthesis. This can cause problems such as DNA damage, mutations, and cell death.
Lastly, the human heart also benefits from this vitamin. One of the ways it does this is by helping to regulate homocysteine[11] levels in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when present at high levels.
Vitamin B12, along with other B vitamins such as folic acid, helps to convert homocysteine into other harmless compounds, which helps to keep homocysteine levels in check and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Now that you know why the human body needs vitamin B12, here are the six products we chose to review.
6 Best B12 Supplements For Boosting Energy In 2024
1MD Vegan B12
1MD Vegan B12 is a dietary supplement that provides a convenient source of vitamin B12 for individuals who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. This product is designed to support the proper formation of red blood cells, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
- Bioavailable form of B12.
- Vegan and gluten-free.
- 90-day money-back guarantee.
- Requires daily dosage.
- Only available in tablet form.
This supplement is made from methylcobalamin,[12] an active form of B12 easily absorbed and utilized by the body faster. It is also vegan and gluten-free, which makes it suitable for many dietary restrictions. It is a sublingual tablet, which makes it easy to take and ensures optimal absorption. The recommended dosage for this product is one tablet daily, which should be placed under the tongue and held for 30 seconds before swallowing.
One tablet contains 5,000 micrograms of methylcobalamin, i.e., five milligrams, which is 208,333%, approximately 2,000 times the daily value recommended. Fret not: B12 has a low potential for toxicity, and no upper limit has been established because the body simply will not store excessive amounts. The exaggerated amounts increase bioavailability.
1MD Nutrition’s Vegan B12 promotes red blood cell production and maintains proper homocysteine levels. This promotes circulation and artery structure while maintaining B12 levels for optimal brain cell health and cognitive performance. Moreover, it is designed to help the heart, brain, and immune system and support healthy energy levels.
The product costs $19.99 for a one-time purchase or $15.99 for a subscription, which saves 15% for those who choose to subscribe.
Future Kind+ Vegan B12 Methylcobalamin Chewable
10% Off Coupon: 10OFF
If you are not getting enough B12 from the food sources you consume daily, you may also look into Future Kind +’s creation: the Vegan B12 Methylcobalamin Chewable. The brand claims that its supplement promotes energy production, cognition, and immunity.
- Tasty natural berry flavor.
- Vegan formula.
- Supports energy production.
- Supports cognitive function.
- It contains soy.
Future Kind+ Vegan B12 Methylcobalamin Chewable is a dietary supplement that provides a convenient and tasty source of vitamin B12 for individuals who follow a vegan diet. This product supports energy production, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
It is manufactured by Future Kind, a company specializing in high-quality dietary supplements for vegans on a strict plant foods diet. They also sell collagen and protein products.
This supplement is formulated using methylcobalamin and has a delicious natural wild berry flavor. It is vegan, gluten-free, and has a 100% clean vegan formula. It is a chewable tablet, which makes it easy to take as an oral supplement and ensures optimal absorption for those that find swallowing capsules a hassle.
The recommended dosage for this product is one chewable tablet daily, which should be chewed or dissolved in the mouth. Each tablet contains 1,000 micrograms. A month’s supply costs $14.99 on a one-time purchase, but you can save 20% with a subscription. The brand also offers free delivery if you order $75 or more. If you do not like the product, you have 30 days to make a return to the manufacturer.
Persona Nutrition Vitamin B-12
If you’re looking for a dietary supplement to support healthy nerves, blood cells, and brain function, Persona Nutrition Vitamin B-12 may be a good option.
- Suitable for post-bariatric surgery.
- Suitable for those taking antacids.
- Personalized recommendations from experts.
- Not suitable for people with certain medical conditions.
- Risk of cross-contamination of allergens.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining proper brain and nerve function and supporting healthy red blood cells and so, decreased levels pose a risk factor to all the major bodily functions, including energy.
This supplement is particularly useful after bariatric[13] or gastric bypass surgery, as these procedures make people more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency. Additionally, it’s also a good option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, as they may not get enough B12 from food sources like animal meat and dairy products. Crohn’s disease patients may also find these beneficial.
You may also benefit from this supplement if you take antacids regularly to neutralize your stomach acid. The acid helps break down B12 for absorption. In this case, it can help fill nutrient gaps caused by the increased risk of B12 deficiency.
It’s important to note that this supplement is packaged in a facility that processes products containing wheat, soy, lactose, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and gluten, so there is a chance for cross-contamination.
The brand indicates that using this supplement costs you $ 0.11/Day.
HUM Nutrition B12 TURBO™
This is the brand to look into if you seek the best B12 supplement for vegans. The brand claims its product also helps with hormonal imbalance and calcium, which are great for women.
- Boosts energy levels.
- Supports the nervous system.
- Suitable for vegans.
- Budget-friendly.
- Benefits are inconclusive.
- Credibility: brand claims it’s made in an FDA-approved facility — the FDA does not approve facilities.
For vegans or vegetarians, HUM Nutrition B12 TURBOTM is marketed as a supplement that will boost hormone balance, mood, and energy levels, which may help someone trying to lose weight. When exercising to lose weight, all of these benefits become essential. Because of this, it is among the best B12 choices for weight loss.
is great, as Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in hormonal balancing,[14] including regulating mood, energy levels, and overall metabolism. B12 is necessary for the proper functioning of the methylation cycle,[10] a process involved in producing hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. This benefit may help women reverse the hormonal imbalance brought about by oral contraceptives,[15] which alter hormone levels. What is stated as clinically proven on the product’s website, however, is based on a study 18 years old.
Increased calcium and Vitamin B12 intake, both of which are necessary for sustaining good bone health and a healthy weight, and hormonal balancing, are provided by this dietary supplement. It provides 1,000 micrograms of methylcobalamin. Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bone density and mass and making possible B12 absorption[16] in the small intestines. This product costs $10.
