The 11 Best Vitamin B12 Supplements for Seniors

Vitamin B12 deficiency can have a catastrophic effect on seniors’ health¹. Fatigue, neuropathy, depression, and vision problems have been linked to lowB12 levels and an increased risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

B12 deficiency is unfortunately common among seniors, affecting around 10-15% of people over 60. This is often due to malabsorption issues that develop with age. Supplementation is highly recommended to restore and maintain adequate B12 status.

Let’s take a look at the 10 best vitamin supplements for seniors.

Malabsorption of B12 is prevalent among older adults, most often due to pernicious anemia² and/or poor stomach acid production. Low stomach acid may also cause bacterial overgrowth of the stomach and small intestine, inhibiting absorption further.

An untreated B12 deficiency can lead to progressive damage to the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular function, among other issues. Loss of mental function caused by vitamin B12 deficiency may be permanent, even after treatment³.

For these reasons, seniors require high-dose B12 supplementation⁴ in a readily absorbable, bioactive form.

• Maintain central nervous system function
• Support energy production by assisting in redblood cell formation
• Support healthy cell growth and repair byassisting in DNA synthesis
• Assist in the production of neurotransmittersrequired for healthy mood
• Protect the nervous system by supporting themyelin sheath that surrounds nerves
• Protect against macular degeneration alongsidefolate and vitamin B6
• Supportcardiovascular function by maintaining healthy homocysteine levels

With so many crucial roles in the body, B12 is one nutrient that seniors cannot afford to be deficient in. A quality B12 supplement is essential for maintaining healthy cognitive function and overall wellbeing.

Let’s take a look at the best B12 supplements on the market. 

Supplementation with a combination of the most active forms of B12 is highly effective in restoring B12 levels. Methyl-Life’s® Active B12 Complete contains all three naturally occurring forms of B12: methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin.

These forms are recommended by doctors as superior to cyanocobalamin⁵, especially for treating vitamin B12 deficiency. Taking a combination⁶ of B12 is also found to improve B12 status more effectively than taking a single form.

Vitamin B12 absorption is a highly complex process that often becomes less efficient with age⁷. In healthy adults, only about half of the vitamin B12⁸ ingested from food sources is absorbed into the body. Poor function of the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine (as is common in older adults) impairs vitamin B12 absorption, potentially leading to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Active B12 Complete provides a high 5,000 mcg dose of B12 per serving to compensate for low absorption in seniors.

Methylcobalamin is shown to alleviate pain in conditions common among seniors⁹, including diabetic neuropathy, low back pain, and neuralgia. It is also shown to improve nerve conduction and promote regeneration of injured nerves. When used alongside methylfolate and NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) , methylcobalamin improved memory, emotional functions, and communication¹⁰ with other people.

All Methyl-Life products are non-GMO to support customers’ health and peace of mind, along with sustainability.

• VitaminB12 Form: methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin,adenosylcobalamin
• SupplementType: Sublingual tablet
• Dosage: 5,000 mcg
• Count: 90 servings per container
• Certifications and Safety Standards: cGMP registered, NSF certified, USP verified

Methyl-Life’s® B-Methylated-II is a great-tasting chewable that contains both methyfolate (as Magnafolate Pro) and active B12 (as methylcobalamin). This sublingual tablet provides a high dosage of both nutrients from the purest sources and is designed for maximum bioavailability and convenience.

B-Methylated-II is an excellent option for seniors who may have difficulty swallowing pills, and also have greater needs for folate and B12. Methylfolate and B12 are crucial cofactors in one-carbon metabolism and are both required for the breakdown of homocysteine and in neurological health. 

• VitaminB12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• SupplementType: Sublingual tablet
• Dosage: 3,500 mcg
• Count: 90 servings per container
• Certifications and Safety Standards: cGMP registered, NSF certified, USP verified

Whole food-based methylcobalamin. Made with 23organically grown fruits and vegetables for additional probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and nutritional cofactors. Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher.

• VitaminB12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• SupplementType: Capsule
• Dosage: 1,000 mcg
• Count: 30
• Certifications and Safety Standards: Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified NSF Gluten Free, Certified Vegan,Certified B Corporation, Third party certified by Vegan Action.

These delicious gummies deliver 1,000 mcg B12 per serving (two gummies). Free from high fructose corn syrup, synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, and artificial sweeteners.

