Best B12 Supplements of 2024, According to Experts

Written by Jill Corleone, RD, Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer

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To ensure the accuracy and quality of our recommendations, this article has been reviewed by Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN, an expert in nutrition and performance, and fact-checked by Kelly Uhler.

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In the supplement world, vitamin B12 is promoted as an energy booster. ( 1 ) While it plays a role in energy production, like all B vitamins, a B12 supplement may not give you the energy kick you expect. That being said, there’s a definite need for B12 supplements for people at risk of deficiency, like those who follow a meatless diet or have trouble absorbing B12 from food. ( 1 ) Plus, the form of B12 used in supplements, collectively called cobalamin, is easier to absorb because it’s not bound to a protein like the B12 in food. ( 1 , 2 )

There’s a lot to know about vitamin B12 supplements, and our team of health and nutrition experts wants you to make an informed decision before you buy. So, we evaluated over ten brands of B12 vitamins, looking at many factors, including effectiveness, dose, safety, and price. We also considered personal needs and reasons for supplementation to find the best options available. Here are our top seven choices for vitamin B12 supplements.

Best B12 supplement overall

Nutricost Vitamin B12 provides 5,000 micrograms (mcg) of methylcobalamin, a natural form of B12. The high-dose B12 supplement can treat and prevent a B12 deficiency. Nutricost Vitamin B12 is also affordable, suitable for people following a vegetarian diet, and third-party tested for quality and potency.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Our picks for the best B12 supplement

• Best overall: Nutricost Vitamin B12
• Best multivitamin with vitamin B12: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+ and Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+
• Best with folate: Sunergetic Premium Methyl Folate Supplement
• Best for vegans: Future Kind Vegan B12 Methylcobalamin Chewable
• Best for absorption: Nature Made Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolve Tablets
• Best gummy: Elm & Rye Vitamin B12 Gummies
• Best organic: Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin B12 + B6

Compare B12 Supplements

	Nutricost Vitamin B12	Ritual Multivitamins	Sunergetic Premium Methyl Folate Supplement	Future Kind Vegan B12 Methylcobalamin Chewable	Nature Made Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolve Tablets	Elm & Rye Vitamin B12 Gummies	Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin B12 + B6
Rating	4.6/5	4.1/5	4.1/5	4.3/5	4.6/5	3.9/5	4.1/5
Form	Capsule	Capsule	Capsule	Chewable tablet	Sublingual tablet	Gummy	Spray
Ingredients	Vitamin B12	Vitamin B12, Omega 3 DHA, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K2, Boron, Folate, Magnesium	Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12	Vitamin B12	Vitamin B12	Vitamin B12	Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folate
Dosage	One capsule	Two capsules	One capsule	One chewable	One tablet	One gummy	12 pumps daily
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Overall best B12 supplement: Nutricost Vitamin B12

Overall best B12 supplement

Nutricost Vitamin B12

Nutricost Vitamin B12 provides 5,000 micrograms of B12 per capsule, an effective dose for improving deficiencies.

Fortune Score:

4.6 / 5

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Key product features

Vegetarian Yes

B12 dose 5,000 mcg

Form Capsule

Subscription Yes

What you should know

Nutricost Vitamin B12 balances quality with affordability, providing a high dose of B12 that meets more than 200,000% of the daily value to prevent and treat nutrient deficiencies.

• The B12 supplement contains methylcobalamin, an active form of vitamin B12 easily absorbed by the body. ( 1 )
• At $0.10 per serving, Nutricost’s vitamin B12 supplement is priced well below the market average price of $0.50 per serving.
• The high-dose vitamin B12 supplement is a good choice for people at risk of B12 deficiency from malabsorption, particularly following weight loss surgery. ( 1 , 3 )
• Nutricost is a well-respected brand, and their vitamin B12 supplement is made in a good manufacturing practices (GMP) facility and third-party tested for quality.

