Guide
The best vitamin B12 products compared (2026)
Last updated: 28 July 2026
Written by
Health Tested Editorial Team
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a crucial role in many of the body's functions. Although it's widespread in nature, many people don't get enough of it.
In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that around 1.5 billion people worldwide are deficient. This affects health and wellbeing, especially the immune system, the nervous system and the brain. As well as playing an important role in energy metabolism, vitamin B12 protects the cardiovascular system and is indispensable for the formation of red blood cells.
It's one of the most versatile vitamins, yet also one that people most often fall short on.
But which vitamin B12 is right for you?
There are countless vitamin B12 supplements on the market.
But not all of them are effective.
The problem with vitamin B12
Vitamins are essential nutrients your body needs to work properly. There are fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, and water-soluble ones, such as vitamin C and the B vitamins.
What makes vitamin B12 special is that the human body can't produce it itself, so it has to come regularly from outside sources: it's an essential vitamin. It's mostly obtained from animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. This water-soluble nutrient is the only vitamin found almost exclusively in animal foods.
However, vitamin B12 is extremely sensitive to heat and is destroyed at temperatures above 80°C.
That's why eating animal foods alone can't ensure you get enough vitamin B12.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can have serious consequences, especially for the immune system, the nervous system and the cardiovascular system.
What your body needs vitamin B12 for
Nothing works without vitamin B12. Here's why the nutrient matters so much:
- formation of red blood cells
- formation of DNA and RNA (and so cell growth and cell division)
- absorption of folic acid into cells
- breakdown of various fatty acids
- keeping the nervous system working properly
- formation of the sheath around nerve fibres
- the body's natural cleansing processes
- energy metabolism
Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency
A vitamin B12 deficiency can have various causes:
- chronic inflammation of the stomach or gut
- taking certain medicines (e.g. antibiotics, antacids and acid-reducing medicines)
- regular alcohol consumption
- stress
- a poor diet
- an unhealthy lifestyle
- a vegan diet
- harmful environmental factors
- ageing (falling levels of intrinsic factor)
- certain underlying conditions (e.g. Crohn's disease)
How gut health affects vitamin B12
'A healthy gut is the root of all health.' (Hippocrates)
One of the main causes of vitamin B12 deficiency is poor gut health and the absorption problems that result from it. Many negative influences, such as certain medicines (e.g. antibiotics), an unhealthy diet (especially sugar and fat), alcohol, smoking, stress, lack of sleep and illness, can seriously damage the gut flora.
Once the gut flora is out of balance, a downward spiral can quickly set in, because the worse your gut health, the less able your gut is to absorb nutrients. Nutrients such as vitamin B12 then can't pass through the gut wall into the bloodstream in sufficient amounts.
This in turn harms gut health and at the same time leads to nutrient deficiencies. As its resilience declines, the gut flora becomes vulnerable to overgrowth of disease-causing bacteria or fungi.
That's why vitamin B12 supplements are often recommended together with probiotics, to make sure the vitamin is absorbed.Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is widespread. In Germany, one in ten people is affected, and among over-65s the figure rises to around one in four.
The following symptoms can occur with a deficiency:
- tiredness
- weakness and confusion
- anaemia
- headaches
- digestive problems
- hair loss
- nerve problems
- muscle weakness
- tingling in the arms and legs
- sensory disturbances and even paralysis
- a burning tongue
Psychological symptoms can also occur:
- attention problems
- low mood
- mood swings
- nervousness and irritability
- neurological disorders
- poor concentration and memory
Absorbing vitamin B12: intrinsic factor
There are two ways to absorb vitamin B12: an active one and a passive one. In the active route, which is supported by intrinsic factor, the body has to spend energy to absorb the vitamin. Intrinsic factor is a special transport protein that binds vitamin B12 in the gut and carries it to specific receptors in the gut lining. It's an active process because energy is needed to bind the vitamin to intrinsic factor and then deliver it to the receptors. The active route is very efficient, but there's only a limited number of receptors that can absorb vitamin B12.
In the passive route, by contrast, the vitamin is simply absorbed by diffusion, with no energy needed. However, the amount absorbed this way is very limited, at only about 1% per dose. That's why you need to take high doses of vitamin B12 to absorb enough of it, and why many vitamin B12 supplements are very high-strength (around 500–1,000 µg a day). So the passive route needs no energy, but it's less efficient than the active one.
The exception is liposomes. Thanks to the liposomal coating, absorption of the liquid B12 formulation isn't restricted and intrinsic factor is bypassed.
Note: not every liquid product is liposomal.
Forms of vitamin B12
Food supplements contain several different types of vitamin B12. The type affects how well your body can absorb and use the vitamin. These are the best-known forms:
Methylcobalamin: this form is natural and easily absorbed by the body (highest bioavailability). It's already a biologically active form, which means your body doesn't have to convert it into an active form. It can be particularly good at supporting the nervous system and regulating homocysteine levels.
Adenosylcobalamin: this form occurs naturally and is also a biologically active form of vitamin B12. It works well with methylcobalamin to protect the nervous system and is involved in energy production.
