Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for a variety of functions, such as red blood cell formation, nerve function, DNA synthesis and energy production.

The majority of people should get enough vitamin B12 in their diets from sources like meat, eggs and dairy products but there are people who need to supplement their B12 intake to avoid deficiency. This includes those following a strict plant-based diet and those with certain medical conditions.

If you need a vitamin B12 supplement, we've tried out industry-leading products, assessing them for the amount and type of B12 that they contain, as well as how easy they are to take and other ingredients, including whether they include any additional nutrients.

Read on for our recommendation of the best vitamin B12 supplements, plus everything you need to look for when choosing a supplement.

Jump to:

Best vitamin B12 supplement at a glance

  • Best capsule vitamin B12 supplement: Viridian High Potency B12 capsules, £13.50
  • Best tablet vitamin B12 supplement: ZipVit vitamin B12 1100mcg, £7.29
  • Best vitamin B12 supplement for vegans: Wild Nutrition Food Grown Vitamin B12 Plus, £17.50
  • Best oral spray vitamin B12 supplement: BetterYou Boost 1200mcg B12 Daily Oral Spray, £7.75
  • Best liquid vitamin B12 supplement: Viridian Liquid B12, £18.65
  • Best value vitamin B12 supplement: Vitabright Dual Active B12 1000mcg, £12.99
  • Best flavourless vitamin B12 supplement: Zooki Vitamin B12 capsules, £24.99
  • Best gummy vitamin B12 supplement: Novomins Vitamin B12 Gummies, £17.99

Best vitamin B12 supplements to take 2025

Viridian High Potency B12 capsules

best vitamin B12 supplement

Best capsule vitamin B12 supplement

Star rating: 5/5

This small capsule has no discernible taste or smell, so we found it very easy to take. We were impressed by the ingredients of this supplement, which has no fillers, preservatives or binders, just an active form of vitamin B12 in a base of bilberry, spirulina and alfalfa.

Available from:
Bodykind (£13.30)
Amazon (£13.50)

ZipVit vitamin B12 1100mcg

best vitamin B12 supplement

Best tablet vitamin B12 supplement

Star rating: 5/5

With a daily cost of less than a penny this supplement could be a great option if you want to add more vitamin B12 but are on a tight budget. You get a year's supply at once, so you don't have to worry about running out of supplements, although it's worth noting the tub is a little bulky. This is a high-strength formula, providing 1100mg of methylcobalamin which is a natural form of vitamin B12.

Available from:
ZipVit (£7.29)
Amazon (£8.49)

Wild Nutrition Food Grown Vitamin B12 Plus

best vitamin B12 supplement

Best vitamin B12 supplement for vegans

Star rating: 4.5/5

With ingredients from ethical sources, Wild Nutrition regularly impresses when it comes to supplements. This one is no different with food-sourced vitamin B12 combined with beetroot powder to enhance its effects. This is one of the pricier supplements on this list but the brand will give you your money back if you don't get on with the supplement within 30 days.

Available from:
Wild Nutrition (£17.50)
Amazon (£17.50)

BetterYou Boost 1200mcg B12 Daily Oral Spray

best vitamin B12 supplement

Best oral spray vitamin B12 supplement

Star rating: 4.5/5

If you prefer to avoid capsules and tablets, an oral spray supplement like this one could be a really good option. The sprays are designed to bypass the digestive system by delivering the vitamin B12 directly to your bloodstream, as the supplement is sprayed onto the inner cheek. Four sprays make up one daily dose, which can be taken throughout the day, and we really enjoyed the taste of this supplement.

Available from:
Amazon (£7.75)
BetterYou (£9.99)

Viridian Liquid B12

best vitamin B12 supplement

Best liquid vitamin B12 supplement

Star rating: 4.5/5

Another alternative to a capsule supplement is this liquid one. It can be added directly under the tongue or mixed into a glass of water, and we found it has a natural orange flavour that we enjoyed. The formulation is suitable for those on a vegan diet and contains two different active forms of vitamin B12.

Available from:
Bodykind (£18.65)

Vitabright Dual Active B12 1000mcg

best vitamin B12 supplement

Best value vitamin B12 supplement

Star rating: 4/5

On test we found these compact tablets easy to take, with a dose of one per day. It's a good affordable option too, with the daily dose coming in at 22p. This supplement contains two natural and active forms of vitamin B12: methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.

Available from:
Amazon (£5.99)
Vitabright (£12.99)

Zooki Vitamin B12 capsules

best vitamin b12 supplement

Best flavourless vitamin B12 supplement

Star rating: 4/5

Delivered in a liposome that the manufacturer claims enhances the absorption, this supplement comes in the form of a compact capsule that is easy to swallow and is flavourless. It's worth noting that, at 83p per dose, this is one of the pricier supplements in this list.

Available from:
Bodykind (£19.99)
Amazon (£24.99)

Novomins Vitamin B12 Gummies

Novomins Vitamin B12 Gummies

Best gummy vitamin B12 supplement

Star rating: 3.5/5

Taking a gummy is another good option for those who prefer to avoid capsules or tablets. This gummy has a fruity smell although the flavour isn't overpowering. It uses vitamin B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin which is combined with other B group vitamins.

Available from:
Novomins (£17.99)
Amazon (£17.99)

Why do we need vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is involved in a lot of vital processes in the body. These include creating DNA and RNA, keeping the nervous system healthy, releasing energy from food and producing red blood cells.

It's important to have enough vitamin B12 and for most people this can be achieved through diet. Sources of vitamin B12 include meat, offal, dairy products, fish and eggs. Read the guide on what is vitamin B12 good for by our friends at Good Food.

Should I take a vitamin B12 supplement?

Many people will be able to get enough vitamin B12 from a balanced diet. However, there are people who may need to supplement their intake, for example if you're unable to eat a balanced and varied diet. Other people who may need to consider taking a vitamin B12 supplement include those on a plant-based diet, elderly people and those with a compromised digestive system.

There are foods you can incorporate into your diet which are fortified with vitamin B12, such as breakfast cereals, plant milks and nutritional yeast.

If you are unsure about whether you would benefit from taking a vitamin B12 supplement we would always recommend talking to your GP. It is also important to consult a medical professional if you are taking certain prescribed medication or have certain sensitivities or allergies.

What is the most effective form of vitamin B12?

When looking at vitamin B12 supplements there are a few different forms the vitamin will take. The most common natural forms of B12 are adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin, while cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form which is used to fortify food as well as some supplements.

If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency it may be best to opt for a natural form of active B12 as it appears these have better rates of retention in the body.

How we test vitamin B12 supplements

When testing vitamin B12 supplements all supplements are assessed for ingredients, the form of vitamin B12 and the nutrient profile of the B12 by a registered nutritionist. Our reviews team then tries the supplements to test the smell and flavour, ease of use and sustainability of the packaging.

We also assess the value for money of each supplement included in our list, factoring in the cost of the daily dose into our testing process.

All health content on olivemagazine.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. Check the product label and ingredients before purchase to ensure it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Ad

Related content

Best sleep supplements
Best magnesium for sleep
Best collagen supplement UK
Best greens powder
Best mushroom supplement
Best glucosamine supplement
Best omega 3 supplement UK
Best probiotics UK
Best protein bars
Best protein powder
Best vegan protein powder

Authors

Imogen Hope
Kerry Torrens – NutritionistNutritionist

Kerry Torrens Bsc (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a registered nutritionist with a postgraduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post
Ad
Ad
Ad