If you're feeling unusually tired, having trouble with memory, or noticing tingling in your hands and feet, you might be low on Vitamin B12. This essential nutrient plays a major role in keeping your nerves, red blood cells, and brain functions healthy. Deficiency is especially common among older adults, vegans, and those with certain medical conditions or medications that affect absorption.
To help you find the right supplement, we've teamed up with Board-Certified Family Medicine Specialist, Dr. Eron Tan. Whether you're shopping for B-complex blends or high-dose tablets, we'll walk you through what to look for—from dosage and formulation to trusted brands. We’ve also included a curated list of products you can easily order online via Lazada and Shopee.
Quick List - Top Vitamin B12
Natural Factors
Active Vitamin B12 for Energy, Nerve, and Heart Health
Dr. Tan is a Family and Occupational Medicine doctor and college faculty member with expertise in clinical care, preventive medicine, and evidence-based practice. With a strong background in primary and secondary care, research, and community-oriented primary care, he simplifies complex health topics for readers. His experience in occupational health provides insights into workplace well-being and safety, ensuring health-related decisions are grounded in research and reliable medical knowledge.
David is a law graduate (LL.B) who has a sharp eye for details and a strong passion for helping others make smarter decisions. Since he joined mybest in 2020, he’s been working on buying guides that make it easier to find the best products—whether they’re everyday essentials or unique finds. Apart from his work at mybest, David has also written for Grotto Network, a digital platform from the University of Notre Dame, and has experience as a special educational needs assistant. These roles have helped him hone his ability to connect with people and make complex topics more relatable and easy to understand. His love for nature and moments of reflection keep him grounded, and this thoughtful perspective shines through in every article he writes for mybest.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Even with a normal diet, older adults, post-surgery patients, and long-term medication users may not absorb B12 well. Supplementation or regular monitoring is often needed.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect many people, but certain groups are more prone to developing it due to dietary restrictions, health conditions, or medication use. If you belong to any of the groups below, it may be worth discussing supplementation with your doctor.
You may be at risk of B12 deficiency if you are:
Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause fatigue, cognitive decline, or tingling sensations. These are signs that often go unnoticed at first.
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including red blood cell formation, nerve health, and DNA synthesis. A deficiency can manifest in various ways, and if you notice any of the following symptoms, it might be time to consider a supplement:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who can assess your B12 levels and recommend appropriate supplementation if needed.
Only FDA-registered products are approved for public use and ensure safety, efficacy, and quality.
When buying any supplement in the Philippines, always check that the brand is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This registration confirms that the product has passed local safety and quality standards.
Avoid supplements that do not display an FDA Registration Number or have unclear ingredients and exaggerated claims. Also, steer clear of products that make unrealistic promises, such as “cures all diseases” or “instant results,” as these are often unregulated. Sticking to registered brands also helps ensure you're getting the correct dosage and formulation.
Whether you're maintaining optimal levels or addressing a deficiency, selecting the right dose ensures you get the most effective support for your health.
A daily dose of 100–200 mcg is generally enough for healthy adults or those with mild deficiency.
For general maintenance or prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency, the typical oral prophylactic dose ranges from 100 to 200 mcg daily. This amount is suitable for healthy individuals who may have limited dietary intake of vitamin B12, such as vegetarians, vegans, and older adults with reduced stomach acid production.
It’s also a good dose for people recovering from a mild deficiency who do not have underlying absorption issues. These lower doses are commonly found in daily multivitamins and are safe for long-term use without the need for frequent medical monitoring.
High doses like 1000–5000 mcg are used for severe deficiency, especially in people with malabsorption or neurologic symptoms.
When treating a diagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in cases involving malabsorption, neurologic symptoms, or a history of gastrointestinal surgery, much higher doses are required. Dr. Eron Tan recommends injectable B12 at 1000 mcg per dose for initial treatment, with the exact frequency and duration depending on the severity of the deficiency.
After this initial phase, oral supplementation ranging from 1000 to 5000 mcg daily may be used for maintenance. These high doses are typically prescribed to individuals with conditions such as pernicious anemia, post-bariatric surgery, or chronic gastrointestinal disorders, and they should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Methylcobalamin is the active form of B12 and may offer better neurologic uptake, especially in people with nerve issues.
Vitamin B12 comes in several forms, with cyanocobalamin being the most common synthetic type and methylcobalamin being the active form naturally found in the body. While both are effective, methylcobalamin is often preferred for people experiencing neurologic symptoms like tingling, numbness, or cognitive issues. It may also be a better choice for individuals with methylation defects or those who prefer active vitamin forms.
Some vitamin B12 supplements are formulated with other B vitamins or nutrients to address specific concerns like nerve pain, stress, or hair thinning. These blends can offer added benefits depending on your health needs.
