What variations of vitamin B12 exist?

Keeps nerves healthy and helps make red blood cells and energy. Absorption drops with age, low stomach acid, some medicines, and autoimmune gastritis. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.

For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult

Our top pick

The ready-to-use ones

Methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin

The forms your body uses directly. Often combined in one product.

Good for: Everyday use

Also consider
Budget-friendly: the budget one (Cyanocobalamin)

Every form, in plain words

Our top pick

The ready-to-use ones

Methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin

The forms your body uses directly. Often combined in one product.

Good for: Everyday use

Also good

The long-lasting one

Hydroxocobalamin

Lasts a long time and is well studied. Your body converts it to the forms it uses.

Also good

The budget one

Cyanocobalamin

Stable, inexpensive, and well studied. Your body converts it to the forms it uses.

Good for: Budget-friendly

Spotting a good one on the shelf

Look for

Look for 'Methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin' on the label (the ready-to-use ones)

Watch out for

Starting high-dose B12 before a blood test, which can make later results hard to read

Check with your provider first if…

You have numbness, tingling, or balance problems. Get tested before starting, since a B12 shortage needs a diagnosis.
You have pernicious anemia, which needs lifelong treatment and monitoring, not just a supplement

In Dr. Lesher's store

11 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have vitamin B12. Here's which form, where the label says.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.