If you’ve recently decided to adopt the vegan lifestyle, it’s really important to educate yourself not only about the best foods to fulfill your daily nutritional requirements, but also about supplementation. Here Is a list of Best B12 Supplement for vegan.
While there are still a lot of myths surrounding what you can and can’t get enough of from a vegan diet, one thing you’ll definitely need to supplement once you go vegan is B12.
B12 is a vitamin responsible for keeping the cells in your nerves and blood healthy and producing genetic material in all your cells.
A lack of B12 can result in a condition called megaloblastic anemia.
In the past, you would have been able to get all the B12 you needed naturally from a vegan diet because it’s produced by microorganisms that used to live in our water supplies.
However, nowadays, our drinking water is treated with chemicals that kill these microorganisms.
Therefore, if you want to get your B12 needs met as a vegan today, you’ll need a good B12 supplement.
Stay tuned to read our reviews of the 5 best B12 supplements for vegans and our tips for choosing the one most likely to work for you!
NATURELO has a unique approach to formulating our supplements — we always use the cleanest most bioavailable ingredients whenever possible so that you can get the most benefit from each supplement.
Naturelo Vegan B12 is a dietary supplement that provides Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for the human body, in a vegan-friendly form. Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining good health, including healthy nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. As vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, vegans and vegetarians may need to take a B12 supplement to meet their nutritional needs.
Pros:
Vegan-friendly source of Vitamin B12: Provides an alternative source of Vitamin B12 for vegans and vegetarians who do not consume animal products.
Easy to take: Comes in a convenient capsule form that is easy to swallow.
Third-party tested: NATURELO claims that their product is tested by third-party labs to ensure purity and potency.
Cons:
Not suitable for everyone: Some individuals may have an allergy or intolerance to one of the ingredients in the supplement.
May not be as effective as animal-based sources: Vitamin B12 from plant-based sources may not be as well absorbed as B12 from animal sources.
May interact with medications: As with any supplement, it is important to speak with a doctor before taking, especially if taking other medications.
If you would prefer to take your supplements in tablet form rather than as a liquid, the MegaFood Blood Builder Vegan B12 supplement is a great option.
MegaFood Blood Builder is a dietary supplement that provides iron to support healthy blood production and overall health. It is designed for people who may have difficulty getting enough iron from their diet, such as those with iron-deficiency anemia. The supplement is made with whole food and added nutrients to ensure optimal absorption and utilization by the body. It is recommended to take it as directed by a healthcare professional.
Pros:
Made with whole food ingredients: The supplement is made with real food and added nutrients to ensure optimal absorption and utilization by the body.
Supports healthy blood production: Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues.
Can help with iron-deficiency anemia: Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition caused by low iron levels in the body. Taking an iron supplement can help to increase iron levels and alleviate symptoms of anemia.
Easy to digest: The supplement is gentle on the digestive system, making it a good choice for those who may have trouble tolerating other iron supplements.
Cons:
May cause side effects: Some people may experience side effects such as constipation, nausea, or stomach upset when taking iron supplements.
Not suitable for everyone: Iron supplements should be used with caution by people with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or heart disease, and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Can interact with other medications: Iron can interact with certain medications, including antibiotics and antacids, reducing their effectiveness.
May cause iron overload: Taking too much iron can lead to iron overload, a condition in which excess iron builds up in the body, potentially damaging organs and increasing the risk of certain diseases.
The Global Healing B12 Blend is undoubtedly one of the best B12 supplements out there for vegans.
This is another liquid formula designed to be taken by placing a single drop under the tongue once a day.
Each drop of Global Healing B12 contains 2,500 Mcg of B12, so you’ll be getting much more than the minimum dose you need for health with every dose.
Plus, thanks to the tongue dropper, the vitamin absorbs very quickly into your bloodstream so you can start experiencing the benefits as soon as possible.
We like that this B12 supplement is unflavored.
While there are definitely some delicious flavored supplements out there, flavored vitamins always come with a risk that the buyer won’t enjoy the flavor.
This liquid supplement has a mild, sweet flavor that doesn’t taste of anything in particular, so it’s great for those who are a little pickier about flavors.
Admittedly, this vitamin supplement isn’t the most budget-friendly, especially since each bottle contains just 30 days of supplementation.
However, we think the price is worth it for the superior quality, which is why every bottle comes with a 30-day guarantee.
Another tablet option for vegan B12 supplementation that we highly recommend is HUM B12 Uber Energy.
