Vitamin B12 is a necessary vitamin that can be found in foods like meat, fish, and dairy. It is frequently taken with other B vitamins and can also be produced in a lab. The brain, nerves, and blood cells are the main parts that need vitamin B12 to function and develop. Vitamin B12’s active form is methylcobalamin. The most typical form of vitamin B-12 used in supplements is cyanocobalamin, which the body must convert into an active form. Vitamin B12 tablets are frequently used to treat conditions like cyanide poisoning, and high levels of homocysteine in the blood. That is why we will talk about vitamin B12 tablets in this article.
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Key Points
- The water-soluble vitamin B12 is utilized by your body for a number of processes, including the synthesis of DNA, the production of energy, and the development and maintenance of your central nervous system.
- However, those who are older, vegetarians or vegans, or who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to absorb vitamin B-12 from food, may benefit from taking oral supplements.
- If a medical professional has advised you to take a vitamin B12 supplement, you should think about a number of factors before buying it.
- A list of the top famous vitamin B 12 tablets is discussed.
- As with any dietary supplement, it’s crucial to consult a physician before taking a vitamin B12 supplement.
What is Vitamin B12?
Your body uses vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin, for a variety of functions, including energy production, DNA synthesis, and the growth and operation of your central nervous system.
Although some plant-based foods, like nutritional yeast, are fortified with it, it is mainly found in animal-based foods like beef, salmon, yogurt, and milk.
Supplemental vitamin B12 may come in a few different forms. Methylcobalamin, the biologically active form of vitamin B12, and cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form, are two of the most popular.
Also read- Vitamin B12 Benefits: How Much Should You Take Per Day?
When to use Vitamin B12 Tablets?
The majority of people can fulfil their vitamin B12 needs solely through diet, so not everyone needs to take a supplement.
Healthcare professionals, however, might suggest vitamin B12 supplements for some people, such as
- Vegetarians
- Older Adults
- Patients who have had gastrointestinal surgery
- Patients with nutrient absorption problems
- Patients with dietary restrictions
Proton pump inhibitors and metformin are two examples of long-term medications that may benefit from a supplement because they can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.
However, medical professionals may advise an intramuscular injection rather than an oral supplement in cases of severe vitamin B12 deficiency or absorption problems.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before taking a vitamin B12 supplement, as with any other supplement.
You should also read- What Are The Symptoms Of Low B12? How To Treat Them?
How to choose a Vitamin B12 Tablet?
There are several things to think about when purchasing vitamin B12 supplements if a doctor has advised you to do so:
1- Supplement form
- The various supplement forms for vitamin B12 include pills, sprays, gummies, liquids, lozenges, and chewable tablets.
- Choose a form that you can take consistently on a daily basis.
2- Vitamin B12 type
- Even though it has been suggested that the active form of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, is more easily absorbed than synthetic forms, research has not demonstrated a discernible difference.
- But somehow you may consider it too while taking vitamin B12 tablets.
3- Cost
- Because the cost per serving can differ greatly between products, think about how the one you select will fit into your budget.
4- Quality
- It is also best to select a product that has undergone independent testing, as this guarantees that it has been examined for heavy metals, contaminants, and label accuracy.
Have a look at- What age can take vitamin B12? How it provides benefits to health?
Top 5 Famous Vitamin B12 Tablets in Pakistan
Now let us discuss about the famous vitamin B12 tablets available in Pakistan.
1- Care/of Vitamin B12
Customized daily vitamin packs are delivered to your door by the vitamin and supplement company Care/of, which operates on a subscription model.
The brand’s vitamin B12 is non-GMO, gluten-free, and suitable for vegans. The company also claims that all Care/of products are independently tested for contaminants, heavy metals, and purity.
Advantages
- Third-party tested
- Vegan-friendly
- Convenient daily packs
- Gluten-free
Disadvantages
- Needs a subscription
- May not be suitable for everyone due to the high dose
Other Details about Care/of Vitamin B12
- Form- Capsule
- Vitamin B12 type- Methylcobalamin, Adenosylcobalamin, and Hydroxocobalamin
- Dose: 250 mcg
What is the price of Care/of Vitamin B12 in Pakistan?
The price of Care/of Vitamin B12 in Pakistan is Rs. 8,000-10,000/-
2- HUM Nutrition B12 Turbo
For vegan diets, HUM Nutrition B12 Turbo was especially created. An additional nutrient that may be challenging to get enough of on a plant-based diet is calcium, which the supplement also provides in small amounts.
HUM Nutrition B12 Turbo has undergone independent testing and is non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of artificial sweeteners and preservatives. You can also get specialized guidance from a registered dietitian if you buy it as a subscription.