Cyanocobalamin: this is the form most often used in vitamin B12 supplements. It's synthetic and is converted in the body into adenosylcobalamin or methylcobalamin. Although it isn't of natural origin, it's relatively stable and inexpensive to produce.
Benefits of taking vitamin B12
Taking the right vitamin B12 product can help you:
- reduce tiredness and exhaustion
- improve your concentration
- strengthen your immune system, metabolism and nervous system
- improve your eyesight
There are several things to consider when choosing the right vitamin B12 product.
What to avoid when buying vitamin B12
When you take a vitamin B12 supplement, make sure it contains no additives that could cancel out the very benefits you're taking it for. Only use top-quality products: it's your health that's at stake.
When you're looking for a vitamin B12 product, here's what to avoid:
- a dose that is too low
- B12 that isn't in a bioactive form
- gelatine capsule shells, binders and anti-caking agents
- gelatine
- any allergens you react to, such as soya, gluten and lactose
- capsules that aren't gastro-resistant
- supplements at suspiciously low prices
- products claiming extremely high doses
What forms of vitamin B12 are there?
Vitamin B12 supplements come in several forms, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:
- capsules
- drops
- liposomal form
Tablets are among the most controversial forms. They often contain numerous additives that can have negative effects.
Capsules
Pros
Easy to take: just swallow
Practical when travelling and on the go
Easy to dose (consistent active ingredient content)
No unpleasant taste or smell
Cons
Stomach acid can affect absorption of the active ingredient
Digestion can partly break down the active ingredient
The bioavailability of the active ingredient can vary
The capsule shell may contain gelatine
Often contain additives
Unsuitable for people with swallowing difficulties
A high dose may require several capsules
Drops
Pros
Easy to dose
Fast absorption of the active ingredient (via the mucous membranes)
Good for people with swallowing difficulties or stomach problems
Versatile: can be mixed into drinks or food
Cons
The drops can taste unpleasant
Exact dosing can be difficult, as the number of drops varies
The liquid can leak or spill
Shorter shelf life than capsules
Liposomal form
Pros
Higher bioavailability of the active ingredient
Better absorption by bypassing stomach acid
Lower dose needed for the same effect
Can mask the taste of the active ingredient
No additives
Cons
May cost more because manufacturing is more complex
Availability and choice may be limited
Producing liposomes can be difficult and requires specialised technology
Because they measure just nanometres across and are rich in fats, liposomes protect the vitamin B12 inside them from being broken down by enzymes, such as those in saliva and stomach acid. They deliver the vitamin B12 directly into the bloodstream, which significantly improves absorption of the vitamin.
Vitamin B12 in true liposomal form
Liposomes are tiny lipid vesicles made of the same material as human cell membranes. Liposome technology encapsulates nutrients (such as vitamin B12), so your body doesn't see the enclosed active ingredient as a 'foreign body'. This lets your body absorb the active ingredients directly into the bloodstream with nothing lost along the way.
The liposomal coating lets your body absorb the active ingredients in large amounts and make full use of them.Because the vitamins are directly available, much lower doses are needed than with conventional supplements. Studies have found that liposomal vitamin B12 can be absorbed by the body around 13 times better.
Note: not every liquid product is liposomal.
A simple model of a liposome, with a fatty layer on the outside and a watery chamber inside. Liposomes are an innovative technology for releasing active ingredients precisely and efficiently. That's why they've become firmly established in medicine and cosmetics, where they have a wide range of uses.
Top 3: the best vitamin B12 supplements on the market
Finding the right vitamin B12 isn't easy.
That's why we assess vitamin B12 supplements against the following six criteria:
How is the vitamin B12 supplement formulated?
Are there any study or test results?
How high is the vitamin dose? (neither too high nor too low)
Does the product contain any allergens?
How good is the value for money?
Is there anything special about the formulation or production?
The most important factor: how is the vitamin B12 supplement formulated?
The most important factors when choosing a vitamin B12 supplement are bioavailability, dosage, the type of vitamin B12 formulation and the quality of the ingredients. This means the supplement should contain a form of vitamin B12 that your body can absorb effectively. The most commonly used forms are methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin has the advantage that your body can absorb it more easily and convert it into active vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin, on the other hand, is more stable and has a longer shelf life. However, your body first has to convert it into methylcobalamin before it can use it. Cyanocobalamin is much cheaper than methylcobalamin and is found in most supplements.
That's why methylcobalamin is the better choice for an effective vitamin B12 supplement.
The quality of the ingredients is another important factor, as poor-quality ingredients can reduce the supplement's effectiveness. It's worth looking for supplements that come from high-quality, natural sources and are free from additives.
product review
TESTED
our quality criteria
MELINAVA Vitamin B12
by MELINAVA
Pros
- Liposome technology
- High bioavailability thanks to liposomes (64 times higher)
- Contains bioactive vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin
- 25 µg of premium-grade B12 from the EU
- Active ingredient not destroyed by stomach acid (thanks to the liposomal coating)
- Also contains sea buckthorn extract (vitamin C)
- Vegan
- Made in Europe
- Free from soya, gluten and lactose
- No added preservatives
- No added allergens
- GMO-free
Cons
- Only available online
- Often sold out
Verdict
Melinava Vitamin B12 is high-strength, with 25 µg per daily dose.
