When to take it
In the morning or during the day, with or without food.
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VitaminsStrong evidence
Vitamin B12
Also known as: cobalamin
Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cell formation, nerve function and DNA synthesis. It occurs naturally only in animal foods, so a supplement is essential on a vegan diet and often needed in older people and with certain medicines.
What it is used for
- Prevention and treatment of B12 deficiency on a vegan diet – strong evidence
- Normal blood formation, nerve function and reduced tiredness – strong evidence (EFSA)
- Lowering homocysteine – strong evidence together with folate
- More energy without deficiency – weak evidence
Forms and how they differ
cyanocobalamin
stable, well studied and inexpensive form
methylcobalamin
active form, less stable; a suitable alternative
adenosylcobalamin
active form, often combined with methylcobalamin
spray or sublingual tablets
convenient; absorption at higher doses is similar to tablets
Pairs well with
Folate, vitamin B6.
Do not combine / separate
No significant interactions with supplements.
Watch out for
If you take metformin or long-term stomach acid medicines, B12 levels may fall – have them checked by your doctor. In pregnancy discuss the dose with your doctor.
Safety
EFSA has not set an upper limit; do not exceed the label dose.
Practical tip
On a vegan diet take B12 regularly and have your level checked from time to time (e.g. holotranscobalamin).
Products containing Vitamin B12 18
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 + Folate 1000 µgmethylcobalamin + methylfolate · 1 000 µg / tablet
Vitamin B12 1000 µg1 000 µg / serving
Vitamin B12 500 µgcyanocobalamin · 500 µg / capsule
Vitamin B12 + Folate 5000 µgmethylcobalamin + methylfolate · 5 000 µg / tablet
Vitamin B12adenosylcobalamin
Vitamin B12 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin 15 µg5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin · 15 µg / capsule
Vitamin B12 dibencozide (adenosylcobalamin) 1000 µgdibencozide (adenosylcobalamin) · 1 000 µg / capsule
Vitamin B12 cyanocobalamin 100 µgcyanocobalamin · 100 µg / tablet
Vitamin B12 1000 µgcyanocobalamin · 1 000 µg / tablet
Vitamin B12liposomal
Vitamin B12 100 µgliposomal methylcobalamin · 100 µg / serving
Vitamin B12 methylcobalamin 100 µgmethylcobalamin · 100 µg / serving
Vitamin B12 1000 µgmethylcobalamin · 1 000 µg / tablet
Vitamin B12 methylcobalamin 15 µgmethylcobalamin · 15 µg / capsule
Vitamin B12 500 µgmethylcobalamin · 500 µg / tablet
Vitamin B12 5000 µgmethylcobalamin · 5 000 µg / capsule
Vitamin B12
How to read the evidence rating
Strong evidenceModerate evidenceWeak evidenceNo evidence
Strong = several good human studies or official recommendations; moderate = promising but smaller studies; weak = few studies or mixed results; no evidence = claims not confirmed.
Combination check
Select the supplements you take and, if relevant, your medicines. We show what interferes, what needs a time gap and what to watch out for.
Check Vitamin B12 with othersWhich supplements do you actually need?
Fénix Methode picks them from your blood results and schedules when to take what – no needless purchases.
From the same group
B complexModerate evidenceBeta-caroteneWeak evidenceBiotinWeak evidenceBrewer's yeastWeak evidenceCamu camuWeak evidenceCholineModerate evidence
Important notice
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give medicine dosages. Supplements are no substitute for a varied diet; if pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or on medication, consult a doctor first.