The 7 Best Vitamin B12 Supplements

Vitamin B12 is required for red blood cell production, energy metabolism, healthy DNA and neurotransmitter synthesis, optimal methylation, and many other processes.

Low B12 is common in vegetarians, the elderly and those with conditions affecting nutritional absorption.¹ Deficiency can have severe consequences for almost every bodily system, and supplementation is highly recommended to restore healthy levels.

B12 supplements are readily available as capsules, tablets, oral sprays and liquids. However, not all forms of B12 are the same, and some supplements are more effective than others. The most common form of supplemental B12 is cyanocobalamin, which is synthetic (made in a lab). Research has shown that cyanocobalamin urinary excretion may be 3 times higher than that of methylcobalamin, and that methylcobalamin supplementation results in 13% more cobalamin being stored in the liver than cyanocobalamin.²

Here is a quick overview of the best vitamin B12 supplements for 2025 and how to choose the right product for your needs.

Methyl-Life’s® Active B12 Complete contains all three active, natural forms of B12: methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.

These active forms are bioidentical to the B12 present in the human body. They require no further conversion or breakdown in the body and are immediately available for use upon ingestion. The sublingual route avoids the digestive system and metabolism by the liver, so it is not affected by gastric juices or interaction with foods. Clinical studies show that sublingual B12 is as effective as intramuscular B12 injections as it is absorbed via the mucous membranes in the mouth, bypassing the digestive tract.²

Taking these active forms together is shown to improve B12 levels much more effectively than cyanocobalamin, especially in those with conditions affecting B12 absorption.³

Benefits of Active B12 Complete

Active B12 Complete provides 5,000 mcg B12, which is significantly higher than most OTC supplements.

• Vitamin B12 Form: methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, adenosylcobalamin
• Supplement Type: Sublingual tablet
• Dosage: 5,000 mcg
• Count: 90 servings per container
• Certifications and Safety Standards: NSF certified and cGMP compliant manufacturers, third-party tested
• Suitable for vegans, vegetarians and those with B12 malabsorption issues.

Highly bioavailable B12 (as hydroxocobalamin) plus active Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate) and folate (as calcium folinate). Hydroxocobalamin is a precursor to the active forms of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.⁴

Vegan-friendly, non-GMO, free from gluten and artificial colors/flavors.

• Vitamin B12 Form: Hydroxocobalamin
• Supplement Type: Sublingual lozenge
• Dosage: 2,000 mcg
• Count: 60 lozenges
• Certifications and Safety Standards: Manufactured in cGMP-compliant facilities.

A fast-dissolve sublingual formula providing the most biologically active form of B12.

Note: capsule contains animal-derived ingredients (gelatin).

• Vitamin B12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• Supplement Type: Lozenge
• Dosage: 5,000 mcg
• Count: 60 lozenges
• Certifications and Safety Standards: cGMP Registered

Chewable gummies with B12 as methylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin. Made with sugar, tapioca syrup, pectin and natural flavors. Two gummies daily.

• Vitamin B12 Form: Methylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin
• Dosage: 3000 mcg
• Count: 100 gummies
• Certifications and Safety Standards: Amazon Basics products are not independently certified by USP, NSF, or UL. Amazon’s supplement policy requires ISO 17025 testing.

Biologically active coenzyme methylcobalamin to support all B12-dependent functions. Chewable tablets for fast, easy absorption. Provides 500 mcg methylcobalamin. Free from wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, or peanuts/tree nuts.

• Vitamin B12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• Supplement Type: Chewable tablet
• Dosage: 500 mcg
• Count: 90 tablets
• Certifications and Safety Standards: cGMP compliant.

B12 in highly bioactive methylcobalamin for optimum absorption. Vegan-friendly. Contains xylitol, veg-derived magnesium stearate. Mixed berries flavor.

• Vitamin B12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• Supplement Type: Chewable tablet
• Dosage: 5,000 mcg
• Count: 60 tablets
• Certifications and Safety Standards: cGMP compliant.

Strawberry-flavored B12 oral spray made with methylcobalamin. Four sprays daily provide 720mcg of sublingual B12.

• Vitamin B12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• Dosage: 720 mcg
• Count: 30 sprays per container
• Certifications and Safety Standards: GMP Facility. B Corp Certified.

When choosing a B12 supplement, consider your unique needs. Check the label to see exactly what forms of B12 are in the product, the dosage, and any additional ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, flavors, fillers or animal-derived ingredients.

There are four different forms of B12: Methylcobalamin (MeCbl), adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), hydroxocobalamin (OHCbl) and cyanocobalamin (CNCbl).

Methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin are the three naturally occurring forms of B12. Methylcobalamin is the most active coenzyme form of Vitamin B12. It is present in food sources and is the form predominantly used by the brain, nervous system and liver.

Adenosylcobalamin (also found in food sources) works with methylcobalamin throughout the body. Hydroxocobalamin is naturally produced by bacteria in the digestive tract following the breakdown of food, and can also be produced in a laboratory when extracted from microorganisms. Hydroxocobalamin is the precursor of adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin.

Genetic variants such as MTHFR, MTR and MTRR can influence how efficiently cyanocobalamin is metabolized and utilized.⁵ People with genetic variants such as MTHFR, MTR and MTRR are strongly advised to supplement with methylated nutrients, especially methylated B12. 

Your B12 dosage will depend on your age, lifestyle, diet and specific health circumstances.

Susceptibility to vitamin B12 deficiency changes throughout the life cycle. Those with the highest needs for B12 supplementation are vegetarians, vegans, pregnant women and adults aged 65+.^1,6

Higher doses (1,000 mcg or more) are commonly used to ensure adequate uptake. Unused B12 is excreted and B12 has a low toxicity rating.⁶

To ensure product quality and potency, choose supplements from manufacturers that:

• Have been vetted and certified by third-party quality assurance bodies such as NSF
• Comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) 
• Use third-party testing by ISO 17025-accredited or NSF-certified labs for ingredient identity, potency, purity and microbial activity verification