Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. However, many people aren’t aware of the warning signs of a deficiency. From fatigue and mood changes to neurological symptoms, understanding these warning signs can empower people to take steps to maintain optimal B12 levels. Learn more about B12 deficiencies and what supplements are available with an online search.
Warning Signs of a Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Low or deficient levels of vitamin B12 can have various symptoms, some of which can be severe and result in irreversible damage, particularly to the nervous system and brain.1 However, such cases are rare. Even slightly lower-than-normal levels of vitamin B12 can trigger nonspecific symptoms that are not sufficient for diagnosing a deficiency. Here’s a list of the most common symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency…
- Depression
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Fatigue, headaches
- Mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
As the condition worsens, neurological changes like numbness and tingling in the hands and feet may occur, along with difficulty maintaining balance. In severe cases, insufficient levels can lead to anemia. Additional symptoms include a sore mouth or tongue, weight loss, pale or yellowing skin, diarrhea, and menstrual problems. It’s important to address vitamin B12 deficiencies right away to prevent potential complications.
Nature Made Vitamin B12 Soft Gels
Nature Made provides an affordable option for vitamin B12 supplementation in convenient soft gel form. With each soft gel containing 1,000 micrograms of B12, it offers an easy and gluten-free way to boost your B12 levels. Notably, these soft gels are free from artificial flavors, synthetic dyes, and are held to high quality and safety standards, being cGMP certified and USP verified.
Nature Made is most popular among pharmacists for its reliability.2 However, it’s important to note that these soft gels are not suitable for vegans due to the use of gelatin, and those with a soy allergy should avoid them due to the inclusion of soybean oil. For users, the recommended dosage is one soft gel daily, taken with water and a meal.
Garden of Life MyKind Organics Vegan B12 Spray
This vitamin B12 spray is made with methylcobalamin and organic fruits and botanicals, offering a raspberry flavor and providing 500 micrograms of B12 with a daily spray. It’s not only a convenient way to get B12, but also beneficial for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.3
However, the strong flavor might be overwhelming for some. Combining the power of methylcobalamin and organic ingredients, this B12 spray is praised for its potency and convenience. Say goodbye to pill-swallowing troubles and embrace the simplicity of this effective B12 solution.
Vitacost Liquid Vitamin B12
Vitacost’s Liquid Vitamin B12 is an excellent option for individuals who find it challenging to take supplements in tablet or capsule form. With its liquid formulation, users have the flexibility to customize the dosage to their needs. You can easily adjust the amount by adding more or less than the suggested serving size of 16 drops, which provides a substantial 1,000 micrograms of cyanocobalamin. All it takes is a drop on the tongue or mixed into water, juice, or a smoothie.
This supplement undergoes rigorous third-party testing to ensure purity and potency. It is also suitable for vegans and individuals following a gluten-free lifestyle. However, the source warns that it does contain soy, which makes it unsuitable for individuals with soy allergies. Vitacost’s Liquid Vitamin B12 allows people to enjoy the convenience and adaptability of a liquid supplement while meeting their B12 requirements.
Thorne Research Basic Nutrients
Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day is a convenient and cost-effective multivitamin that can be an excellent option for individuals with multiple nutrient deficiencies or higher nutrient needs. What sets Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day apart is its significant dosage of 600 micrograms of methylcobalamin. This makes it a suitable choice for treating or preventing a B12 deficiency, notes the source.
Thorne is renowned for producing high-quality supplements and holds the NSF Certified for Sport certification. This certification ensures that the product is free from unsafe levels of contaminants and prohibited substances. Additionally, their product is free from dairy, soy, gluten, and animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for vegans and those with specific dietary restrictions.
Care/of Vitamin B12
Care/of is a personalized vitamin subscription service that offers tailored recommendations based on an online quiz about your lifestyle and goals. The quiz covers a wide range of questions to assess your specific vitamin needs. Whether it’s issues with sleep, morning grogginess, or overall exhaustion, Care/of provides personalized recommendations to address these concerns. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone needing an energy boost.
You have the option to select individual B12 supplements or opt for a B complex that includes other B vitamins like riboflavin and biotin. Additionally, you can add other supplements such as ashwagandha, collagen, and probiotics. While it’s possible to customize the vitamins, the personalized subscription may incur higher costs. It’s likely cheaper to purchase them separately. Take one capsule a day with a meal to get 250 micrograms of vitamin B12. This ensures optimal absorption and utilization of the vitamin.
