Best Vegan B12 Supplement – Reviews and Buying Guide
Vitamin B12 is one of the most essential nutrients our body needs to survive. Unlike many other vitamins that deal with one of two bodily functions, vitamin B12 works from your brain to your gut – keeping everything healthy.
It’s very interesting to know how vitamin B12 helps with our brain function, nervous system, red blood cells formation, heart health, cardiovascular health, metabolism, skin and hair condition, and digestion. It even improves our eyesight.
As we vegans know, this essential nutrient has mostly non-vegan food sources, like meat and dairy products. So, what do we vegans do?
If our body has a deficiency of vitamin B12, there will be high risks of fatal issues, which, if not treated immediately, can cause death. That’s why an effective vegan vitamin B12 supplement is necessary for vegans.
So, today we are presenting 10 best B12 supplements for vegans, along with the importance of B12 and the natural sources. Let’s begin.
Best Vegan B12 supplement
We have shortlisted 10 best B12 supplements for vegans available in the market in today’s article to provide you with a vivid knowledge of each of the products. It will guide you through the effectiveness, usage, and pros and cons of the supplements.
1. MaryRuth’s Vegan Vitamin B12 + D3
These vegan B12 + D3 gummies by MaryRuth are made of organic vegan ingredients. These are totally a non-GMO product, paleo-friendly and gluten-free.
MaryRuth is a very well reputed company founded by a mother and daughter duo who suffered from different ailments and had seen their other family members die with heart conditions.
So, they set off a journey towards gaining knowledge about our body and its functions. Soon, they started a program called MaryRuth method, which became a hit, and soon they launched many certified health supplements.
These delicious strawberries flavored vitamin B12 gummies incorporate both B12 and D3, commonly having a non-vegan source. But MaryRuth’s B12 supplements are made of vegan lichen. They boost your energy and serve only 5 calories with 250 mcg of vitamin B12 and 1000 IUs of vegan vitamin D3 per serving.
PROS —
- Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, wheat-free, yeast-free, soy-free product.
- Paleo friendly and celiac friendly supplement.
- Contains no gelatin.
- Serves 1000 IUs of vitamin D3 and 250 mcg of vitamin B12.
- Offers only 5 calories per serving.
- Available in delicious strawberry flavor.
CONS —
- It contains nuts and coconut oil, which may be harmful to people who are allergic to them.
- This supplement falls under the expensive category.
2. EZ Melts Vegan B12 as Methylcobalamin
EZ Melts Vegan B12 dissolve tablet is made of the bioactive form of vitamin B12 called methylcobalamin. It is a vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free product with zero artificial sugar and natural sweeteners and flavors.
The bioactive form of vitamin B12, which is present in this vegan Supplement, helps your body in many ways. It supports mental clarity and helps you stay relaxed and focused.
Methylcobalamin is responsible for creating an emotional balance. It also increases your energy levels, which supports your daily work routine so that you can do your work with a more concentrated mind.
Vitamin B12 helps with your skin and hair. It takes care of your multiple skin issues and helps you get rid of them and have clear, bright, and glowing skin. B12 nourishes your hair and makes it smooth and healthy. It also helps your nails grow stronger and beautiful.
PROS —
- Vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and no sugar product.
- It is gluten-free and incorporates only natural flavors and colors.
- Boosts your energy levels and makes fatigue go away.
- Comes in a natural cherry flavor.
- Fast dissolvable tablets are easy to use.
CONS —
- Some users have suffered from the red 40 dye reaction, although the product label does not claim that it has this ingredient.
3. Garden of Life Vegan B12 Supplements
Garden of Life Vegan B12 Supplements offers you a great dose of 1000 mcg of vitamin B12 methylcobalamin. This vegan-friendly supplement also contains various enzymes and probiotics. It’s a completely vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free product.
The Garden of Life Vegan B12 Supplement contains naturally derived vitamin B12, which prevents our body from anemia and various other severe health issues. It supports the body’s metabolism process and improves your digestion.
This vegan B12 supplement helps form red blood cells and makes the essential DNA in our bodies. It maintains the health and proper functioning of the nerve cells.
The raw and organic vitamin B12 supplement increases your physical and mental energy level and makes weakness and fatigue go away. As our central nervous system is very much dependent on Vitamin B12, we need to take as much of this nutrient as our body needs – and the Garden of Life Vegan B12 supplement helps with that.
PROS —
- Contains raw vitamin B12.
- Vegan-friendly, non-GMO and gluten-free product.
