The 8 Best Vitamin B12 Supplements in 2022

The 8 Best Vitamin B12 Supplements in 2022

Vitamin B12 is one of the essential nutrients for a healthy mind and body. It’s required for red blood cell production, energy metabolism, healthy DNA and neurotransmitter synthesis, optimal methylation, and many other roles.

Low levels of B12 are widespread among vegetarians, the elderly, individuals with MTHFR or other genetic mutations, and those with conditions affecting nutritional absorption. Deficiency can have severe consequences for almost every bodily system, and supplementation is highly recommended to restore normal function.

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. It should also be noted that sublingual B12 is as effective as intramuscular B12 injections in restoring B12 levels. Intramuscular B12 is usually given as hydroxocobalamin. Taking B12 under the tongue appears to have a higher absorption rate and may also be more suitable for many patients.

Here is a quick overview of the best vitamin B12 supplements for 2022 and how to choose the right form for your needs.

The best option for multiple forms of B12 is Methyl-Life’s® Active B12 Complete. This formula contains the three active and naturally-occurring forms of B12: methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin.

Supplementing with natural forms of B12 is clinically recommended over cyanocobalamin due to the superior bioavailability and safety.[1] These three forms of B12 have been shown in clinical studies to improve vitamin B12 status more effectively than cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of B12 that occurs only in trace amounts in the body.

It has also been noted that people with genetic mutations affecting B12 absorption may improve their B12 levels more efficiently with hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, or adenosylcobalamin.[2]

Benefits of Active B12 Complete

Active B12 Complete provides a high dosage of 5,000 mcg: much higher than most OTC supplements. A high dosage is both safe and recommended for those with low B12 levels, as the body can only absorb a small percentage of B12 from any supplement.

Hydroxocobalamin is the precursor for methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Studies have shown that cyanocobalaminis excreted in the urine three times more than methylcobalamin, which may indicate that methylcobalamin is better retained in the body.[3]

As a sublingual tablet, Active B12 Complete allows for maximum absorption and bioavailability.

Methyl-Life’s® B-Methylated II is a uniquely formulated multivitamin comprising highly bioactive B12 as methylcobalamin and a patented form of methylfolate (Magnafolate®).

L-methylfolate is a biologically activated form of folate and the only form to cross the blood-brain barrier. Individuals with polymorphism of the MTHFR gene of C677T and A1298C types, both associated with metabolism or folate absorption, may benefit from 5-MTHF instead of folic acid.[4]

Magnafolate® is made with L-5-MTHF, clinically tested as the most active form of folate in plasma circulation.[5] Magnafolate® is shown to be absorbed faster and utilized more quickly in the body than other forms of folate.[6]

The combination of methylfolate and methylcobalamin is crucial for facilitating the methylation process, especially in individuals with MTHFR genetic mutations. Folate and B-12 both serve as coenzymes in one-carbon metabolism, which is required to convert homocysteine to methionine and produce S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a compound involved in immune function and mood. For these reasons, taking methylfolate alongside vitamin B12 is essential for facilitating with methylation.

It has been hypothesized that vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to reduced levels of methionine synthetase, which can trap an increased proportion of folate (as the 5-methyl derivative) and, in turn, lead to a functional folate deficiency.[7]

Highly bioavailable B12 supplement made with methylcobalamin. Contains the added benefit of calcium to assist with healthy bone mass and musculoskeletal strength. Vegan-friendly, non-GMO, free from gluten and artificial colors/flavors.

Although this is marketed as a high dose B12,it is made with Cyanocobalamin—a synthetic form of B12 that must be converted to methylcobalamin in the body before it can be used. Cyanocobalamin is retained less effectively than natural forms of B12, and is not recommended for this reason.

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

Chewable B12 gummies as methylcobalamin. Made with pectin, pure cane sugar and natural flavors. Vegan, non-GMO, gluten free, and gelatin free. Only one gummy required per serve.

