Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble B vitamin that quietly does a lot of everyday work. It helps your body metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins — in other words, it helps turn the food you eat into usable energy. It also helps form red blood cells, which is one reason it's such a well-known name in the supplement aisle. For a nutrient most people rarely think about, it earns its place in a surprising number of daily routines.
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Here's the catch that sends many people shopping for it: B12 occurs naturally almost entirely in animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. If you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet — or simply eat less animal protein than you used to — a B12 supplement is a common, straightforward way to keep your intake topped up. Older adults often look for it too, since the body's ability to draw B12 from food can change over the years. That's why B12 is one of the first supplements plant-based eaters tend to add.
You'll see B12 sold in a couple of forms. Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring, "body-ready" form that has its own page in our shop, and cyanocobalamin is a stable, widely used form found in many everyday multivitamins. Both raise your B12 intake; the choice usually comes down to personal preference and what a formula pairs it with. Neither is complicated to take, which is part of B12's appeal.
B12 is one of the easiest supplements to fit into a routine. We stock fast sublingual tablets and lozenges that dissolve under the tongue, standard tablets, convenient sprays, and liquids you can add to water. Sublinguals and sprays are popular with anyone who'd rather skip swallowing a pill, and they make a daily amount effortless. It's a small step that folds neatly into a morning routine.
When you're choosing, think about the form (methyl versus cyano), the format that suits your day, and whether you want B12 on its own or as part of a B-complex that includes the other B vitamins. Keep your bottle sealed in a cool, dry place away from light. As with any supplement, speak with your health-care practitioner before adding it to your routine.
Frequently asked questions
Who typically shops for a vitamin B12 supplement?
People following vegetarian or vegan diets are among the most common, since B12 is found mainly in animal foods. Older adults and anyone eating less animal protein often look for it as well. It's also a staple in many everyday B-complex routines.
What is the difference between methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin?
Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring, body-ready form, while cyanocobalamin is a stable, widely used form found in many multivitamins. Both add B12 to your intake. Methylcobalamin has its own page in our shop if you'd like to read more.
What is a sublingual B12?
Sublingual means "under the tongue" — these tablets, lozenges or sprays dissolve in the mouth rather than being swallowed whole. Many shoppers like the convenience and the format. They deliver the same B12 as tablets.
Can I take B12 with other B vitamins?
Yes, that's very common. B12 is often sold as part of a B-complex alongside B6, folate and the others, since the B vitamins work together in energy metabolism. You can also take it on its own if that suits your routine.
How should I store vitamin B12?
Keep it sealed in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct light and heat. Liquids and sprays are best kept out of humidity. Check the best-before date on the label before use.
Related: Vitamin B · Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin · Iron · Biotin