A multitasker that’s essential for your metabolism – that’s one way to describe vitamin B12. But cobalamin, as the vitamin is known among experts, can do much more. That’s why more and more people are making sure their bodies have enough of it in stock. The catch: your body can’t produce the “red vitamin” on its own – it needs to be supplied from external sources. A question many people ask in this context is: What is the best vitamin B12 supplement? In this blog post, we’ll give you the answer and show you what to look for when choosing one.
As the name suggests, vitamin B12 belongs to the B vitamin group. This group includes eight different water-soluble nutrients. They are primarily produced by plants – but not vitamin B12. It can only be obtained through animal-based foods, as it’s produced by bacteria, such as those found in the digestive tracts of ruminants. That’s why people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet should pay special attention to getting enough vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 performs numerous functions in your body – the most important include:
Conversely, this also means: a deficiency in B vitamins – especially a lack of B12 – can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from fatigue and low drive to anemia, nerve damage, or depression.
The question on many minds: What is the best vitamin B12 supplement? There are now numerous manufacturers and products available. The choice depends not only on your personal preferences but also on aspects such as quality and composition. We’ve summarized the most important factors that can help you decide.
Good vitamin B12 supplements provide transparent information regarding their origin and quality and rely on the purest possible forms of vitamin B12. Especially opt for high-dosage products to achieve optimal results. Why?
Your body can absorb vitamin B12 in two ways: actively and passively:
Whether capsule or powder – this mainly depends on your personal preferences. For example, people who don’t want to swallow tablets can opt for pleasant-tasting drops. Capsules, however, tend to be the purest type of supplement. Ultimately, choose the product that best fits into your daily routine.
Also pay attention to the composition. High-quality vitamin B12 supplements should be as free as possible from unnecessary additives and offer an optimal ratio of ingredients – ideally, the product should combine all three vitamin B12 forms naturally found in the body: methylcobalamin (M), hydroxocobalamin (H), and adenosylcobalamin (A). Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are active forms of vitamin B12 that your body can use immediately. Hydroxocobalamin, on the other hand, is a precursor of the active forms and the natural storage form of the vitamin. Since all three forms perform different tasks and functions in your metabolism, a combination is especially effective.
In food, vitamin B12 mainly occurs as methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin. These three natural forms are best absorbed by the body, so look specifically for these substances in vitamin B12 supplements. Methylcobalamin has a major advantage: it is already an active form, meaning your body doesn’t need to convert it – instead, it can immediately utilize it.
A duo worth a closer look: vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9), because these two nutrients are true team players. Together, they help ensure your body forms enough red blood cells, your metabolism runs smoothly, and your mental fitness stays sharp.
This supplement scored best in our vitamin B12 tests because it’s high-dose and contains all three naturally occurring B12 forms (methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin). This gives it an optimal ratio and allows for ideal absorption by the body.
An excellent alternative for those who prefer not to swallow capsules: our vitamin B12 drops. These offer flexible dosing and impress with a fresh, fruity flavor of plum, apple, and blackcurrant.
Vitamin B12 performs numerous essential tasks in your body – to ensure you always have enough of it, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet. As a supplement – especially if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet – vitamin B12 products are a smart choice. Make sure to pay attention to quality and composition so that your body can optimally absorb the “red vitamin.”
High-dose capsules typically contain especially pure vitamin B12. The most effective forms of vitamin B12 are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin – the body can absorb and utilize these natural substances most efficiently.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to which form is best. However, it’s generally recommended to use products that combine all three naturally occurring vitamin B12 compounds: methylcobalamin (M), hydroxocobalamin (H), and adenosylcobalamin (A). Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are the active forms and are readily available to the body. Hydroxocobalamin is a precursor of the two active forms and the vitamin’s natural storage form. Since all forms serve different roles in metabolism, a combination is particularly effective.
Yes, in general, vitamin B12 can be taken without concern – especially if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or are experiencing deficiency symptoms. If you're unsure, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
It’s important to take vitamin B12 supplements regularly. This helps ensure a consistent supply.
The best form of vitamin B12 includes the natural types of the vitamin – methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin – as these are best absorbed by the body. Capsules often offer particularly pure compositions, but drops are also a viable option.
Cyanocobalamin is very stable and is often used in multinutrient supplements. However, it must first be converted into an active B12 form and, unlike methylcobalamin, does not naturally occur in the human body. Methylcobalamin, on the other hand, is already an active form – so your body can immediately make use of it.
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