Highly rated for their flavour and ease of use. 

Biologically active coenzyme methylcobalamin to support all B12-dependent functions. Chewable tablets for fast, easy absorption. Provides 5000 mcg of methylcobalamin. Free from wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, or peanuts/tree nuts.

A fast-acting and great-tasting vitamin B12 in highly bioactive methylcobalamin for optimum absorption. Vegan-friendly. Contains xylitol, veg-derived magnesium stearate, and chocolate mint flavor.

Methyl-Life® Active B12 Complete’s unique formula makes it superior to almost every other B12 supplement on the market. Unlike other OTC supplements, Active B12 Complete includes all three naturally occurring forms of B12. Clinical studies have suggested that a supplement with a combination of these three forms offers the best chance of achieving faster clinical results for those with suboptimal B12 levels.[8]

In addition, Active B12 Complete provides a high dose of B12 in a sublingual tablet to ensure optimal uptake and absorption. Sublingual absorption is very quick, and delivery to the bloodstream is faster than via oral routes because a) the sublingual route avoids first-pass metabolism by the liver and b) the nutrients avoid destruction by gastric juices or interaction with foods.[9] 

Active B12 Complete is suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those with B12 malabsorption.

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.

If you are vegan or vegetarian, check for animal-derived ingredients, such as gelatin. Check for artificial sweeteners, flavors, or other potential irritants if you have digestive sensitivities.

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 in synergy 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.

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of VitaminB12 and the form most commonly used in supplements due to its cheap production. It must be converted into adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin before it can be used in the body. A wide range of genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) can modify B12 concentrations and affect its absorption.

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 older adults.

Look for a high-dose product with a minimum of1,000mcg B12 per serving. The body absorbs only a small percentage of B12 with each dosage via the gastrointestinal route, and anything the body cannot absorb at once will be flushed out of the body naturally. High doses are generally considered safe.

Vitamin B12 has a low toxicity rating, so there is no Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL).

Look for a cGMP certification logo on the product label or on the supplier’s website. Also check that the supplier is listed as a certified company on the certifying organization's website.

Methyl-Life® uses only the highest-quality ingredients approved by cGMP-compliant manufacturers. Methyl-Life’s® own manufacturing facilities align with cGMP standards and are also NSF certified to ensure that all products successfully pass the highest quality control requirements. In addition, all formulas contain 10-20% active ingredient overage (most manufacturers suggest a 5% overage).

Individual medical needs are the most important aspect for any customer to consider. Those with specific health issues are urged to seek medical advice before beginning a supplement regime.

People with genetic variants such as MTHFR, MTR and MTRR are strongly advised to supplement with methylated nutrients, especially methylated B12. MTHFR polymorphisms significantly affect the body’s ability to produce active folate, which is essential for the absorption of B12.

Supplementing with a high dose of bioavailable B12 is the best way to facilitate absorption and restore B12 status.

Those with a B12 deficiency and/or health conditions affecting their absorption of nutrients are advised to supplement with a combination of B12. As mentioned above, MDs have recommended that taking all three naturally occurring forms of B12 may improve B12 status more efficiently than taking only one.

This is why Methyl-Life’s® Active B12 Complete is an excellent option for those with low B12 levels, MTHFR mutations, or other conditions that increase their need for B12. Active B12 Complete not only contains all three of the most bioavailable forms of B12 but delivers a higher dose than most other OTC supplements, offering the maximum potential for restoring B12 levels. It’s also worth noting that Active B12 Complete is affordably priced compared to many other brands of lower quality. 

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312744/

²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312744/

³https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4696188/

⁴https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23482308/

⁵https://i.trade-cloud.com.cn/upload/6405/file/20210929/english-version-magnafolate-enhancing-immunity_524485.pdf

⁶https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24032278/

⁷https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3927946/

⁸https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312744/

⁹https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978032307445200001X?via%3Dihub