Advantages
- Third-party tested
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Access to a dietitian included with subscription
Disadvantages
- Low calcium dose
- High vitamin B12 dose that may not be appropriate
Other Details about HUM Nutrition B12 Turbo
- Form- Tablet
- Vitamin B12 type- Methylcobalamin
- Dose: 1,000 mcg
What is the price of HUM Nutrition B12 Turbo in Pakistan?
The price of HUM Nutrition B12 Turbo in Pakistan is Rs.8,000-9,000 /-
Must read- Vitamin B12 Side Effects and Treatment
3- OLLY Daily Energy Gummy
A popular B12 supplement called OLLY Daily Energy Gummy includes goji berry extract and coenzyme Q10.
This supplement contains cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that is frequently used to treat vitamin B12 deficiencies in contrast to the majority of the other supplements on our list.
The OLLY Daily Energy Gummy is gluten-free and third-party certified by NSF. The Tropical Passion-flavored gummies have beet sugar, orange juice, and glucose syrup as sweeteners.
Advantages
- NSF-certified
- Gummy form that some people might find more tolerable
- Certified gluten-free
- Pleasant flavor
Disadvantages
- Insufficient research to support the use of goji berries and CoQ10 for boosting energy levels
- Each serving also contains 2 grams of added sugar
- Not vegan-friendly
- Contains a form of synthetic vitamin B12
Other Details about OLLY Daily Energy Gummy
- Form- Gummy
- Vitamin B12 type- Cyanocobalamin
- Dose: 300 mcg
What is the price of OLLY Daily Energy Gummy in Pakistan?
The price of OLLY Daily Energy Gummy in Pakistan is Rs.12,000-13,000 /-
4- NOW Foods Methyl B-12
NOW Foods Methyl B-12 lozenges are one more option besides capsules. A lozenge is placed under your tongue and allowed to melt rather than being swallowed.
These vegan-friendly lozenges are created in factories that have received certification from UL Solutions, an independent agency that verifies secure production procedures.
All of the brand’s supplements are reportedly third-party tested for potency and purity, according to NOW Foods.
Although the NOW Foods Methyl B-12 lozenges are unflavored, they are sweetened with fructose and sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol.
Advantages
- Certified by UL Solutions
- Easy to take
- Affordable
Disadvantages
- Has sugar alcohols in it, which some people might prefer to avoid
Other Details about NOW Foods Methyl B-12
- Form- Lozenge
- Vitamin B12 type- Methylcobalamin
- Dose: 1,000 mcg
What is the price of NOW Foods Methyl B-12 in Pakistan?
The price of NOW Foods Methyl B-12 in Pakistan is Rs. 8,500-9,000/-
5- Nature Made B12 Softgels
One of the most reasonably priced choices on our list is Nature Made B12 Softgels. For quality and purity, they have also been USP-verified.
These softgels contain 10% of the DV for calcium and are gluten-free. Just keep in mind that the supplement is not suitable for people who follow vegan or vegetarian diets because it contains gelatin and beeswax.
Advantages
- USP-verified
- Affordable
- Easy to find
- Gluten-free
Disadvantages
- Not vegetarian-friendly
- Contains a high dose that may not be appropriate for some people
- May not be suitable for people with kidney problems
Other Details about Nature Made B12 Softgels
- Form- Softgel
- Vitamin B12 type- Cyanocobalamin
- Dose: 1,000 mcg
What is the price of Nature Made B12 Softgels in Pakistan?
The price of Nature Made B12 Softgels in Pakistan is Rs. 12,000-13,000/-
Ending Notes
A number of foods derived from animals, such as meat and many dairy products, contain the necessary vitamin B12 in small amounts.
A vitamin B12 supplement may be helpful for some populations, including those who are vegan or older adults who are at a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Make sure to select a B12 supplement that suits your dietary requirements and preferences when you are out shopping for one. It’s a good idea to choose a product that has undergone independent testing for potency and purity.
Consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement to make sure you are selecting an appropriate product and dose. Book an appointment with a nutritionist through Marham right now.
FAQs
1- Should you take vitamin B12 in the morning or at night?
You can take a vitamin B12 supplement whenever suits you best because there is no right or wrong time to do so. If you stick to the same time every day, it might be simpler to remember.
2- Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?
Bananas contain vitamin B12 in rich amounts. It treats ulcer issues as well as helps control blood pressure and stress. Additionally, the fruit also helps to control body temperature.
3- Is B12 good for hair?
Vitamin B12 may give you the appearance of having thicker and fuller hair because more oxygen is being delivered to your hair follicles. As stronger hair shafts are a result of adequate B12 intake, vitamin B12 may also help your hair look overall healthier.