Life Extension Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin
According to the manufacturers, Life Extension Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin provides supplemental levels of B12, which supports healthy homocysteine levels, brain health, and cognition.
- Supports homocysteine.
- Supports brain health.
- Supports cognition.
- Gluten-free.
- The slow dissolution of lozenges.
The supplement is in the form of lozenges, available in 1 mg, 5 mg, and 500 mcg. The recommended dosage is one lozenge daily. It retails at $7.50, with discounts available during sales or on subscription.
Its main function is as a homocysteine level regulator. Healthy homocysteine levels are important for overall health as high levels of homocysteine can increase the risk of several health conditions such as coronary heart disease,[17] cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease,[18] osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, and other autoimmune diseases. High levels can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow, and are both inflammatory and cause oxidative damage, leading to neural damage[19] and other health issues. It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if homocysteine levels are high.
This dietary supplement is non-genetically modified organisms, gluten-free, and vegetarian. The lozenges are easy to consume. However, it’s worth noting that some users have found that the lozenges take a long time to dissolve, which may be inconvenient for some.
Life Extension is reputable, posts both positive and negative reviews, is open to criticism, and helps users achieve clearer skin and more energy.
Care/Of Vitamin B12
The final product is renowned for making dietary supplements for digestion, stress, energy, skin, and brain. This specific one falls under the energy and brain supplement collection for energy and is designed to support cognitive and nervous system health and energy metabolism.
- Dairy-free.
- Affordable.
- Clean ingredients.
- Supports cognitive health.
- Needs medical backing.
Care/Of B12 supplement is formulated with three active forms of B12:[20] methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin, which research has shown to be the most bioavailable and easily used by the body. Together, it amounts to 250 micrograms.
Additionally, it contains 100 milligrams of acacia, naturally soluble fiber, and a prebiotic that helps with absorption. It may help with digestion[21] by promoting good gut bacteria growth and improving bowel regularity; this helps with weight management by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates[22] and promoting feelings of fullness.
The supplement is vegan and vegetarian and free of unnecessary fillers and additives like synthetic dyes or artificial colors. It comes in a 30-day supply at $7, a very affordable supplement compared to the rest we discussed above.
The brand also offers a quiz to help customers find the right supplement for them, and the website cites studies for their claims of cognitive and neural health. It’s also certified C.L.E.A.N and third-party tested, and it does not contain any allergens like egg, fish, milk, peanut, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
Of all the brands we have covered, this might be the best B12 supplement for absorption due to the three B12 versions, although HUM Nutrition offers the calcium advantage for absorption.
How To Use Vitamin B12 Supplements?
The best B12 supplement for absorption is the methylcobalamin form or a combination of the three, which can be taken in tablet or sublingual form. It is important to take B12 with food and calcium to aid in absorption.
Some people may experience canker sores or discomfort in the mouth when taking sublingual B12; switching to tablet form or using a B12 nasal spray may be a better option. B12 nasal spray, however, is a prescription item typically prescribed to pernicious anemia patients.
You cannot simply use any form without a medical evaluation. It’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if you need to supplement B12. It is also important to be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities that you might have when choosing a B12 supplement.
How To Choose The Best Vitamin B12 Supplements
When choosing a B12 supplement, it’s important to consider the following:
- Form: Vitamin B12 supplements come in different forms: solid and liquid forms, such as tablets, capsules, and lozenges, as well as prescribed nasal sprays and injections. It’s important to choose the form that works best for you and that you are most comfortable taking.
- Absorption: Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are the best B12 supplements for absorption. They are active forms of B12 that are easily utilized by the body. Also, consider that calcium is needed for absorption in the small intestines.
- Ingredients: Seek supplements with clean labels. And if they must have additional ingredients, ensure they offer additional health benefits. For instance, malic acid[23] is skin hydrating. On the flip side, avoid supplements that contain unnecessary fillers like citric acid, glucose syrup, and starch
- Allergen and gluten-free: If you have an autoimmune disease like celiac disease, look for gluten-free options. If you have any food sensitivities, watch for traces of the allergens too, and for possible cross-contamination in the processing facilities.
- Medications: If you take proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid or other medications, consult your doctor before taking a vitamin B12 supplement, since stomach acid is necessary to break down B12 for absorption.
- Dosage: Check the recommended dosage for the supplement and stick to it. Too much Vitamin B12 can lead to unwanted side effects.
- Brand reputation: Research the brand and look for third-party testing, artificial ingredients listed in the fine print, client reviews, and certifications to ensure you are getting a high-quality product.
The Takeaway
The best B12 supplement to take is the brand that will offer you the best results. So, whether you seek one for energy, weight management, cognition, hormonal balancing, or neural optimization, always start with consulting a registered dietitian. That evaluation will steer you to the best for selecting the best B12.
The six we have highlighted all have energy as a listed health benefit, but some offer a little extra. These extras also extend to the heart, skin, brain, hormonal, and vascular health. Remember to stick to the dosage and buy only legit products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vegans and vegetarians that do not get ample vitamin b12 from an exclusively plant-based diet need it. B12 is only found in animal food sources that these dietary groups may not consume enough.
The best B12 supplement will depend on your health needs. All in all, the best for energy, brain, and neural health is the 1MD Vegan B12.
If taken appropriately, they help optimize your energy levels production, mood, cognition, and healthy red blood cell levels. You should know that if you do not have a B12 deficiency, no B12 supplement will offer any advantages.
The recommended daily intake for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms for adults and children four years and above. However, there is no documented upper limit, so many supplement brands up the dose by thousands to hundreds of thousands of percent of DV, probably for marketing reasons.
+ 23 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
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Written by:
Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