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Pros

Third-party tested

5,000 mcg dose

Safe for people following vegetarian diets

Easy-to-swallow capsule

Costs only $0.10 per serving

Cons

This high of a dose isn’t necessary for everyone

May not improve energy levels in people not deficient in B12

Not suitable for a vegan diet

Why we like Nutricost Vitamin B12 as best overall

Providing a megadose of vitamin B12 at an affordable price, Nutricost’s vitamin B12 stands out as our top pick. With one capsule, you get 5,000 micrograms of B12, meeting more than 200,000% of the daily value. ( 1 ) The recommended dietary allowance for B12 is 2.4 mcg. ( 1 )

The body can only absorb so much B12, whether from food or a supplement, based on the amount of intrinsic factor available, a binding agent that carries B12 from the digestive tract into the blood. ( 1 )

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), the body absorbs about 2% of a 500 mcg dose of B12 and 1.3% of a 1,000 mcg dose. ( 1 ) Based on this information, you may absorb less than 1% of the 5,000-mcg dose in the Nutricost supplement. Not everyone needs such a high dose of B12; however, people with vitamin B12 deficiency may benefit from this higher dose to normalize blood levels. ( 2 )

If you take medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux or metformin for type 2 diabetes, you might also benefit from a higher dose of B12 for better absorption. ( 1 ) High doses of B12 also improve blood levels of B12 in people who don’t make enough of this vitamin following gastrointestinal surgery. ( 1 , 3 )

Because Nutricost Vitamin B12  has such a high dose, you may not need to take the supplement every day, which may make it more appealing if you don’t like to take pills or forget to take your supplements daily. A 2019 study published in Clinical Nutrition found that B12-deficient vegans and vegetarians restored B12 levels by taking either 350 mcg or 2,000 mcg of vitamin B12 once a week. ( 4 )

All that said, there’s no upper tolerable limit (UL) for vitamin B12. ( 1 ) This means you can’t overdose on B12—the body eliminates whatever it doesn’t need. ( 1 )  So you can take 5,000 mcg of B12 every day without side effects. However, you should talk to your doctor about supplementing with vitamin B12 to get personalized guidance on a dose, especially when treating or preventing a deficiency.

Nutricost uses methylcobalamin as a source of B12, a metabolically active form of B12 used in dietary supplements. ( 1 )  Supplement makers promote methylcobalamin as a form of B12 that’s easier to absorb and utilize, but research shows no difference in how the body absorbs or uses B12 no matter the form it comes in. ( 5 )

One of the reasons we give Nutricost Vitamin B12 such high marks is because it’s the least expensive supplement on our list. It costs $0.10 per serving, well below the average market price.  And, you get 240 capsules in every bottle. If you take one capsule twice a week, a bottle could last more than two years. Nevertheless, supplements have a shelf-life, losing potency after two years. ( 6 )

Nutricost Vitamin B12 marketing emphasizes the powerful energy boost the supplement provides. There is no concrete evidence that taking B12 supplements boosts energy levels unless you are deficient in B12. ( 1 ) Lack of vitamin B12 is serious, affecting nearly 4% of adults in the United States, causing anemia that makes you feel physically and mentally exhausted. ( 1 ) Unless you’re deficient, taking a megadose of vitamin B12 won’t recharge your battery.

What customers are saying

Nutricost has more than 340 mostly positive reviews on Amazon. Customers like the supplement’s value and health benefits, and find it easy to take. However, not everyone feels a boost in energy, as claimed.

Verified Amazon customer Kriss writes, “Great supplement, works well and no side effects. I take it [on an] empty stomach every morning.”

Steve W. is another verified Amazon buyer who says Nutricost vitamin B12 is a game changer.

“Nutricost Vitamin B12 has become an integral part of my daily routine, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. The energy boost I’ve experienced is so significant that I haven’t needed a cup of coffee since I started taking these supplements.”

Steve W., Amazon

Not everyone felt an energy boost after taking this vitamin B12 supplement. Verified buyer Lina writes, “I didn’t feel anything.”

