In addition to capsules, vitamin B12 supplements are also available as liquid drops or a nasal spray. Vegans and Vegetarians. “Many vegans and vegetarian eaters don’t take in enough vitamin B12. This is because many sources are animal based, and the nutrient isn’t always easy to get enough of on a plant-based diet,” says plant-based dietitian Amy Gorin. People who have issues absorbing vitamin B12, such as those with Crohn’s disease or other gastrointestinal issues, may benefit from B12 injections, which bypass the need for absorption by the digestive tract ( 3). B12 for memory and mood

While cyanocobalamin is the most common form found in supplements, there is no research to suggest that one specific form is more effective or readily absorbed. However, if you have any of the factors described above that interfere with vitamin B12 intake or absorption, you may want to consider taking a supplement. Adults over age 50Some conditions or treatments can stop you absorbing enough vitamin B12 from the food you eat. These include: One 2010 study found that people with diabetic nephropathy (loss of kidney function due to diabetes) experienced a more rapid decline in kidney function when supplemented with high dose B vitamins, including 1 mg per day of B12 ( 7). Bensky, M. J., Ayalon-Dangur, I., Ayalon-Dangur, R., Naamany, E., Gafter-Gvili, A., Koren, G., & Shiber, S. (2019). Comparison of sublingual vs. intramuscular administration of vitamin B12 for the treatment of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. Drug delivery and translational research, 9(3), 625–630. doi.org/10.1007/s13346-018-00613-y

Sometimes products tested by these three companies are more expensive to try to offset the cost they pay for certification.

4. How and when to take cyanocobalamin

If you think you may be deficient in B12, speak with your doctor, who can recommend an appropriate treatment based on your level of deficiency. Liu, R., Mi, B., Zhao, Y., Li, Q., Yan, H., & Dang, S. (2017). Effect of B Vitamins from Diet on Hypertension. Archives of medical research, 48(2), 187–194. doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2017.03.011 However, one study suggests that doses up to 6 mcg of vitamin B12 per day may be appropriate for vegans ( 19). B12 for improved energy In general, B12 supplements are safe for most people. Vitamin B12 is water soluble, which means that your body will excrete what it doesn’t need through urine. However, many people don’t need a B12 supplement and consuming excess B12 does not provide any additional benefits. Amanda Lane, MS, RDN, CDCES, dietitian specializing in dialysis at Plant-Powered Kidneys Renal Nutrition Services

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. While megadoses of up to 2,000 mcg are considered safe in treating B12 deficiency, it’s always best to avoid excessive amounts of any vitamin, especially when it’s not needed.There's not enough evidence to know what the effects might be of taking high daily doses of pantothenic acid supplements. What does the Department of Health and Social Care advise? For this reason, taking high doses of B12 does not benefit people without an increased need. Summary