Because the active ingredient is encapsulated in liposomes, much lower doses are needed than with conventional supplements.
The vitamin B12 it contains is in the active form methylcobalamin, which stands out for its particularly high bioavailability.
Melinava is one of the strongest over-the-counter vitamin B12 products on the European market.
The formulation and dosage are designed to work together to prevent and relieve a wide range of symptoms.
The innovative liposome technology ensures optimal absorption through the gut wall and into the bloodstream.
This makes Melinava up to 64 times more bioavailable. Thanks to the liposomal coating, absorption of the liquid B12 formulation is not restricted and intrinsic factor is bypassed.
User satisfaction and the many positive customer reviews of Melinava Vitamin B12 reflect the success of this product.
Melinava has been used with very good results for symptoms such as lack of energy, low mood and muscle weakness, as well as poor concentration and memory.
The manufacturer takes tolerability very seriously, which is why the product is completely free of unwanted additives. You can find more information on the manufacturer's website.
Vanosan B12
by VANOSAN
Pros
- Suitable for acute B12 deficiency
- B12 as cyanocobalamin
- Vegetarian
- Made in the EU
- No added preservatives
- No added allergens
- GMO-free
- Also available from pharmacies
Cons
- Limited absorption
- Not vegan
- Not lactose-free
- Does not contain bioactive vitamin B12
Verdict
Vanosan B12 provides a generous 1,000 µg per daily dose.
Vanosan B12 tablets contain cyanocobalamin, the inactive form of vitamin B12. The body first has to convert cyanocobalamin into adenosylcobalamin or methylcobalamin.
Users are mostly positive about Vanosan B12. It is well tolerated and helps build up the body's B12 stores. For many users, taking it over a longer period reduces symptoms such as poor concentration and memory, tiredness and exhaustion.
Some customers criticise the additives it contains (titanium dioxide in particular). Vanosan B12 contains lactose and is therefore not suitable for vegans.
Vanosan B12 is made in the EU and available online from Amazon and various online pharmacies. Delivery usually takes 2–3 working days.
Vitasprint B12 drinkable vials
by GSK
Pros
- High-strength
- Suitable for acute B12 deficiency
- B12 as cyanocobalamin
- Vegan
- Made in the EU
- No added allergens
- GMO-free
- Also available from pharmacies
Cons
- Does not contain bioactive vitamin B12
- Poor value for money
Verdict
Vitasprint B12 drinkable vials from GSK are high-strength, with 500 µg per daily dose.
Vitasprint contains cyanocobalamin, the inactive form of vitamin B12. The body first has to convert cyanocobalamin into adenosylcobalamin or methylcobalamin.
Vitasprint is mainly recommended as a course taken over a longer period to top up the body's B12 stores.
Users are mostly positive about Vitasprint B12 drinkable vials. They are well tolerated and provide relief from tiredness, lack of energy and poor concentration. Some customers criticise the vials for breaking easily. Opinions on the raspberry flavour are fairly mixed.
Delivery is free with Amazon Prime and usually takes 1–2 working days. Vitasprint is also available from pharmacies.
Getting enough vitamin B12 is important for strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of infections and inflammation.
Vitamin B12 and the immune system: how it strengthens your defences
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in a healthy immune system. It contributes to the formation of white blood cells, which defend the body against pathogens. A vitamin B12 deficiency can also weaken the immune system, because the vitamin is needed for cell division and DNA synthesis. Getting enough vitamin B12 can therefore help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections and illness. Older people, vegetarians and vegans, and people with certain conditions such as Crohn's disease or coeliac disease should take particular care to get enough vitamin B12 to support their immune system.
Vitamin B12 also has a major effect on brain function
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in how the nervous system works and can improve brain function. Getting enough vitamin B12 can support memory and cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. A 2018 study found that older adults with a higher vitamin B12 intake had better episodic memory than those with lower vitamin B12 levels. Vitamin B12 has also been shown to improve concentration and attention. Another study, from 2016, found that people with low vitamin B12 levels may be at higher risk of depression and mood disorders, which suggests that vitamin B12 also plays a part in regulating mood.
Medical tests are needed to confirm a deficiency beyond doubt.
Diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency
Blood test
A blood test is the most common method, but a deficiency doesn't show up in the results straight away. Vitamin B12 is stored mainly in the liver, and anaemia caused by a deficiency usually only develops after 2–5 years. That's why a blood test should measure not just vitamin B12 levels but also holotranscobalamin (holo-TC), serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels. If vitamin B12 and/or holo-TC levels are low, the next step is to check whether homocysteine or MMA (methylmalonic acid) levels are raised.
Urine test
The MMA test is cheaper and quicker than a blood test. It checks a urine sample for methylmalonic acid. A raised level is a reliable sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. The MMA test can pick up low levels very early on.
* We may earn a commission from some of the companies featured. This is how we keep our comparisons free to read.
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Sources
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