Specs

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Best multivitamin with B12: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+ and Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+

Why we like Ritual Multivitamins as best multivitamin with vitamin B12

Ritual sets itself apart from other multivitamins with a formula specifically designed to fill common nutrient gaps, like vitamin B12, rather than provide a broad spectrum of nutrients. Further, the supplement maker has separate multivitamins for women and men 18 and older and 50 and older, providing sex- and age-specific nutrition.

Ritual’s multivitamin formulas for men and women 18+ have 8 micrograms of vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, meeting 333% of the daily value. The formula for adults 50 and over has 16 mcg of vitamin B12, meeting 667% of the daily value. Though not as high as other B12 supplements, the amount in Ritual’s multivitamin is enough to meet needs and prevent a deficiency.

Older adults are at greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because of changes in digestion. As you age, you make less intrinsic factor and hydrochloric acid that helps separate vitamin B12 from the protein in food, so you absorb less vitamin B12. ( 1 ) Vitamin B12 deficiency affects cognitive function. It can look like early-stage dementia, causing memory loss and confusion. ( 1 ) Older adults should have their B12 levels checked regularly since vitamin supplements can reverse symptoms. ( 7 )

We also like Ritual because it’s vegan. Meat, dairy, poultry, and seafood are the main food sources of vitamin B12, so many vegans must supplement with B12 to prevent a deficiency. ( 1 )  The multivitamin also supplies other nutrients of concern for people following a plant-based diet, like vitamin D and omega-3 DHA. ( 8 )

Our product testers tried the Essential for Women 18+ and the Essential for Men 50+ multivitamins. They didn’t notice any changes in energy or sense of well-being while taking the supplements. Though not bothered by the supplements’ taste, one of our product testers found the minty and orange flavoring unnecessary. One of the biggest annoyances reported by our product testers was that they found the supplement label difficult to read.

Ritual Multivitamins are third-party tested and gluten-free. However, they’re not complete multivitamins and don’t provide all the essential nutrients the body needs to function. It’s specifically designed to fill in the gaps, not serve as a source for every essential vitamin and mineral.

What customers are saying

More than 2,700 Amazon customers have reviewed Ritual Multivitamins. They like the quality of the supplements and the nutrition, but some complain about the taste and smell.

“I love these vitamins so much!! My skin looks great and I love the minty taste!!”

Angelas, Amazon

Emily S. is another verified Amazon buyer who says Ritual is a great vitamin for people new to taking supplements. “Love this vitamin! I feel like this gives me everything I need. I don’t mind the minty taste!”

Hannah is an Amazon customer who didn’t like the taste or smell, saying, “I could not use this for more than three days. I am super sensitive to smells and just opening the bottle I was already gagging before even attempting to take the capsules. The mint taste lingers and makes me sick to my stomach and I am also burping it up all day.”

Specs

Form	Capsules
Dosage	Two capsules
Key Ingredients	Vitamins B12 (methylcobalamin), D, and  E, folate, iron (in women’s), omega-3 DHA
Price per serving	$1.10
Number of servings	30
Amount of B12	8-16 mcg
Rating	4.1

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Best B12 and Folate supplement: Sunergetic Premium Methyl Folate Supplement

Why we like Sunergetic Premium Methyl Folate Supplement as best B12 and folate

Inadequate intake of vitamin B12 and folate, as well as vitamin B6, increases risk of health problems like heart disease and dementia. ( 9 ) Sunergetic Premium Methyl Folate Supplement is an excellent source of folate and B12, and is designed to improve levels of these crucial nutrients to reduce risk of health problems.

Your body uses folate in food or folic acid in supplements to make homocysteine, an amino acid that, in high levels, damages blood vessels. ( 9 , 10 ) However, with the help of vitamins B12 and B6, the body breaks homocysteine down into cysteine and methionine, important amino acids used by the body. ( 9 ) Recent evidence suggests that low intakes of these three B vitamins may increase the risk of obesity, high cholesterol, and poor blood vessel function. ( 9 )

Sunergetic’s supplement provides 400 micrograms of folic acid, meeting 100% of the daily value, 500 micrograms of B12, meeting more than 20,000% of the daily value, and 8 milligrams of vitamin B6, meeting 471% of the daily value.