- Comes with many probiotics and enzymes.
- Works as an energy-booster and helps eliminate fatigue.
- Offers a high dose of vitamin B12.
- Contains natural flavors only.
CONS —
- Does not come with great taste.
4. LiveWell Vegan Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops
LiveWell Vegan Vitamin B12 supplement will offer you an excellent vitamin B12 content of 5000 mcg. This supplement is designed to work as a natural mood lifter and energy booster, which instantly takes away all the weakness and tiredness.
LiveWell Vegan B12 supplement is very much bioavailable, and the super-absorbent formula makes this product very handy and easy to use. It contains methylcobalamin, which supports various cellular functions and the adrenal glands.
It also produces red blood cells and glucose from carbohydrates. It also improves your focus and mental clarity and helps in cognitive function.
With the high amount of vitamin B12 present in this LiveWell organic B12 supplement, you will become less prone to colds with improved immunity. The sweet citrus flavor of this vegan B12 supplement is enjoyable without causing any weird medicine-like aftertaste.
PROS —
- 100% vegan-friendly formula.
- Natural energy and mood enhancer.
- Improves immunity and digestion.
- Offers 5000 mcg of vitamin B12.
- Delicious sweet citrus flavor.
CONS —
- May cause some allergic reactions, as reported by some users.
5. Jarrow Formulas Methylcobalamin Methyl B12 Vegan Supplement
Jarrow Formulas vitamin B12 Supplement only chooses methylcobalamin over Cyanocobalamin because it is a synthetic form of vitamin B12. It supports your brain cells and nerve tissues to function appropriately.
Jarrow Formulas is an age-old brand name established in 1977. Their health professionals have always been involved in clinical studies, and after many years of research, they have created their best B12 supplement for vegans.
These chewable vitamin B12 tablets offer a tasty cherry flavor that is completely organic. It contains active coenzyme and promotes Homocysteine Levels.
Consumption of these chewable tablets as directed will make you feel more energized throughout the day with less fatigue. Jarrow Formulas Methylcobalamin Methyl B12 Vegan Supplement will fill up the deficiency of vitamin B12 in your body, which will improve your overall health and prevent severe conditions like anemia.
PROS —
- Vegan-friendly organic formula.
- Includes only methylcobalamin.
- Supports the proper functioning of brain cells and the nervous system.
- Improves digestion and metabolism.
- Makes you more energetic.
CONS —
- According to some users, it may cause a facial rash.
6. Global Healing Center Vegan Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops
This Global Healing Center Vegan Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops has made its way into our list of best vegan b12 supplements because it is designed to improve your cardiovascular health, nervous system, and metabolism.
This liquid B12 supplement includes both most bioavailable forms of B12, which are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. It treats your low energy levels, poor immunity, and digestive system.
The liquid formula makes it very absorbable and ultra-potent. It uplifts your mood, makes red blood cells, and converts carbohydrates to glucose.
Another significant aspect of Global Healing Center Vegan Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops is that it improves your natural sleep cycle. Many research proves that methylcobalamin is linked with producing better-undisturbed sleep. This product is a non-GMO supplement. It does not include any harsh chemicals or toxic additives.
PROS —
- Includes Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin- the best bioavailable forms.
- A certified organic vegan-friendly vitamin B12 supplement.
- Enhances cardiovascular health and the nervous system.
- Improves skin and hair condition.
- The gluten-free supplement is free of any artificial additives.
- Supports the natural sleep cycle.
- Liquid and absorbable formula.
CONS —
- The increase in the price was quite unnecessary as the formula remained the same.
7. Naturelo Vegan B12 Supplements with Organic Spirulina
The Naturelo Vegan B12 supplement is a great way of providing your body with the much-needed vitamin B12. The high amount of 1000 mcg of methylcobalamin helps your body replenish the deficiency of vitamin B12 quickly.
This natural plant-based vitamin B12 supplement has been formulated with organic spirulina to enhance your mental clarity and physical wellness. This unisex product is effective for people of ages.
It works as a natural energy enhancer as it offers you a high dose of vitamin B12. This also uplifts your mood by regulating homocysteine levels.
Vitamin B12 strengthens your muscles and bones, makes your eyesight healthier, supports the brain’s proper function, and aids hair and skin health. This vegan Supplement is completely soy-free, gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO.
PROS —
- Provides a high amount of vitamin B12.
- Increases metabolism and energy levels.
- Strengthens bones and nails
- Supports brain function and heart health.