B-complex may help with nerve health, fatigue, and stress, especially B1 and B6.
If you’re dealing with nerve-related symptoms like numbness, tingling, or general fatigue, a supplement that combines vitamins B1, B6, and B12 can be beneficial. This B-complex combination supports the nervous system and may help relieve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage. It’s also recommended for people recovering from chronic illnesses, post-COVID fatigue, or those experiencing high levels of stress.
Dr. Eron Tan notes that B-complex is especially useful for individuals with alcohol use disorder or poor nutritional intake, as these conditions often involve multiple B-vitamin deficiencies.
If your only deficiency is Vitamin B12, a standalone supplement offers a more focused and efficient solution.
B12 supports cell turnover, including hair follicles, but its role in hair health is indirect—rule out other potential causes of hair loss.
Although vitamin B12 does not directly regulate hormones, it contributes to healthy cell turnover, which includes the growth cycle of hair follicles. If you're experiencing hair thinning or loss, you may consider blends that include B12 along with biotin or folic acid, both of which are commonly associated with hair, skin, and nail health.
These nutrients work together to support overall cellular function and may be especially helpful when hair loss is due to general nutritional deficiencies. However, it’s important to rule out other possible causes, like thyroid issues or iron deficiency, before relying solely on supplements for hair concerns.
For those with digestive issues, sublingual or injectable forms may be better, while others may prefer tablets or capsules for convenience.
The format of your vitamin B12 supplement can impact absorption and convenience, so choose one that suits your needs:
Vegetarians and especially vegans need regular B12 from supplements or fortified foods. Look for products that clearly state vegan certification and contain bioavailable forms like methylcobalamin.
Those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are at higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency since the nutrient is primarily found in animal products. To maintain adequate levels, choose supplements labeled as “vegan-friendly” or “plant-based” that contain bioavailable forms of B12 such as methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin.
Also, check the label for third-party certifications and avoid capsules made with gelatin or animal-derived binders. Fortified foods can help, but supplementation is often necessary to meet daily needs.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dosage Form | Dosage | Type of B12 | Nutrient Blend | FDA-Registered Brand | |||||
1 | Natural Factors Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin 1000 Mcg | ![]() | Active Vitamin B12 for Energy, Nerve, and Heart Health | Tablet | 1000mcg | Methylcobalamin | No | ||
2 | Nature Made Vitamin B12 1000 Mcg Softgels | ![]() | Time Release Vitamin B12 for Lasting Energy and Focus | Softgel capsule | 1000mcg | Cyanocobalamin | No | ||
3 | Carlson Vitamin B-12 Chewable Tablets 1000 Mcg | ![]() | Energy Boosting Support With Nerve and Brain Health | Tablet | 1000mcg | Cyanocobalamin | No | ||
4 | NEUROBION Vitamins B1+B6+B12 9+1 Value Pack | ![]() | Triple B-Vitamin Support for Nerve and Energy Health | Tablet | 200mcg | Cyanocobalamin | Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 | ||
5 | Unilab Neurogen E Vitamin B-Complex + Vitamin E Tablet 20s | ![]() | Nerve Health Support With Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin E | Tablet | 1000mcg | Cyanocobalamin | Vitamins B1, B6, B12, and E | ||
6 | NOW Foods Folic Acid 800 Mcg With Vitamin B-12 250 Tablets | ![]() | Essential B Vitamins for Cell Growth and Energy | Tablet | 25mcg | Cyanocobalamin | Folic acid and vitamin B12 | ||
7 | United Home Multi-B Vitamin B Complex (B1+B6+B12) | ![]() | Affordable and Accessible Vitamin B Complex to Boost Your B Vitamin Levels | Tablet | 50mcg | Cyanocobalamin | Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 | ||
8 | Bayer Supraneuron Vitamins B1 + B6 + B12 Sulit Pack 11+3 Tablets | ![]() | Effective Nerve Support With High-Potency B Vitamins | Tablet | 500mcg | Cyanocobalamin | Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 | ||
9 | Pharex B-Complex Vitamin B1+B6+B12 100 Tablets | ![]() | Balanced Support for Nerve Health and Energy | Tablet | 50mcg | Cyanocobalamin | Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 | ||
10 | Natural Factors B12 Methylcobalamin 5000 Mcg 60 Chewable Tablets | ![]() | High-Potency Vitamin B12 Support for Energy and Immunity | Tablet | 5000mcg | Methylcobalamin | No |
Features and benefits:
• Provides 1000 mcg of methylcobalamin for faster absorption
• Supports red blood cells, nervous system, and energy metabolism
• Chewable tablets with no artificial additives or allergens
Reviews mention:
Customers find this vitamin B12 supplement highly effective and appreciate its great taste. It dissolves quickly in the mouth and is easily absorbed, with some noting it's the best form of B12 for absorption. They also like the dosage and energy-boosting effects. However, some are concerned about the inclusion of animal products.