Folate in the supplement is in the form of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium, the same form of folate that circulates in the blood. ( 11 ) Some people lack the enzyme—methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)—that converts folic acid into 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This is a rare genetic condition but also leads to elevated homocysteine levels and the health problems that come with it. ( 11 ) Sunergetic Premium Methyl Folate Supplement may be a good choice for people who lack the MTHFR enzyme.

However, this supplement may not provide enough folic acid for women who can or are trying to get pregnant. Women of childbearing age should generally get 400-800 micrograms of folic acid from a supplement or food with added folic acid, like bread, pasta, and cereal. ( 12 )

Inadequate intake of folate during the early stages of pregnancy, when most women don’t know they’re pregnant, increases the risk of birth defects. ( 12 )  Since almost 50% of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, health experts recommend that all women of childbearing age should get adequate amounts of folic acid, even if they are not trying to get pregnant. ( 12 )

Folate deficiency also causes megaloblastic anemia and abnormally large and immature red blood cells. ( 1 , 13 ) This is the same type of anemia that happens with a B12 deficiency. ( 1 ) If you have megaloblastic anemia (based on a blood test ordered by your doctor), you need to know which nutrient is causing the abnormal blood cells so you know what supplement you need to treat it. Talk to your doctor about supplement needs for anemia.

At $0.30 per serving, Sunergetic Methyl Folate is less than the average market price for vitamin B12. And, it provides enough of the essential nutrients to meet needs if you’re deficient or trying to prevent a deficiency. ( 4 )

Though made in a GMP facility, Sunergetic’s folate and B12 supplement isn’t third-party tested. The FDA doesn’t require supplement manufacturers to test their supplements; they only require that they follow GMP guidelines to ensure their product is safe and effective. ( 14 ) Third-party testing is an independent evaluation of the supplement that checks for safety, quality, and potency.

Overall, Sunergetic’s B12 supplement  has a lot of good qualities, but the lack of third-party testing lowered our rating.

What customers are saying

Customers on Amazon have mixed reviews for Sunergetic Premium Methyl Folate Supplement. Some say it helps with many health problems, while others say it doesn’t work at all.

“Truly miracle pill. My side of family suffers from anxiety, including my 14 yr old daughter. I have confirmed MTHFR gene mutation, and I am suspecting my daughter has it, too. Once I learned there is a link between that and anxiety, I am pretty sure that’s the cause. I ordered a bottle and gave one pill to my daughter and myself daily. The results, especially with my daughter, were almost instant!”

Veronika, Amazon

Allen N. is another verified Amazon buyer who also left a good review: “This methylated folate with B vitamins is one that I can honestly say I can feel a positive improvement in my health.”

Not every customer noticed changes in their health, like verified Amazon customer Sierra O., who wrote, “I noticed no effects at all. I took half the bottle and tossed the rest.”

Specs

Form	Capsules
Dosage	One capsule
Key Ingredients	Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin), vitamin B6, folate (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium)
Price per serving	$0.30
Number of servings	60
Amount of B12	500 mcg
Rating	4.1

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Best B12 supplement for vegans: Future Kind Vegan B12 Methylcobalamin Chewable

Why we like Future Kind Vegan B12 Methylcobalamin Chewable as best vegan

For vegans who can’t swallow pills, Future Kind’s B12 chewable may be a good choice. This may also be a great option for adolescents who need B12 supplementation but may not be able to swallow pills. B12 has been shown to lower risk of depression in children and adolescents. ( 16 )