- Gluten-free, soy-free, and a non-GMO supplement.
CONS —
- Taste is not that enjoyable.
8. NOW Vitamin B-12 Supplements
NOW vitamin B12 supplement presents delicious chewable lozenges, which offer you 1000 mcg of vitamin B12. Each pack contains 250 lozenges.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of energy in our body. It’s also an important nutrient that supports the nervous system. That’s why NOW has come up with one of the best B12 supplements for vegans as yummy lozenges. All you need to do is to chew the lozenges until it gets dissolved. You can also swallow them.
This product is a certified vegan supplement that includes only naturally derived vitamin B12. It is a kosher, gluten-free, soy-free supplement that contains a low amount of sodium. The natural fruit flavor is also very enjoyable.
PROS —
- Improves your immunity and digestion.
- Helps with your energy production.
- Comes in a chewable lozenge form.
- Tasty and very convenient to use.
- A certified non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free B12 supplement.
CONS —
- Some users have complained about its taste.
9. Vitafusion Organic Vitamin B12 Supplement
Vitafusion Organic Vitamin B-12 Supplement is power-packed organic goodness that provides your body with 3000 mcg of USDA certified organic vitamin B12. It is an entirely vegan-friendly, non-GMO supplement that helps strengthen your immunity and make you healthy inside out.
The organic vitamin B12 makes the functioning of your nervous system proper. It encourages your energy level naturally so that you stay energized and focused the whole day.
One of this supplement’s best qualities is that it doesn’t include any high fructose corn syrup or any artificial sweeteners or flavors.
Organic cane sugar enhances the taste. It’s nut-free, and gluten-free formula will suit everyone since it will not cause any allergic reactions. It will naturally increase the energy production and digestion of your body.
PROS —
- Contains no fructose corn syrup.
- Helps with your digestion, nervous system, and metabolism.
- Takes care of your skin, nail, and hair.
- Natural sweeteners provide excellent taste.
- A gelatin fee, gluten-free and nut-free formula.
CONS —
- The texture of the gummies is quite gritty.
10. Zhou Methyl B12 Vegan Supplement
Zhou Methyl B12 vegan supplement lozenges offer you 5000 mcg of organic B12 in the form of a yummy chewable lozenge. It includes the most bioavailable form of B12, methylcobalamin, which makes this supplement have a nice absorption formula so that you could have the most out of each lozenge.
As vitamin B12 converts fat into vibrant energy, it will fuel your cells with a fantastic energy dose and fix any issues with your metabolism. It supports your brain’s neurotransmitter cells to work more efficiently, which enhances your memory and focus.
Your learning ability will be higher as Zhou Methyl B12 supplement provides an excellent amount of vitamin B12. It also takes care of your cardiovascular health and overall heart health.
PROS —
- Offers 5000 mcg of vitamin B12.
- Comes in the form of absorbable Lozenges.
- Boosts your energy level and stamina and enhances your mood.
- It keeps your brains and nerves healthy.
- Supports your cardiovascular health.
CONS —
- This may contain sugar alcohol called xylitol.
Types of Vitamin B12 Supplements
Vitamin B12 supplements come in many forms, be it chewable tablets, a liquid supplement of lozenges. If you have incorporated a vegan B12 Supplement in your daily routine, probably you’re taking one of these types of vitamin B12
1. Cyanocobalamin
Cyanocobalamin is the most stable form of vitamin B12, which has a long shelf life. It is a synthetic form that has to be made in the lab since nature does not offer us this form. It is not a suitable form of vitamin B12 because our bodies require much energy to process cyanocobalamin.
2. Methylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin has many biological functions to perform in our body. Its main function is converting homocysteine into methionine, which improves our cardiovascular system.
Methylcobalamin is made by modifying cyanocobalamin. Most of the vegan supplements are made of this type of vitamin B12 since it is the most usable form.
3. Hydroxocobalamin
Hydroxocobalamin is called the most natural form of B12. But it is mostly found in animal products. It is made by bacteria naturally. This form of vitamin B12 is used mainly to treat various B12 deficiency issues.
4. Adenosylcobalamin
Adenosylcobalamin is mostly found in our livers. It is one of the most important forms of vitamin B12, which takes part in cellular energy production. Without this vitamin, our bodies face RNA and DNA damage.
