Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that you can get from foods like meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. The best way to get enough is to eat a varied and balanced diet; however, if you struggle to eat the right foods or are deficient, it may be necessary to use a high-quality supplement.
B12 supplements come in a broad range of forms and strengths, so it’s worth taking a little time to get to know what will work best for you.
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Table of Contents
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential micronutrient that acts to keep your metabolism in balance. It’s water-soluble and is involved in many vital body processes, including the production of DNA and red blood cells.
Your body can’t produce its own B12, and if you don’t get enough, it can lead to a wide range of health conditions. The most common symptoms of B12 deficiency are fatigue, weakness, constipation and loss of appetite. It can also lead to more severe conditions like depression and dementia.
The Benefits of Vitamin B12
Studies have found that having enough B12 in your body can provide numerous benefits, including supporting healthy brain function, regulating normal blood pressure, preventing anaemia, having enough energy and reducing symptoms of depression.
Because this beneficial vitamin is involved in so many body processes, the list of benefits could go on. However, it’s unlikely that a vitamin B12 supplement will provide you with these benefits if you already have a healthy level in your system. Most of these studies were conducted to study the effect of supplementation on people who were already deficient.
What form of vitamin B12 is best?
There are two main forms of Vitamin B12, methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin is found naturally in some foods, and cyanocobalamin can only be produced synthetically.
Both can be found used as supplements, and there is some debate as to which absorbs the quickest and which is best retained in your body. However, it’s likely that the difference is minimal and may have more to do with your own body chemistry than that of the
Are there any side effects?
Generally speaking, the side effects of vitamin B12 are negligible, and the NHS says that it’s safe to take a daily amount of less than 2mg per day. However, some people taking large amounts of B12 to treat deficiency have report symptoms like itching, headache, nausea, dizziness, anxiety and diarrhoea.
In some rare cases, it has also produced serious and fast-acting allergic reactions, so if you have any concerns about supplementing with B12, you must talk to your doctor. If you start taking a vitamin B12 supplement and experience any side effects, stop taking it and seek medical advice.
The best vitamin B12 supplements available in the UK
We’ve carefully chosen the best vitamin B12 supplements available in the UK according to our experience and rigorous selection criteria.
If you prefer to get your vitamins with extra minerals and nutrients, try our article on Best Multivitamins UK. Or, for a great natural accompaniment read Best Turmeric Supplements UK.
1. Garden of Life – mykind Organics B12 Spray
This organic B-12 spray from Garden of Life is made with methylcobalamin that has been sourced from yeast. As a result, it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, although some prefer not to consume yeast products. One bottle holds 58ml, and each spray delivers a daily serving of 500mcg.
This is an easy to absorb form of B-12, and it comes with a mouthwatering, natural raspberry flavour to make every serving a pleasure. This mykind spray is certified organic, gluten-free, GMO-free and contains no artificial colours, fillers or chemicals.
Pros
- Made in the UK
- Non-GMO and Gluten-Free
- 100% Natural
- Raspberry Flavour
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- 500mcg methylcobalamin per serving
Cons
- It must be kept refrigerated once it’s been opened which can be inconvenient.
Check the latest price of the mykind spray.
2. Omvits – Vitamin B12 1000mcg
Omvits is known for its high-quality, vegan, non-GMO, and organic supplements. These vitamin B-12 tablets each hold 1000mcg of methylcobalamin sourced from yeast. In each bottle, you get an incredible 180 tablets which, at one a day, is a full six-month supply.
In addition, it is free from gluten, artificial flavours, colours and has been certified by the Vegan Society as suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This is an excellent supplement with the B-12 in an easily absorbable form for maximum potency.
However, the main drawback is that it’s in tablet form. Tablets are notoriously difficult to dissolve and can prevent the full amount of vitamin from being transported into your bloodstream. Because of the quality of these supplements and the value for money, they are still worth considering.
Pros
- Made in the UK
- Gluten-free and fillers-free
- Vegan and Vegetarian
- 100% natural
- 1000mcg methylcobalamin per serving
Cons
- In tablet form which can take more time to dissolve.
Get the Omvits B12 tablets at Amazon.
