Additionally, there is currently no evidence that one form of vitamin B12 supplement, such as capsule or liquid, is better absorbed than another.

Slot WB, Merkus FW, Van Deventer SJ, Tytgat GN. Normalization of plasma vitamin B12 concentration by intranasal hydroxocobalamin in vitamin B12-deficient patients. Gastroenterology 1997;113:430-3. [ PubMed abstract]Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. How bioavailable — or in other words, how absorbable a vitamin is — is often influenced by factors, like age, genetics, and a person’s digestive system ( 10). The chemical form of B12 is either methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, or cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are the active forms of B12, while hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin become active once they are converted to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin.

It’s commonly claimed that vitamin B12 improves energy levels. In theory, this statement does have some truth behind it. Treatments may last until your vitamin B12 levels have improved or you may need treatment for the rest of your life. Table 1 lists the current RDAs for vitamin B12 [ 1]. For adults, the main criterion that the FNB used to establish the RDAs was the amount needed to maintain a healthy hematological status and serum vitamin B12 levels. For infants age 0 to 12 months, the FNB established an AI that is equivalent to the mean intake of vitamin B12 in healthy, breastfed infants. Table 1: Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin B12 [ 1] AgeIt’s abundant in animal-based foods, including beef, salmon, and dairy products. Some other foods may be fortified with it. Try artificial tears. Artificial tears are designed to lubricate your eyes. You can find artificial tears over the counter at drugstores. In addition to taking dry eye supplements, you can also try other home remedies to alleviate your symptoms. Mary Ruth’s Vitamin D3 + B12 Gummies contain 250 mcg of vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin. They also contain 1,000 IU or 25 mcg of vitamin D3 from lectin, a vegan source. This can be helpful since vegans and vegetarians are also at increased risk of deficiencies in vitamin D.

Vitamin B12 supplements are available in a wide range of doses as well, including high dose supplements with 1,000–2,000 mcg per serving. Vitamin B12 is also available as a prescription nasal gel spray. This formulation appears to be effective in raising vitamin B12 blood levels in adults and children [ 27, 28]. A small clinical study with 10 participants (mean age 81 years) found that the bioavailability of a 1,000 mcg cobalamin dose was 2% with intranasal administration, which is similar to the bioavailability of an oral dose [ 29]. Vitamin B12 Intakes and Status Though more studies are needed, vitamin B12 supplementation might improve brain function in older adults with cognitive impairment as well. Types and forms of B12 On the contrary, liquid vitamin B12 supplements are made synthetically in laboratories using microbes and other chemical processes. They’re made by combining the element cobalt with other compounds, like derivatives of cyanide and methane ( 8, 9). Research does not demonstrate that there is a difference in absorption for different supplement forms of B12, so you can choose whichever form you prefer. Ingredients & Potential InteractionsThe federal government’s 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans notes that "Because foods provide an array of nutrients and other components that have benefits for health, nutritional needs should be met primarily through foods. ... In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are useful when it is not possible otherwise to meet needs for one or more nutrients (e.g., during specific life stages such as pregnancy)." Most people in the United States consume adequate amounts of vitamin B12. Data from the 2013–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show that only 3% of U.S. men had intakes from food and beverages below the EAR for vitamin B12 of 2 mcg, and the rate for women was 8% [ 30].

In particular, its Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw B12 is a great option for people who prefer natural ingredients. It contains vitamin B12 derived from cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a yeast that is naturally occurring in some foods and is also known as brewer’s or baker’s yeast. https://journals.lww.com/corneajrnl/Abstract/2019/03000/Vitamin_D_Enhances_the_Efficacy_of_Topical.8.aspx People who have had intestinal surgery: If you have had stomach or intestinal surgery, you may not make enough hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, which are needed for B12 absorption.Vitamin b12: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Damayanti D, Jaceldo-Siegl K, Beeson WL, Fraser G, Oda K, Haddad EH. Foods and supplements associated with vitamin B(12) biomarkers among vegetarian and non-vegetarian participants of the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) Calibration study. Nutrients 2018;10:722. [ PubMed abstract]