Natural Sources of Vitamin B12
B12 vitamin is found in many foods – both vegan and non-vegan. But it is quite a widely known fact that vegan foods do not offer much vitamin B12. Similarly a strictly vegan diet may lack in other nutrients. It’s best to have a vegan multivitamin supplements handy in order to count a such deficiency. Still, there are some ways you can incorporate vitamin B12 into your diet. The natural sources of b vitamins are listed below
Non-vegan sources
- Fish
- Meat
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Beef
- Kidneys and livers
- Poultry
- Pork
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Other dairy products.
As evident, most natural sources of vitamin b12 are either animal products or animal derived edibles. Therefore it becomes a necessity for vegans to supplement with plant-based B12 capsules. Athletes and weightlifters should also make it a priority to include a vegan b12 supplement in their vegan bodybuilding meal plan.
Vegan Sources
There are very few vegan sources of vitamin B12, such as
- Fortified non-dairy milk
- Nutritional yeast
- Breakfast cereals
- Meat substitutes
- Vegan spreads.
How much B12 is required by the body?
Since B12 plays numerous vital roles in your body’s nervous system and red blood cell production, a lack of B12 in your diet can have a negative impact on how well your body functions.
| Life Stage | Recommended Dosage |
|---|---|
| Upto 6 Months | 0.4 mcg |
| 7-12 Months | 0.5 mcg |
| 1-3 Years | 0.9 mcg |
| 4-8 Years | 1.2 mcg |
| 9-13 Years | 1.8 mcg |
| 14-18 Years | 2.4 mcg |
| Adults | 2.4 mcg |
| Pregnant Women | 2.6 mcg |
| Breastfeeding Women | 2.8 mcg |
Adults and adolescents require 2.4 mcg (micrograms) of vitamin B12 on a daily basis.
Pregnant or nursing women may require slightly more: 2.6-2.8 mcg.
Furthermore, people over the age of 50 may require B12 supplementation due to absorption issues.
It’s important to note that the percentage of vitamin B12 that your body can absorb from supplements is low — it’s estimated that the human body barely absorbs 10 mcg of a 500-mcg B12 supplement.
Most vegan B12 supplements have serving sizes of more than 1,000 mcg (1 gram), despite the fact that the RDA for B12 for an adult is only 2.4 mcg. Cyanocobalamin is the most common form of vitamin B12 found in dietary supplements. Adenosylcobalamin, methylcobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin are other forms of the best b12 supplement for vegans.
It was also discovered that while 56 percent of a 1 mcg dose was absorbed, the percentage decreased as the dose increased. Approximately 1.3 percent, or 13 mcg, of a 1,000 mcg serving, which is fairly typical in supplements, is absorbed.
Also, how much vegan B12 supplement is absorbed by the body depends on the dose. Nevertheless, depending on your age, lifestyle, and particular circumstances, you may want to take more or less.
What should you look for in a B12 Supplement?
This is what you should do before purchasing a B12 supplement.
Make certain that you find a dosage that is appropriate for your needs. As with most of the best vegan B12 supplements, starting low and gradually increasing to an effective dosage is best. Include your doctor, as well. They may be able to recommend an appropriate dose for you.
Many enriched supplements contain a synthetic form of B12, which is more difficult to digest and absorb. If you’re a vegan, make sure the label says “vegan-certified.” When looking for the best b12 supplement for vegans, make sure it is not a fortified supplement or food item.
Consider using a sublingual, spray, or liquid. When you consume a conventional tablet or capsule, it must pass through your digestive tract, where most of the properties are lost due to the process of digestion. Sublingual sprays and liquids are quickly absorbed, making them some of the ideal vegan B12 supplement alternatives.
Be attentive when you purchase the best b12 supplement for vegans. There are two types of vegan B12 supplements on the market: methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. Just remember to prioritize methylcobalamin over all other forms. When it comes to absorption, synthetic vitamins such as cyanocobalamin can cause many issues. Put it bluntly; the body does not recognize laboratory ingredients as well as natural nutrients derived from meals or vitamin supplements.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is one of the essential nutrients your body needs to function correctly. From the brain and nervous system, formation of red blood cells, skin, and hair health to your metabolism and digestion, vitamin B12 takes considerable roles in all.
Vegans tend to have a low amount of vitamin B12 since most of these vitamin sources are animal products. That’s where supplements come to play. To save our bodies from the deficiency of vitamin B12, we must include an effective supplement in our diet.
Hopefully, we have succeeded in providing you with a list of best B12 vegan supplements with a vivid description of each of the products and a wholesome knowledge about the functions of vitamin B12.