Future Kind’s B12 supplement supplies 1,000 micrograms of B12, meeting 42,667% of the daily value. Supplements such as this one are very effective at preventing or treating vitamin B12 deficiencies, especially for vegans who don’t eat foods with added vitamin B12, like breakfast cereal or nutritional yeast—a cheesy-flavored powder that has 8-24 micrograms of B12 per 1/4 cup.   ( 1 , 17 )

The supplement is also third-party tested for safety and potency, and Future Kind shares the Certificate of Analysis (COA) on the supplement’s webpage as part of their campaign for transparency. ( 14 )

The supplement is wheat-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, but isn’t suitable for people with a soy allergy. Furthermore, the supplement is made in a facility that processes common food allergens—like wheat, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, eggs—so Future Kind can’t guarantee that it is 100% safe for people with severe food allergies.

Another positive for Future Kind’s B12 chewable is its price of $0.50 per serving. Though priced higher than many of the B12 supplements on our list, it’s priced right at the average market price. Given the effort Future Kind puts into its supplements, we think its B12 chewable vitamin is a good value.

One of the major drawbacks of the vegan supplement is that it’s sweetened with the non-calorie sugar alcohols sorbitol and mannitol. Sugar alcohols can cause stomach problems like pain, bloating, or diarrhea in some. ( 15 ) You may not have any issues taking one chewable vitamin but may experience gastrointestinal distress if taking three daily, as recommended by Future Kind. Plus, there’s no need to take more than one dose daily since this supplement provides adequate vitamin B12 in one serving.

Another thing to consider before adding the vegan B12 supplement to your cart is that there are no third-party customer reviews, making it difficult to get unbiased customer feedback on taste, tolerance, and results.

Specs

Form	Chewable tablet
Dosage	One to three tablets a day
Key Ingredients	Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
Price per serving	$0.50
Number of servings	30
Amount of B12	1,000 mcg (per tablet)
Rating	4.3

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Best B12 supplement for absorption: Nature Made Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolve Tablets

Why we like Nature Made Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolvable Tablets as best for absorption

Intramuscular injections (IM) are the go-to treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency, but they’re not your only option. ( 1 ) Nature Made Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolvable Tablets can help meet B12 needs without the fear and pain of a needle. Sublingual supplements can also be extremely useful for the younger population, and have shown benefits for all ages. ( 19 , 20 )

B12 is often given as an injection because it’s the most reliable way to ensure the body gets the right amount. (1 ) When obtained from food or a supplement, B12 must bind to an intrinsic factor for absorption in the digestive tract, but the gut produces a limited amount. Getting the essential nutrient as an injection eliminates this potential barrier. ( 1 )

However, taking high doses of B12—such as 1,000-2,000 micrograms—in oral form works too. ( 1 ) A 2019 retrospective study published in Drug Delivery and Translational Research found that sublingual B12 was as effective as injections at improving blood B12 levels. ( 18 )

Nature Made B12 Fast Dissolve Tablets have 1,000 mcg of B12 each. Research indicates 1% of B12 is absorbed in the mouth. ( 21 ) This data shows you get about 10 mcg of B12 from the tablets, meeting more than 400% of the daily value.

The instructions recommend taking one tablet daily with a meal, placing it under the tongue until it dissolves, and then swallowing.

While Nature Made contains no added sugar, it uses mannitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause unwanted gastrointestinal side effects, to sweeten the dissolvable tablet. ( 15 ) It’s also sweetened with sucralose, an artificial sweetener generally recognized as safe, but something to keep in mind if you have concerns about artificial sweeteners. ( 22 ) The supplement also contains natural and artificial cherry flavors.

Nature Made is a well-known supplement brand available at many retailers, making it easy to purchase. It’s also priced right at $0.20 per serving, costing less than the average market price for B12 supplements.

Ask your healthcare professional if taking a sublingual vitamin B12 is an option if you have a B12 deficiency, instead of getting B12 shots.

