Vitamin B12 is an important micronutrient that supports numerous processes within your body. The primary reasons for needing this vitamin in your diet are age, deficiency in B12, medical needs, and not consuming animal protein.
The common method for a supplement company to manufacture this product is with higher dosages. This is due to absorption percentages being low with dietary supplements of B12.
There are several products that also contain extra nutrients such as vitamin C and B6. However, your primary concern is B12 and how much is in each dosage. Do not let extra ingredients be your determining factor.
What Is Vitamin B12?
This vitamin is water-soluble and an essential nutrient for the body to function properly and maintain health. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in only animal products, and when stored within the liver this is the form that works best. Vegetarians and vegans have been found to be deficient in Vitamin B12 with supplementation for their diet.
Key roles of vitamin B12 are:
- Red blood cell production
- Heightened energy levels
- DNA formation
- Neurological and cognitive functions
- Helps prevent heart disease
You can see that this vitamin truly is essential for your body, and many adults have a mild nutrient deficiency. Studies show that possibly 26% of people may have this deficiency not including those in their older years.
Whole foods such as red meat, fish, dairy, and poultry are recommended as your primary source for vitamin B12. Those under the age of 30 may see no benefits from supplementing with this unless factors exist.
Benefits Of Vitamin B12 Supplements
The benefit of vitamin B12 supplementation varies person to person. This essential nutrient is used by the body for its key roles, but not everyone will need to supplement for the same reason. The following are benefits of vitamin B12:
- Replaces what is missing from a vegetarian or vegans diet from lack of animal protein intake
- Assists those over the age of 50 with getting enough B12 absorption
- Supports B12 absorption needs for those with medical surgeries of the digestive tract
- Medications can hinder vitamin B12 absorption and support is needed
- Possibly improves energy levels and reduces fatigue for those deficient in B12
- May improve your memory and mood
The biggest reason for supplementing with vitamin B12 is for the lack of its intake. Deficiency will most likely occur when stomach acid is produced less due to age or medications. Energy seems to be the primary selling point for this, but studies suggest this benefit is only for those actually deficient in B12.
Those over the age of 50 are recommended to discuss the use of vitamin B12 when feelings of low energy and fatigue seem to be frequent.
Plus, issues with memory can also be derived from vitamin B12 deficiency. This type of supplement is safe for most, but if you are in your senior years it is always better to consult a doctor first.
Forms Of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 comes in two different forms: Methylcobalamin (derives from meat) and Cyanocobalamin (synthetic, made in a lab). The commonly used form is Cyanocobalamin due to lower costs and the needs to support vegan and vegetarians.
However, Methylcobalamin is better to supplement with if you are not on a plant based diet. Your body naturally processes nutrients not chemically created. Studies show that your nervous system benefits better from the use of Methylcobalamin based B12, and the liver stores it more effectively as well through better absorption.
Either of these is safe to consume and supplement with since vitamin B12 is water-soluble, which means your body will excrete any extra nutrients not required by the body.
This is one reason why you will see the recommended daily intake percentage 8,000% or higher. The lack of absorption from Cyanocobalami-based B12 is the other reason.
Best B12 Supplements
The following B12 supplements are a mixture of both synthetic and animal based to give you the option of what is needed for your specific diet.
NOW Foods B12
NOW Foods is a quite reputable dietary supplement company with high reviews across the board. They always use quality, yet affordable ingredients to support your health needs. This brands vitamin B12 contains 2mg per dosage.
This is 33,333% of the daily amount for the average person. It is a mixture of both Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin. You would not want to consume this if you are vegan.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON NOW FOODS B12Nature Made B12
Nature Made B12 is a well-known brand found in most convenient stores at an affordable price. Only containing synthetic B12 would be the primary reason for the product being lower in cost, and also its daily dosage per serving. However, it is still a top supplement to consider when determining long term costs and availability.
Amount per serving is 500mcg, which is 8,333% of your daily requirements. Nature Made B12 would be a good choice for vegans and vegetarians, and often a brand recommended for easy access by doctors.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON NATURE MADE B12Vitafusion Energy B12 Gummy Vitamins
Gummy vitamins are becoming quite popular as consumers get tired of taking the numerous pills from various supplements. Also, this form of supplementation is good if you are in your senior years and have difficulty swallowing.
You will find this product with 500mcg per serving like the NatureMade B12 product. This is good dosage to see benefits from when you are deficient in B12.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON VITAFUSION ENERGY B12 GUMMY VITAMINSMegaFood Vegan B12
MegaFood Vegan B12 is intended for those that are vegan or following a vegetarian diet. However, anybody can supplement with this product. The supplement contains a few extra nutrients that vegans are normally deficient in such as B6 and Folate. Daily serving amount is again 500mcg for the vitamin B12.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON MEGAFOOD VEGAN B12Final Thoughts: Best B12 Supplements
These products are all top brands you can choose from and are available on several different websites. Always take the initiative to review what consumers are saying about products in reviews due to the abundance of fake labels on the market.