Each HUM B12 Uber Energy tablet contains 1,000 Mcg of B12, so you never have to worry about whether or not you’re getting enough of this essential vitamin if you buy this supplement.
In addition to the B12, these tablets contain added calcium, which is important for bone health and is another nutrient you should be paying attention to if you eat only plant-based foods.
If you have allergies or sensitivities to gluten, soy, or tree nuts, rest assured that none of these ingredients are present in the HUM B12 Uber Energy formula, so they’re safe for you to take on a daily basis.
However, you must remember to take your daily tablet with food to avoid symptoms like nausea or general stomach upset.
We love that the packaging for HUM B12 Uber Energy supplements is fully recyclable, including the labels.
This makes HUM B12 a sustainable choice, which is something that is important to much of the vegan community.
Pros:
May provide a boost in energy: Adrenal support supplements, like HUM Uber Energy, contain ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are thought to support adrenal function and increase energy levels.
Convenient: Taking a dietary supplement like HUM Uber Energy is an easy and convenient way to support adrenal health and increase energy levels without making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Cons:
Lack of regulation: Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that prescription and over-the-counter medications are, so there is no guarantee that they are safe or effective.
Potential side effects: Some ingredients in adrenal support supplements, like caffeine and ginseng, can cause side effects such as jitters, rapid heartbeat, and insomnia.
Interactions with medications: Some of the ingredients in adrenal support supplements can interact with prescription medications, so it's important to talk to your doctor before taking them, especially if you're already taking any medications.
It's important to remember that dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and that results may vary from person to person. Before taking any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional.
Our sublingual B12 is the most bioavailable for easy absorption into your body. Each dropper full contains 5000 mcg for an immediate boost to your body's defense system!
If you struggle to take tablets and find using a tongue dropper too awkward, this may well be the perfect supplement for you.
Please bear in mind that you will need to refrigerate this supplement after opening the bottle, so it may not be the best choice if you had planned to carry your B12 supplement with you during your work or school day, for example.
Organic Vitamin B12 liquid is a type of dietary supplement that provides vitamin B12 in a liquid form. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells, the maintenance of nerve cells, and DNA synthesis.
Pros:
Easy to absorb: Vitamin B12 liquid is often easier to absorb than other forms of vitamin B12, such as pills, which can be beneficial for individuals who have difficulty absorbing B12 through their digestive system.
Convenient: Vitamin B12 liquid can be added to drinks or food, making it a convenient way to supplement your B12 intake.
Potential for increased absorption: Liquid forms of supplements may offer higher bioavailability compared to other forms such as pills or gummies, allowing for better absorption by the body.
Cons:
Limited shelf life: Vitamin B12 liquid may have a shorter shelf life than other forms of B12 supplements, so it's important to store it properly and use it within a reasonable time frame.
Taste: Some people may find the taste of vitamin B12 liquid to be unpleasant, so it may be less appealing to them.
Cost: Vitamin B12 liquid may be more expensive than other forms of B12 supplements, such as pills.
It's important to note that vitamin B12 supplements are not a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet. Before starting any supplement, it's always best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional to determine if it is appropriate for you and to discuss the recommended dosage.
Choosing the Right B12 Supplement For Vegans
Everyone’s body and diet is different, which means that the right vegan B12 supplement for you might not be the same as someone else’s.
To determine which of the above B12 supplements you should add to your vegan diet, consider the following:
Supplement Form
Firstly, think about what form you would prefer to take your B12 supplement in.
The most common form of B12 supplementation is a simple tablet, and for some people, this is absolutely fine.
However, if you struggle to swallow tablets, even with water, you might want to consider other options.
Many vegans prefer to take their B12 in liquid form because this doesn’t involve swallowing a tablet and studies have shown that liquid supplements absorb faster.
However, some people find the tongue droppers included with liquid supplements tricky to use and they don’t always fill up all the way.
You also have the option of taking a B12 supplement spray, which you just have to spray into your mouth.
Some people love supplement sprays while others don’t, so this is a totally personal decision.
Dosage
For the most part, you don’t have to worry about a B12 supplement providing you with less B12 than you need per day.
If anything, the vast majority of B12 supplements contain far more B12 than you actually need.
Vegans are advised to consume anywhere between 3 (at minimum) and 250 micrograms (Mcg) of B12 per day, and as you can see from the products we’ve recommended, most supplements contain at least 200 Mcg, with some providing as much as 5,000 Mcg.