What customers are saying

More than 16,000 Amazon customers have reviewed Nature Made’s fast-dissolving vitamin B12 supplement. They say it dissolves quickly, tastes great, and is priced right. Other customers say the supplement is hard to swallow and they don’t feel any better after taking it.

“The cap for the bottle has a nice flip top that is easy to use. The vitamins are small and easy to place under my tongue. They do dissolve quite quickly. I am seeing positive results from use and my nutritionist has been happy.”

Richard P., Amazon

Another verified buyer on Amazon, with the username Henderbender, also likes Nature Made’s fast-dissolving B12. “This vitamin dissolves under your tongue, making it easy to swallow. I assume the vitamin B is of good quality. I’ve been taking it for several months, and it seems to be working fine.”

Gaetana is a verified Amazon customer who found the supplement hard to swallow and didn’t notice any improvements in health. “Not easy to swallow. Chalky. They smell sweet. I’m still tired and hoping they help with memory.”

Specs

Form	Tablet
Dosage	One tablet
Key Ingredients	Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Price per serving	$0.20
Number of servings	50
Amount of B12	1,000 mcg
Rating	4.6

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Best gummy B12 supplement: Elm & Rye Vitamin B12 Gummies

Why we like Elm & Rye Vitamin B12 Gummies as best gummy

Elm & Rye Vitamin B12 Gummies may be an ideal option for people who can’t swallow pills and find chewable tablets or sublingual lozenges too chalky. Elm & Rye is dedicated to providing high-quality supplements with minimal ingredients.

Their B12 gummy uses cyanocobalamin as its source of B12, which is a synthetic form of B12 and the one most commonly found in supplements because it’s the most stable. ( 23 ) It’s FDA-approved and has been in use for several years. ( 24 ) Though many other B12 supplements on our list use methylcobalamin, a more natural form of B12, any form of B12 is readily absorbed by the body. ( 1 , 5 )

The website lists other ingredients in the supplement, mostly additives that add bulk, like dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, and vegetable magnesium stearate. ( 24 ) No sweetener is listed on the website’s ingredients list, and there is no nutrition facts label on the B12 gummies or capsules. Our product reviewer contacted Elm & Rye for more specific nutrition information about the gummy supplement and was told it was all on the website.

Moreover, the website doesn’t list the B12 dose in each gummy. However, the company provides access to the third-party test results and Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the capsule version on its website. According to the COA, the supplement has 1,000 mcg of B12 per capsule. Though our product testing team found the lack of nutrition information on the website frustrating, they did like that Elm & Rye provided access to the third-party testing information. Lab results show that the capsule only contains B12 and no harmful substances.

Instructions say to take one gummy (or capsule) daily, leading us to assume that the gummy has the same amount of B12: 1,000 mcg.

At $1.50 per gummy, the Elm & Rye B12 supplement is one of the more expensive options on our list and three times more expensive than the average price for B12 supplements. The company offers a subscribe and save program that decreases the price by 25% ($1.12 per serving), and can send out a new shipment of supplements every 15, 30, 45, or 60 days.

Though we like that Elm & Rye offers a simple B12 gummy that’s easy to consume, we can’t fully evaluate the consumer experience since there aren’t any third-party customer reviews. The company is responsive to questions submitted through the website, taking less than a day to answer questions sent in by our reviewers.

Specs

Form	Gummy
Dosage	One gummy
Key Ingredients	Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Price per serving	$1.50
Number of servings	30
Amount of B12	1,000 mcg
Rating	3.9

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Best organic B12 supplement: Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin B12 + B6

Why we like Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin B12 + B6 as best organic

Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin B12 + B6 contains a mix of organic B vitamins that may benefit your health, including B12, B6, and folate. On top of that, the supplement is in a liquid form that you spray into the mouth or onto a spoon, making it easy to take.