However, cyanocobalamin is the synthetic and less bioavailable B12 that must first be broken down to methylcobalamin in the body before it can be used.

• VitaminB12 Form: Cyanocobalamin
• SupplementType: Gummy
• Dosage: 1,000 mcg
• Count: 80
• Certifications and Safety Standards: USP Verified

Active B12 in easy-swallow capsules providing 1,000 mg methylcobalamin. Derived From Natural Flavors and colors, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. Thorne is a well-rated supplement brand of scientifically researched products.

May not be suitable for those who struggle to swallow capsules or who are affected by gastrointestinal malabsorption, as is often the cases with older adults. Sublingual B12 is shown to be more effective as bypasses first-pass metabolism¹¹ and facilitates rapid absorption of B12 into the bloodstream.

• VitaminB12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• SupplementType: Capsule
• Dosage: 1,000 mcg
• Count: 60
• Certifications and Safety Standards: Gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free. Thorne does not clearly list theirproducts’ certifications and standards, opting instead to list this product as“Thorne Verified.” The list of qualifications to be “Thorne Verified” isextensive, but it is unclear exactly what standards this product adheres to.

Fruit-flavored sugar-free lozenges containing both active B12 and Metafolin® L-5-MTHF to support healthy methylation and red blood cell formation. No wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, coatings, shellacs, GMOs, binders, fillers, or preservatives. Suitable for vegans, diabetics, and those who cannot swallow capsules.

• VitaminB12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• SupplementType: Lozenge
• Dosage: 800 mcg
• Count: 60
• Certifications and Safety Standards: GMO-free, vegetarian, vegan

Maximum strength strawberry-flavored tablets that dissolve 30 times faster than other pills. High dose (5,000 mcg) all-naturally sweetened, 100% vegetarian. Dissolves on the tongue and can be swallowed without liquid.

Note: contains wheat and cyanocobalamin, the non-active form of B12.

• VitaminB12 Form: Cyanocobalamin
• SupplementType: Tablet
• Dosage: 5,000 mcg
• Count: 100
• Certifications and Safety Standards: Free from artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, GMOs,preservatives, and synthetic dyes

This impressive liquid supplement provides B12 in three bioactive forms plus the recommended daily intake of L-Methylfolate as a cofactor. High 5,000 mcg dose in sublingual form for immediate absorption into the bloodstream. Easy dosing with the dropper - no pills to swallow. Cherry-flavored, vegan, non-GMO, certified organic ingredients.

One disadvantage of the liquid form is that it may be difficult to administer each dose in its exact serving, especially for those with arthritic hands.  

• VitaminB12 Form: Methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, andadenosylcobalamin
• Supplement Type: Liquid
• Dosage: 5,000 mcg
• Count: 60 servings
• Certifications and Safety Standards: USDA Organic

Raspberry-flavored gummies provide two active forms of B12 in a high 3,000mcg dose. Gluten-free, no wheat, no dairy, no soy, no egg. Organic ingredients. Super affordable for a highly bioactive product.

Note: Contains sugar.

• VitaminB12 Form: Methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin
• SupplementType: Gummy
• Dosage: 3,000 mcg
• Count: 100
• Certifications and Safety Standards: Vegan and gluten-, wheat-, dairy-, soy-, and egg-free

Bioavailable B12 with 2,000 mcg in each vegetarian capsule. Non-GMO, gluten-free, third-party tested, ISO-Accredited Laboratories. Made in a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility. Great value for a 240-serving bottle.

• VitaminB12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• SupplementType: Capsule
• Dosage: 2,000 mcg
• Count: 240
• Certifications and Safety Standards: cGMP certified

Bioactive B12 in liquid sublingual drops plus Vitamin B6 (from Pyridoxine HCL) and Folinate (from calcium folinate). Easy dosing of three vital nutrients required for healthy methylation and energy production. Organic, non-GMO ingredients. Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan friendly.

Note: Calcium folinate may be ineffective in increasing methylfolate levels¹² in those with MTHFR variants. This liquid form also requires metabolism via the gastrointestinal route, which is problematic for those with mal absorption issues and will result in poor uptake of the nutrient. 

• VitaminB12 Form: Methylcobalamin
• SupplementType: Liquid
• Dosage: 2,000 mcg
• Count: 80 Servings
• Certifications and Safety Standards: GMO- and gluten-free