The Top 3 B12 Supplements Of 2020
Updated 11/23/2020What to look for & avoid when choosing a quality B12 supplement for improved immune health.
Did you know 15% of all people have a B12 deficiency and an additional 40% are borderline deficient? If you're over the age of 50 or consume a diet that is lacking in iron-rich food, you're likely to be on the border. But don't worry — there are measures you can take to mitigate the risk.
Here at Consumer Surveys, we're going to take a look at what Vitamin B12 is, and who might benefit from supplementation. We've tested dozens of products, and identified the top 3 available on the market today.
But first, let's find out why is B12 so important.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that keeps your nerves and blood cells healthy. Not only is it critical to the creation and health of red blood cells (RBCs), it is essential for the production of all your cells' DNA.
Additionally, B12 plays a critical role in strengthening nerve cells, helping protect against megaloblastic anemia — a disease that leads to extreme weakness and fatigue.
In other words, if you have a B12 deficiency, your red blood cells (RBCs) are unable to effectively carry oxygen to the other cells and tissues in your body, and you can become susceptible to nerve damage. Symptoms related include tiredness, moodiness, and tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
What are b12 supplements used for?
Vitamin B12 depletes as we age, but a good supplement will raise your vitamin b12 levels back to a healthy range.
Supplementation of B12 will help fight anemia or fatigue, especially in people on a vegan diet. It's important to supplement B12 because its almost exclusively found in animal products.
What to look for:
Contains methylcobalamin
The naturally sourced form of B12, methylcobalamin, is better absorbed by the body than the synthetic form, cyanocobalamin. Research also shows that it stays in your body longer and at a higher level.
Opt for well-known manufacturers
While lesser-known manufacturers may be as good as their counterparts, you can’t count on it. Opt for a manufacturer you trust that is only using the highest-quality ingredients and testing them for purity and potency.
Go for liquid forms of B12
Liquids, sprays, and sublingual (under the tongue) supplements start to work immediately, unlike tablets that must be digested first.
Pay attention to the dosage
You’ll see supplements with as little as 500 mcg of vitamin B12, which is ineffective. It's also not as simple as "more is better." Taking too much synthetic, low-quality B12, can be dangerous to your health. Alternatively, 5,000 mcg of methylcobalamin B12 is safe and highly effective.
What To Avoid:
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Synthetic Forms of B12
Avoid supplements containing cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. They are ineffective and can cause uncomfortable dangerous side effects.
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Very High Dosages
While many nutrients, such as Vitamin C, are not harmful in large quantities, taking too much Vitamin B can cause complications and unnecessary strain on your liver and other organs. Make sure to keep it at 10,000 mcg or below per day.
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Unknown Manufacturers
You should be able to clearly understand the label, and you should be able to independently verify any claims made by the company before you buy any supplements.
The Results Are In...
With these guidelines in mind, we looked at the most popular B12 products around, narrowing them down to the top 3, the best of the best...
Top Picks are updated monthly based on testing and analyses:
Top Pick
Consumers Survey Recommended
- Methylcobalamin B12 - potent, water-soluble
- 5000 mcg - safe, high dosage
- 100% all-natural, vegan formula
- 365-day money-
back guarantee - Made in the USA
Call LiveWell Toll Free:
(866) 949-7799
#1: Vegan B12 By LiveWell Nutrition
LiveWell uses 5,000 mcg Methylcobalamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin, so that excess amounts can easily be washed out to prevent adverse effects of overconsumption. This means that their high dosage is extremely safe, since your body will be able to absorb as much as it needs, and no more.
We appreciate that LiveWell's Vegan B12 offers a comprehensive 365-day return policy, the brand also promotes a whole-body approach to health that we really appreciate.
With all this in mind, we had to put LiveWell's Vegan B12 supplement at the top of our list.
#2: Methylcobalamin B-12
by Why Not Natural
Why Not Natural has created a highly potent vegan B12 blend at 5,000 mcg of Methylcobalamin B-12. Users reported not only great results when taking it, but that it also had a great taste -- saying it was "pleasant" and not at all "medicinal." They have a respectable 60-day money-back guarantee.
Users reported not only great results when taking it, but that it also had a great taste -- saying it was "pleasant" and not at all "medicinal."
Based on the information available through the manufacturer, as well as countless customer reviews, we felt comfortable placing Why Not Natural in second place.
#3: VeganSafe B-12
By Global Healing Center
Good B12 Supplement
Though it has a smaller dose than other B-12 supplements at 2,500 mcg, it contains Andensylocobalamin which helps with absorption.
Global Healing Center also has 365-day money-back guarantee, so testing this supplement is a fairly risk-free decision.
Global Healing Center has a longstanding reputation for producing excellent supplements. According to their official website, supplements are third-party tested during the manufacturing process to ensure purity, potency, and consistency.
P.S. While LiveWell's Vegan B12 is the best B12 supplement we've found, we would still love to hear about any others you've tried. If you have had a great experience of your own, please send me an email to Beverly@ConsumersSurvey.org with the details.
Sincerely,
Beverly Gratson,
Senior Health Editor
What We Do
ConsumersSurvey uses a unique three-step approach to reviewing the most popular products in the online marketplace
1. Research First we conduct in-house research with a highly qualified editorial team comprised of individuals who specialize in various fields.
2. SurveyWe survey our readers who have tried the product over time in order to learn from their experiences.
3. OpinionWe monitor public opinion in the world’s most popular marketplaces, from Amazon and eBay, to Bizrate and Pricegrabber.
As a consumer herself, Beverly is extremely dedicated to gathering and collecting reports and information and always on the lookout for highly-rated supplements. She's especially passionate about educating consumers in making wise decisions when it comes to purchasing health products.