One serving—12 sprays—has 1,000 micrograms of B12, meeting more than 40,000% of the daily value, and 1 milligram of vitamin B6 provides 63% of the daily value. The spray B12 supplement also has 1,200 micrograms of folate, meeting 300% of the daily value. ( 13 )

The amount of folate in Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin B12 + B6 is also enough to meet the needs of women of childbearing age. ( 13 ) It’s also in a form that’s easier to absorb in people who lack the enzyme that converts folate into its active form. ( 13 )

This vitamin B12 supplement from Cymbiotika uses a liposomal delivery system to enhance absorption. It involves enclosing the nutrients in a cell membrane that protects them from enzymes in the digestive system for better absorption, making the nutrients more available to the cells in the body. ( 25 ) Current research does not support the claim that the liposomal delivery system improves blood B12 levels better than a tablet or chewable B12. ( 26 ) However, Cymbiotika still provides B12, B6, and folate in amounts that benefit health by restoring and preventing nutrient deficiencies.

The spray supplement is also suitable for vegans, and is sugar-free, gluten-free, and soy-free. The spray uses organic blueberry juice powder to add sweetness and flavor. However, not everyone likes the taste of the organic vitamin spray, and despite not having added sugar, some consumers say it’s too sweet.

We like that Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin B12 and B6 is third-party tested for quality and potency. The spray also makes it an easy and convenient supplement to take. However, to maintain potency, storing the supplement in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator after opening is recommended.

It’s also the most expensive supplement on our list, at $1.60 per serving, more than three times the average price. However, you can save 10% with Cymbiotika’s subscribe and save program. The price may be worth it if you have a hard time taking pills. However, you must count each spray to ensure you get the right dose.

What customers are saying

Most Amazon customers have very positive things to say about Cymbiotika’s organic vitamin B12 spray supplement. They like the quality of the ingredients and results, but some don’t like the taste or price.

“I have been taking this product for a week now, and I have noticed a huge improvement in my mood, energy, and overall well-being. I also LOVE that it contains Folate. It tastes good and is easy to use, and the pump is great and effective. It will be a forever staple for me.”

Nicole, Amazon

Another verified Amazon buyer who goes by LMN finds the supplement easy to use, but costly. “It’s in a well-designed bottle with a pump, which makes it easy to measure and administer orally. It’s fresh and tastes great. It’s not cheap, but the bottle lasts long, and because of the smart delivery pump, none of the product gets spilled or wasted.”

Jason P. is a verified Amazon customer who found the supplement too sweet, saying, “It tastes pretty sweet yet contains no added sugar. I got a pretty bad breakout from taking this for a week. I wish that they carried this on a lower dose.”

Specs

Form	Liquid spray
Dosage	12 pumps
Key Ingredients	Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin chloride, adenosylcobalamin), vitamin B6, Methylfolate
Price per serving	$1.60
Number of servings	30
Amount of B12	1,000 mcg
Rating	4.1

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Our nutrition supplement testing methodology

Finding the right B12 supplement to fit individual needs can make a huge difference in overall health and well-being. Recognizing that individuals have different requirements and goals regarding supplements, we provide reviews that cover a wide range of concerns and needs. We do a deep dive into our choices, providing as much detail as possible, so you can make an informed decision.

Learn more about our supplement testing methodology here .

Testing criteria

Efficacy—30%

Efficacy is at the heart of our supplement evaluation process. You turn to supplements to achieve a certain set of goals. We evaluate each supplement, looking at ingredients, dose, and the scientific evidence that supports efficacy, helping meet goals.

Here’s what we look for when evaluating for efficacy:

• Clinical evidence
• Dose efficacy
• Synergistic effects
• Proprietary blends

Safety and side effects—35%

Health risks, adverse effects, and safety profiles are also important to consider when looking for a dietary supplement. For our testing, we check every supplement for safety and side effects so you can feel secure in knowing that the products you buy are risk-free and effective.

For this factor, we evaluate:

• Reported side effects
• Third-party testing
• Manufacturer accreditation
• Artificial sweeteners

Value—20%

Price is a major factor in purchasing decisions. However, the cost of a supplement doesn’t necessarily reflect its value. When we evaluate a supplement’s value, we consider not only the price but also its return on investment.

