vitamin Vitamins Oral

Vitamin B12

Essential vitamin for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production. Primarily obtained from animal-based foods.

Sci.Cobalamin 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin Vitamin B12 (5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin) Cobalamin Cyanocobalamin Methylcobalamin Hydroxocobalamin Adenosylcobalamin
4 forms
Oral

About Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for neurological function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. It acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy metabolism and homocysteine methylation. Deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and irreversible neurological damage. It is naturally found in animal products, and absorption requires adequate stomach acid and intrinsic factor.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
202

At a glance

Suggested daily

Adults: 2.4 mcg (NIH ODS). Higher during pregnancy/lactation.

Max safe daily

No established UL due to low toxicity potential (NIH ODS).

Approval status

supplement

Compare All Forms

4 forms

Compare supplement forms of Vitamin B12 by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
  • CAS: 68-19-9
  • DSLD group id: 2785
 — — — View →
Vitamin B12 (deoxyadenosylcobalamin)
  • CAS: 13422-55-4
  • DSLD group id: 9708
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Vitamin B12 (Hydroxycobalamin)
  • CAS: 13422-55-4
  • DSLD group id: 3479
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Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
  • CAS: 13422-55-4
  • DSLD group id: 2668
  • Label category: Synthetic (Bacterial fermentation)
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Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, cianocobalamina, cultured cyanocobalamin, liposomal vitamin b12, mecbl, mecobalactive, mecobalamin, methyl b12, methylcobalamine, methylcobalamin triturate, methylcobalamin trituration, natural cyanocobalamin, spirulina-bound cyanocobalamin, tsianokobolamin, vitamin b-12, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B12 (deoxyadenosylcobalamin), Vitamin B12 (Hydroxycobalamin), Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)

Type: Vitamins

Organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition. Required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body.

Absorption: Fat-soluble vitamins require dietary fat for absorption. Water-soluble vitamins are generally well-absorbed but excess amounts are excreted.

Interactions: Some vitamins can interfere with medications. Fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body.

Watch out for

Possible interactions or cautions — talk to a healthcare provider if unsure.

  • Metformin may affect B12 absorption.
  • Certain antibiotics can alter gut flora and affect B12 levels.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Vitamin B12 forms:

Energy Levels Brain Health Nerve Function Supports Nerve Health Enhances Brain Function Promotes Red Blood Cell Production

And 12 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Vitamin B12 forms:

Acne How serious: Mild Allergic Reactions How serious: Mild Mild Gastrointestinal Issues How serious: low Headache How serious: Mild Nausea How serious: Mild Mild Diarrhea How serious: low

And 1 more side effect...

What does the research say?

Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining healthy nerve cells and producing DNA and red blood cells. Studies show that deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including anemia and neurological disorders.