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Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that our body cannot synthesise naturally and must be obtained via our diet or supplementation. It has many vital roles within the body, and a deficiency can result in multiple health complications.
While vegans and those with absorption difficulties may be most at risk of deficiency, anyone can benefit from taking vitamin B12 supplements to help ensure that you are getting your daily amount. In this article, we'll provide all the information you need to shop confidently, including a ranking of the 10 best B12 supplements available in the UK!
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Table of Contents
Vitamin B12 or B9, also commonly referred to as folate or cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that's required for important biological functions, including the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis, as well as maintaining normal function of the brain, neurological and cardiovascular systems. That's why it's important to ensure we are getting enough.
Since animal products are the primary source of B12, those who observe a meat-free diet may be at higher risk of deficiencies. Certain illnesses and medication can also affect the body's absorption of B12. Severe deficit can lead to anaemia, loss of neurons, and even depression. So if you experience loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, headaches, or disorientation, you should check for B12 deficiency with your GP.
Vegans and vegetarians are especially advised to take B12 supplements, because while some plant-based items may be fortified with B12, the amount could still be insufficient to meet the body's needs. Even meat eaters may require supplementation if their diet is lacking this nutrient, or their bodies are unable to absorb it efficiently.
Vitamin B12 supplements are available in two forms: methylcobalamin (sometimes listed as 'methyl') and cyanocobalamin. A third type, hydroxycobalamin, is also available, but is less frequently found on shelves. Methylcobalamin is an active form of B12 that the body can readily absorb, whereas cyanocobalamin must first be converted by the body to the active form before it can be assimilated.
Methyl B12 can be absorbed much better and faster as the body does not need the additional step of processing it. This makes it a good choice for those with absorption difficulties. Meanwhile, cyanocobalamin is more cost-effective, making it an attractive option for people who take this supplement regularly. Some supplements may also contain a blend of different types of B12 to promote absorption.
Biotin is another essential B vitamin that your body requires to function in tip-top condition. Click here to make sure you get your daily dose!
For maintaining a healthy immune system, here's a ranking of our 10 favourite vitamin C supplements.
There are different dosages available for vitamin B12 supplements. The majority fall within the 500 - 5,000 mcg range, which is the maximum amount that can be safely sold over the counter. The required dosage varies according to your age and whether or not you are deficient. To determine the proper dosage, it is advisable to consult your GP.
Generally, it's recommended to begin with a moderate dose, such as 1,000 mcg, and gradually increase as needed. For example, if you continue to experience excessive fatigue or anaemia, you may wish to consider increasing your dosage. Pregnant women and those who are already deficient may require greater doses from the start.
Vitamins that are water soluble, such as B12, are best taken on an empty stomach with lots of water. Additionally, because it may have stimulating and energising effects, the best time to take B12 is in the morning to fuel your day and ensure that it does not interfere with your sleep.
Vegans and vegetarians are generally the group most likely to require vitamin B12 supplements. However, as some supplements contain animal by-products, it's crucial to check the label to ensure it's appropriate for your consumption. Most supplements will clearly state if they are suitable for vegans or vegetarians, so be on the lookout for these.
Certain forms of supplements may also contain trace amounts of allergens such as gluten or lactose that can trigger a reaction if you have an allergy or sensitivity. To be on the safe side, always scan the ingredient list and look for supplements that specify they are free of common allergens like gluten or dairy.
While you're here, discover our top 10 vegan collagen supplements for healthy skin, hair, and nails!
Folic acid and vitamin B12 are two B vitamins that are important for the creation of healthy red blood cells and iron assimilation. These nutrients also minimise the risk of neural tube defects or spina bifida in unborn babies.
If you are pregnant, attempting to conceive, or think you might become pregnant, it's recommended that you take a 400 mcg folic acid supplement everyday until you reach 12 weeks gestation to protect your baby against any potential birth abnormalities.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | WeightWorld Vitamin B12 Tablets 1,000 mcg|400 Tablets | £9.99 Mid | Vegan and Gluten-Free, Pure Methylcobalamin Tablets | ||
2 | Nutravita High Strength Vegan B12 Tablets|365 Tablets | £12.99 Mid | Vegan B12 Supplements for Alleviating Tiredness and Fatigue | ||
3 | Solgar Vitamin B12 Sublingual Chewable Nuggets|100 Nuggets | £10.99 Mid | Sublingual and Chewable Cyanocobalamin to Boost Energy Metabolism | ||
4 | Zipvit High Strength 1,100 mcg Methylcobalamin|360 Tablets | £6.97 Low Mid | Affordable, High Strength Tablets for Treating B12 Deficiency | ||
5 | Neo G Vitamin B12 Oral Spray|30 ml | £7.99 Low Mid | Effective B12 Oral Spray to Prevent Tiredness and Fatigue | ||
6 | Mayfair Nutrition Vitamin B12 Supplements with Folic Acid |200 Tablets | £12.99 Mid | Fast Absorbing Vitamin B12 Tablets With 400 mcg of Folic Acid | ||
7 | Balance High Strength 3,000 mcg Vitamin B12 Liquid Drops |60 ml | £17.95 High Mid | Berry Flavour High Concentration B12 Drops for Maximum Absorption | ||
8 | WeightWorld Lemon Flavour Vitamin B12 Chewable Tablets|400 Chewable Tablets | £13.99 Mid | Sugar-Free, Chewable Vitamin B12 in Natural Lemon Flavour | ||
9 | Pure Encapsulations Vitamin B12 Liquid Methylcobalamin|30 Days Supply | £19.90 High | 1 Month’s Supply of Liquid B12 Drops | ||
10 | Boots Vitamin B12|60 Tablets | £3.00 Low | Affordable Low Dosage Vitamin B12 to Supplement Your Daily Intake |
These one-a-day tablets will provide you with your daily dose of vitamin B12 to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to seize the day. Each bottle contains 400 easy to swallow tablets, delivering 1,000 mcg of active B12, providing you with enough supply to last you more than a year!
