The Top 5 B12 Supplements For Better Energy
Updated 04/21/2024Learn how this essential vitamin can help restore energy, focus, and more.
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 Survey, we'll explain everything you need to know about this powerhouse vitamin, including why it's so vital for energy production and who can benefit most from taking it.
We'll also show you what to look for and what to avoid in a quality product, and which top 5 brands we crowned most effective of 2021.
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 condition 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.
B12: The Energy Vitamin
Vitamin B12 is essential for producing red blood cells (RBCs), which transport oxygen throughout your body. That oxygen helps power the cells in your muscles and brain.
When you're low on B12, you're more likely to experience fatigue, brain fog, and muscle weakness. Tasks that require focus become more difficult; even walking across a room can feel like you've just run a marathon.
Those most likely to develop a B12 deficiency include vegans and vegetarians, adults over the age of 50, and people with GI conditions.
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:
-
Synthetic Forms of B12
Avoid supplements containing cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. They are ineffective and can cause uncomfortable dangerous side effects.
-
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.
-
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 Live Conscious Toll-Free:
(866) 949-7799
#1: Vegan B12 By Live Conscious
Vegan B12 from Live Conscious is packed with a potent, 5,000 mcg dose of methylcobalamin B12. Its sublingual formula is fast-acting for long-lasting energy throughout the day.
Like its name implies this supplement is 100% vegan, making it ideal for those who follow a meatless diet.
We appreciate that Live Conscious offers a comprehensive 365-day return policy, the brand also promotes a whole-body approach to health that we really appreciate.
Consumers also left consistently positive reviews regarding taste and efficacy. With all this in mind, we had to put Vegan B12 by Live Conscious at the top of our list.
#2: Vegan B12 By 1MD NutritionTM
While not a sublingual supplement, we felt comfortable adding 1MD's Vegan B12 soft-gel to our list due to its high-quality, potent formula.
Like our top pick, Vegan B12 contains 5000mcg of methylcobalamin B12. It's also 100% vegan, non-GMO, soy and gluten free, and manufactured in a GMP compliant facility.
Its soft-gel delivery means this supplement will take longer to take effect, however, if you prefer to take a pill supplement, you can't go wrong with this one.
1MD offers a comprehensive, 90-day money-back guarantee.
Shop Now > >
#3: VeganSafe B-12
By Global Healing Center
Good B12 Supplement
Global Healing Center has a longstanding reputation for producing high-quality supplements. According to their website all of their products are third-party tested for purity and potency.
Vegansafe certainly lives up to its company's reputation in quality, however, at just 2500 mcg per serving, it lands well below our first two picks in terms of potency. If you're in the market for a potent dose of B12, this may not be for you.
On the plus side, Global Healing Center also has 365-day money-back guarantee, so testing this supplement is a fairly risk-free decision.
Rating
#4: B-12 by Salt Lake Supplements
Salt Lake Supplements has a well-established reputation for high-quality supplements. Unfortunately, their B12 spray contains just 2,500 mcg of B12 -- half the potency of our #1 pick.
To their credit, customers positively reviewed Salt Lake Supplements' B-12 spray. If you're in the market for spray, this is a solid option.
Rating
#5: Vitamin B-12 By Go Nutrients
Vitamin B-12 from Go Nutrients is 100% natural, vegan-friendly, and contains 3000 mcg of B12. While it has contains slightly more B12 than the last 2 picks, it contains just 48 servings -- less than most standard liquid B12 products.
On the upside, this product is GMP-certified and made without preservatives. Additionally, Go Nutrients offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
Order Now > >
P.S. While Live Conscious' 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.