An essential vitamin involved in red blood cell formation and energy metabolism.
How it works
Cofactor for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase; deficiency is common in older adults and those on plant-based diets.
Evidence
Cochrane review of two RCTs concluded oral B12 at 1000-2000 mcg/day was as effective as intramuscular administration for treating B12 deficiency.
Studies
Vidal-Alaball et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2005
2000 mcg/day oral B12 (or 1000 mcg/day initially daily then weekly then monthly) achieved hematological and neurological responses comparable to intramuscular B12 in deficient patients.
Top products
Sorted by effective monthly costNow Foods B12 1000 mg
Now Foods
- Per serving
- 1000 mg
- Studied midpointStudied range midpoint is used. Pricing assumes label-recommended servings.See methodology
- 1500 mg · 2/day
Effective cost
$0.22/day·$7/month
Nature Made B12 1000 mg
Nature Made
- Per serving
- 1000 mg
- Studied midpointStudied range midpoint is used. Pricing assumes label-recommended servings.See methodology
- 1500 mg · 2/day
Effective cost
$0.24/day·$7/month