3. HealthSpan – Vitamin B12 Blackcurrant Oral Spray
HealthSpan’s Blackcurrant Oral Spray delivers 250mcg in every pump. Each bottle holds 100 servings and could last anywhere from 25 to 100 days, depending on how much you need daily. The methylcobalamin is sourced entirely organically and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
The beauty of this spray is that it’s compact, easy to carry with you and delivers each measure directly under your tongue. That way it’s quickly absorbed across the thin membrane at the bottom of your mouth into your bloodstream. As a result, each amount is more potent than if it was swallowed and digested. To make it even more palatable, it includes natural sweeteners and zingy, blackcurrant flavouring.
Pros
- Made in the UK
- Gluten-free and no fillers
- Blackcurrant flavour
- Easily absorbed into your bloodstream
- Vegan and vegetarian
- Affordable
- Third-party tested
Cons
- If you take 500mcg per day, it will only last for 50 days which is less than the other items on this list.
Get the Healthspan spray
4. Just Vitamins – Vitamin B12 Tablets
These tiny blackcurrant flavoured tablets are specifically designed to be held under your tongue to dissolve and pass directly into your bloodstream. This means they are fast-acting and extra potent. Each tablet provides 1000mcg of vegan methylcobalamin, and you get 120 in a packet.
Another bonus feature of this supplement is that the packet the tablets come in is completely compostable. If you don’t like the idea of using sprays and are concerned that tablets that are swallowed may not dissolve completely, these are ideal. Not only will they dissolve quickly under your tongue, but you also have the option to chew them if you prefer.
Pros
- Made in the UK
- Quickly absorbed tablets
- Natural blackcurrant flavour
- Non-GMO and Gluten-free
- Vegan and vegetarian
- 1000mcg methylcobalamin per serving
- Compostable packet
Cons
- The large packet means that they aren’t ideal for use on the go.
Vist Just Vitamins to get these tablets now.
Conclusion
All products mentioned on this list are made in the UK, the companies are well-known and have a good reputation in the supplement market. They are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and above all – their high-quality and effectiveness make these supplements the best available in the UK.
My Supplement Recommendations
These are products that I currently use and enthusiastically recommend:
Multivitamin – Nutrigenesis Multi for Men or Nutrigenesis for Women. Performance Lab use their patented Nutrigenesis technique to provide a range of vitamins and minerals in their most effective form. Read my review.
Nootropic – Mind Lab Pro contains eleven natural nootropics that have been proven to support cognitive function and brain health. Read my review.
Collagen – Edible Health Bovine Collagen. This excellent bovine collagen powder is completely tasteless and absorbs quickly into any liquid. It’s third-party lab tested and provides 13g of collagen per serving. Read my review.
Turmeric – VitaBright Organic Turmeric with Ginger and Black Pepper. These turmeric capsules are organic, effective and affordable. They include black pepper to enhance curcumin absorption and ginger to provide additional useful benefits. Read my review.
Incredible value – G&G Vitamin 28 day packs This is the most affordable way to buy supplements in the UK. One tub holds 28 daily packs of up to 11 different vitamins, minerals or food supplements.
Related reading
If you’re looking for supplements, vitamins, minerals or just some helpful information, we have some other lists that you may find useful.
- All vitamin and mineral lists
- Best Collagen Supplements UK
- Turmeric Supplements
- Best Ashwagandha
- Best Multivitamins
- Nootropic Supplements
- Best Mushroom Supplements
- Greens Blend Supplements UK
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best vitamin B12 supplement?
The best vitamin B12 supplement is the mykind Organics B-12 Spray from Garden of Life. It’s 100% natural, provides 500mcg of methylcobalamin per serving and has a tasty raspberry flavour. It’s also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Are B12 supplements any good?
Studies have found that having enough B12 in your body can provide numerous benefits, including supporting healthy brain function, regulating normal blood pressure, preventing anaemia, having enough energy and reducing symptoms of depression.
What strength vitamin B12 should I take?
Many high-quality B12 supplements provide a daily amount of between 500mcg and 1000mcg. The NHS says that taking 2mg or less per day is unlikely to cause any harm.
When should I take b12 morning or night?
Most people find it best to take vitamin B12 in the morning. If you’re deficient in B12 and you take it in the evening, it could affect your energy levels and make it hard to sleep.