Dosage Form | Tablet |
---|---|
Dosage | 1000mcg |
Type of B12 | Methylcobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | No |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Customers praise this B12 supplement for its noticeable boost in energy, saying it helps them stay active throughout the day. Many also like the tablet's manageable size, similar to Tylenol, and its pleasant taste. Several users mention it's a great value for the price and share that they felt better overall, with one even reporting improved B12 levels after regular use.
Dosage Form | Softgel capsule |
---|---|
Dosage | 1000mcg |
Type of B12 | Cyanocobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | No |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users appreciate the pleasant lemon flavor and chewable format, making daily supplementation both easy and enjoyable. Consistent use is often linked to noticeable boosts in energy and mental clarity. While a few suggest that the dosage instructions could be clearer, overall feedback emphasizes the product’s quality and effectiveness.
Dosage Form | Tablet |
---|---|
Dosage | 1000mcg |
Type of B12 | Cyanocobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | No |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users report noticeable relief from nerve discomfort and improved overall energy. They also appreciate the value pack for its affordability and practicality, especially for regular supplementation. While some mention wanting larger pack sizes, most users are satisfied with the product as it provides daily nerve and vitamin support.
Dosage Form | Tablet |
---|---|
Dosage | 200mcg |
Type of B12 | Cyanocobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users find this product effective at reducing nerve discomfort and enhancing sensation in affected areas. They also like the combination of B vitamins and vitamin E, which supports nerve health. Some people note that the tablets are a bit large, but overall, many value their effectiveness and quality.
Dosage Form | Tablet |
---|---|
Dosage | 1000mcg |
Type of B12 | Cyanocobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | Vitamins B1, B6, B12, and E |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the product’s effectiveness in supporting pregnancy health and overall energy levels. They find it easy to take and value the vegetarian-friendly formulation. While many value its quality and benefits, some users suggest clearer dosage instructions.
Dosage Form | Tablet |
---|---|
Dosage | 25mcg |
Type of B12 | Cyanocobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | Folic acid and vitamin B12 |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Reviews mention:
Users often report noticeable relief from nerve discomfort and improved energy levels with regular use. Many appreciate the product’s affordability and value for daily nerve support. Some suggest taking it with meals to avoid mild stomach upset, but overall satisfaction is high for its effectiveness and ease of use.
Dosage Form | Tablet |
---|---|
Dosage | 50mcg |
Type of B12 | Cyanocobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users report significant relief from nerve discomfort and improved function with regular use. Many appreciate the potent dosage and affordability, noting it supports energy and overall nerve health. To reduce mild stomach upset, some suggest taking it with meals.
Dosage Form | Tablet |
---|---|
Dosage | 500mcg |
Type of B12 | Cyanocobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
With regular use, many have experienced relief from nerve discomfort and increased energy. They highlight the supplement's affordability and effectiveness for managing symptoms like tingling and numbness. Taking it with some food can help avoid a bit of stomach discomfort.
Dosage Form | Tablet |
---|---|
Dosage | 50mcg |
Type of B12 | Cyanocobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Customers like this Vitamin B12 supplement for its effectiveness and great methylcobalamin form. It dissolves quickly under the tongue for easy absorption, leading to increased energy and reduced adrenal fatigue. Some users also report improvements in mental clarity and metabolism.
Dosage Form | Tablet |
---|---|
Dosage | 5000mcg |
Type of B12 | Methylcobalamin |
Nutrient Blend | No |
FDA-Registered Brand |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Eron Tan.
Vitamin B12 is best taken in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. Avoid pairing it with high doses of vitamin C or iron, as these may slightly interfere with its uptake. If you’re taking multiple supplements, consider spacing them out for better tolerance and effectiveness.
Yes, daily use of B1, B6, and B12—often found in B-complex supplements—is generally safe when taken at recommended doses. These vitamins support nerve function, help reduce fatigue and stress, and are useful during recovery from illness or when dealing with neuropathy. If you're unsure whether a B-complex is right for you, it's best to consult a healthcare provider.
Yes, Vitamin B12 can be safely taken with most other supplements, including iron, collagen, and multivitamins. However, iron and B12 are absorbed best in slightly different pH environments, so if you notice side effects like nausea, try taking them at different times of the day. Always follow the dosage instructions and consult your doctor if you're combining several supplements.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Natural Factors|Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin 1000 Mcg
No. 2: Nature Made|Vitamin B12 1000 Mcg Softgels
No. 3: Carlson|Vitamin B-12 Chewable Tablets 1000 Mcg
No. 4: NEUROBION|Vitamins B1+B6+B12 9+1 Value Pack
No. 5: Unilab|Neurogen E Vitamin B-Complex + Vitamin E Tablet 20s
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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