We determine the value of a supplement by looking at:

• Total price
• Price per serving

Customer experience—5%

A customer’s experience with a supplement brand can determine how likely they are to buy it again. For this factor, we look at every aspect of the customer’s interaction with a brand, from discovery of the supplement to buying the supplement to post-purchase support.

The elements included in this factor are:

• Ease of purchase
• Shipping and returns
• Customer support

What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. It’s needed to make DNA, keep blood cells healthy, and support nerve function. ( 1 )

B12 is an essential vitamin and must come from an outside source, meaning it isn’t produced by the body. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal and dairy products like meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, and eggs. ( 1 ) It isn’t naturally found in plant foods except for nutritional yeast; but some foods, such as cereal and plant milk, are fortified with vitamin B12. ( 1 , 17 )

People who follow a vegan diet must supplement with vitamin B12 to prevent deficiency. ( 1 )

In food, vitamin B12 is bound to a protein that releases the nutrient when it reaches the acidic contents of the stomach. It then combines with a substance called intrinsic factor in the small intestine for absorption. ( 1 ) These factors affect how much B12 the body absorbs and are a common cause of B12 deficiencies.

Benefits of taking vitamin B12 supplements

Most people consume an adequate amount of vitamin B12 from food. ( 1 )  However, not getting enough vitamin B12 due to poor absorption or not eating enough vitamin B12-rich foods may lead to health problems. Unlike most B vitamins, the body stores some B12, up to 5,000 micrograms, which can hide a deficiency. ( 1 )

The potential benefits of taking vitamin B12 supplements include:

Prevents anemia

Vitamin B12 affects production of red blood cells. When you don’t get enough vitamin B12, it can cause the body to develop abnormally large and immature red blood cells, a condition called megaloblastic anemia. ( 1 ) People who develop this type of anemia from lack of intrinsic factor have what’s called pernicious anemia. ( 1 )

Low red blood cell count affects the delivery of oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, affecting every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. It also makes you feel tired and susceptible to illness. ( 1 )

Supplementing with vitamin B12 can treat and prevent megaloblastic anemia. ( 1 ) Research has shown that supplementing with B12 at around 1000 mcg a week can help those with a B12 deficiency that’s creating anemia and alleviate the deficiency after four weeks, and with continued monthly dosing. ( 27 )

Keeps nerve cells healthy

Vitamin B12 deficiency affects neurological function and may cause numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet. A deficiency may lead to permanent neurological damage, affecting brain and nerve function if not treated. ( 1 )

A B12 supplement helps keep nerve cells healthy, preventing neurological problems in people with nutrient deficiencies. ( 28 )

Reduces risk of birth defects

Adequate intake of vitamin B12 is critical during pregnancy. Vitamin B12 is needed for the development of the fetal nervous system. Inadequate intake may increase the risk of neural tube defects. ( 29 ) There’s also concern that poor intake of vitamin B12 during pregnancy may lead to premature birth. ( 29 )

Supplementing with B12 during pregnancy may reduce risk of birth defects and premature birth.

Potential side effects of taking vitamin B12 supplements

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning the body doesn’t store excess amounts. ( 1 ) The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) hasn’t established an upper limit (UL) for B12 toxicity. ( 1 ) This means vitamin B12 supplements are safe for most people and not likely to cause side effects even when taken in high doses.

However, B12 supplements may interact with some medications. For example, medications that affect stomach acidity, like proton pump inhibitors used to treat reflux, may inhibit the absorption of vitamin B12 from food. ( 1 ) Decreasing the acidity of the stomach makes it harder to separate the B12 from the protein it’s bound to.

However, this may not be a problem if you’re supplementing with B12. B12 supplements are provided in a form that’s easier to digest and absorb than the type found in food. ( 1 )

Metformin, a medication that helps manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, may inhibit absorption of vitamin B12, whether from food or supplements. ( 1 )