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Ingredient

Vitamin B12

Strong

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.

    PubMed 16034940

Top products

Sorted by effective monthly cost

Now Foods B12 1000 mg

Now Foods

Per serving
1000 mg
Studied midpoint
1500 mg · 2/day

Effective cost

$0.22/day·$7/month

Nature Made B12 1000 mg

Nature Made

Per serving
1000 mg
Studied midpoint
1500 mg · 2/day

Effective cost

$0.24/day·$7/month

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