Taking more B12 than you need isn’t really an issue for most people because the excess is removed in the process of urination, but it’s always worth thinking about how much B12 you feel you need.
Stronger supplements will definitely mean you’re never lacking in B12, but if you are worried about the potential for rare side effects, it might be best to start with a slightly lower dose and see how you feel.
You can always swap your supplement for a stronger one if you don’t think it’s providing you with the benefits you need.
Additional Ingredients
Of course, the primary ingredient in your B12 supplement should be B12, but many vitamin supplements also contain additional ingredients and nutrients.
You’ll want to avoid filler ingredients where possible, but if filler ingredients are included for texture, binding, or flavor, try to make sure that they’re natural and organic.
It’s also worth looking for extra nutrients.
For example, some B12 supplements for vegans contain additional calcium for bone health, or extra folate and B6 for blood and nerve health.
It’s always a good idea to see your healthcare provider for a checkup including blood work before you choose your B12 supplement.
This will tell you if you’re deficient in any other nutrients, and you can then seek a B12 supplement that also provides the other nutrients you need.
If you have any intolerances or allergies, be sure to also pay attention to ingredients that are excluded from the formula.
We’ve recommended several 12 supplements that are gluten-free and soy-free, as well as some that are free from tree nuts.
Number of Servings
When choosing a vegan B12 supplement, you should be thinking about convenience and value for money as well as nutritional benefits.
The number of servings included per container is tied to both of these things.
If you don’t mind having to repurchase your supplement monthly (or buying several containers at once), a 30-serving bottle might suit you.
However, if you’d like to make a single purchase for a budget-friendly price that will last you months, it’s often better to choose a supplement bottle that contains more servings.
Some manufacturers sell their vegan B12 supplements in 60-serving containers, with others providing up to 140 servings per bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Really Need a B12 Supplement as a Vegan?
This is a question with a complicated answer.
There are many vegan foods that are fortified with B12, such as nutritional yeast, some plant milks, nori seaweed, tempeh, fortified cereals, and even marmite.
If you eat enough of these foods, you may be able to get your daily recommended B12 without a supplement.
So, it is technically possible for vegans to get all the B12 they need from fortified, plant-based foods.
However, this means paying a lot of attention to this specific nutrient every single day.
For most vegans, taking a daily supplement is a much quicker, easier, and more reliable way to get enough B12.
Not meeting your daily B12 requirements can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, faintness, brain fog, breathlessness, headaches, and heart palpitations, all of which are symptoms of megaloblastic anemia (a condition associated with B12 deficiency).
So, it’s always best to be on the safe side and take a B12 supplement if you’re vegan.
Are B12 Supplements Safe?
As a general rule, B12 supplements are completely safe as long as they’re taken according to the dosage instructions and don’t contain any potentially harmful ingredients.
Of course, if you have any allergies, you will need to check the ingredient list to make sure that a supplement is safe for you to take.
Taking too much B12 doesn’t usually produce adverse effects because the excess vitamin will normally just pass through in your urine.
However, rarely, side effects such as digestive issues, headaches, acne, rosacea, or blood clots have been reported as a result of taking excessive quantities of supplemental B12.
Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking a new supplement.
How Often Should I Take a B12 Supplement?
Most B12 supplements are designed to be taken on a daily basis, although there are some more potent formulas that should only be taken once a week.
Always read the label on the packaging of your chosen B12 supplement to make sure you’re getting the dosage right.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been worried about getting enough B12 as a vegan, we hope that this guide has put your mind at rest.
Any of our top 5 B12 supplements for vegans will provide you with all the B12 you need to maintain optimal health.
Before you start taking a new B12 supplement, read the label carefully and speak to your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount of supplementation based on your body, diet, and lifestyle.
Thank you for reading and we wish you the best of luck on your plant-based journey!
Hi, my name is Clara Howie and I have been a vegan since I was 22 years old. Now, ten years later, I’d like to think that I’ve learned a few things about this way of life!
I can’t lie, when I first began my vegan journey, the majority of my diet did consist of just vegetables and fruit with the occasional piece of tofu thrown in.
I got back on my feet, though, and I vowed to never make that same mistake again! I spent my free time learning about how to nourish my body properly without the use of meat and animal products. It actually turned out to be pretty easy!
Now I am healthier than ever and working alongside a nutritionist to ensure that I don’t slip up again.
That’s what this website is all about! Helping more people turn to the vegan lifestyle in a healthy and happy manner. I’ve got recipes, advice, tricks, tips, and more coming your way, so don’t miss it!