These vegan and gluten-free supplements are made using high quality ingredients without any artificial additives. Produced under strict manufacturing guidelines in the UK, you can be assured of the quality and safety of consuming these supplements.
Nutravita's high strength tablets contain 1,000 mcg of Methylcobalamin per serving, which is the active form of B12 that's most readily absorbed by the body. Taking these supplements daily provides the necessary amount of B12 to support a variety of vital processes, to help you feel more energised overall.
The small 9 mm round tablets are designed to be easily swallowed, so if you want to avoid the added sugars found in many chewables and sublinguals, this could be your best option. These supplements are also certified as 100% vegan.
If swallowing tablets is what's deterring you from taking your daily B12 supplement, then this option from Solgar is your answer. These can be taken either sublingually or as a chewable to assist in the metabolism of energy.
The recommended dosage is 1 nugget daily, ideally taken at mealtime, with each containing 1,000 mcg of cyanocobalamin B12. Thanks to the method of delivery, more B12 can be absorbed by the body rather than going to waste.
If you are severely deficient in vitamin B12, these 1,100 mcg micro-tablets may help you reach your required daily amount. The tablets are tiny, odourless and flavourless, making them easy to swallow.
Containing pure, active methycobalamin B12, the body can readily absorb these supplements. Though, with such a high dosage, we recommend that you consult your doctor before beginning supplementation.
It's natural to lose energy and feel tired towards the middle of the day, but with the Neo G oral spray you can ward off symptoms of fatigue by supplying a swift dose of vitamin B12. Simply spritz the orange-flavoured liquid into your mouth, at the cheeks or under your tongue for rapid absorption.
Without the need for swallowing tablets or holding a sublingual under the tongue until it dissolves completely, we think these are one of the easiest and most effective methods for getting your daily dose of B12. Plus, the spray comes in a handy 30 ml bottle, for a quick pick-me-up.
These highly concentrated, plant-based B12 Vitamin tablets are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Not only are they gluten and dairy free, but they also don't contain any artificial ingredients, synthetic colouring or additives.
With each tablet containing 1,000 mcg of different types of vitamin B12 for enhanced absorption, you only need to take 1 tablet a day. The addition of 400 mcg of folic acid further supports the function of vitamin B12, as both are necessary for the production of red blood cells.
Balance's dual active vegan liquid drops are designed to supply your body with the vitamin B12 it needs whilst assisting the body to maximise absorption. Each dose contains a high concentration of 3,000 mcg, providing an optimal blend of two of the most bioavailable forms of active B12.
One bottle contains a 2 months supply, and each dose should be taken under the tongue to further boost assimilation, allowing the supplement to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. It also comes in a berry flavour to make taking it much easier.
Here is another great offering from WeightWorld. This time, you get methylcobalamin vitamin B12 in chewable tablets with a natural lemon flavour that are easy to consume. Despite the flavouring, these supplements are sugar free, which is perfect if you are watching your sugar intake.
Each bottle contains 400 tablets, which means you will be stocked up for over a year. As well as being vegan friendly, these supplements are free from common allergens including dairy, wheat, soy and nuts!
This vitamin B12 liquid from Pure Encapsulations aims to contribute to a normal energy-yielding metabolism and alleviate symptoms of exhaustion and fatigue. With vitamin B12 in the active methylcobalamin form, each bottle provides a month's supply at 1,000 mcg per dose.
While the small quantity is great if you simply want to try out this form of B12, it doesn't offer great value for money when compared to the other options on our list. However, if you prefer consuming supplements in liquid form, then this is a top choice!
For those who are on a budget and simply require a low dose of vitamin B12 to boost their diet, we recommend these own-brand supplements from Boots. You get 60 tablets, and at 1 a day, this affordable bottle will last you 2 whole months!
Each tablet contains 10 mcg of B12, which is significantly lower when compared to the other supplements on this list. However, this is the perfect amount if you already consume meat in your diet. As for vegans and vegetarians, you may need to up the dosage to meet your daily needs.
Written and researched by Audrey Tan
No. 1: WeightWorld|Vitamin B12 Tablets 1,000 mcg|400 Tablets
No. 2: Nutravita|High Strength Vegan B12 Tablets|365 Tablets
No. 3: Solgar|Vitamin B12 Sublingual Chewable Nuggets|100 Nuggets
No. 4: Zipvit|High Strength 1,100 mcg Methylcobalamin|360 Tablets
No. 5: Neo G|Vitamin B12 Oral Spray|30 ml
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