What is the Best B12 Supplement for Vegans? Top Plant-Based B12 Supplements for 2020
If you’ve been considering going vegan, you’ve surely heard about all the vitamin deficiencies that may be caused once you stop consuming meat and fish. As you start the diet, you should be fully aware of the nutrients your body needs, and whether you should invest in supplements to make sure you continue to get those nutrients. One of these essential nutrients that supports your entire body is vitamin B12. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to get enough B12 from plant foods, no matter how varied, and vegans are well advised to use supplements.
B12 is a type of vitamin that’s soluble in water, and is vital for a variety of essential functions within your body, including your neurological function, maintaining metabolism, and producing healthy red blood cells. While you don’t need much B12 per day, vegans are at risk, because we typically get our fill of the vitamin from animal products.
If you’re asking yourself if it’s really that essential for vegans to take B12 supplements, the answer is yes–as long as veganism is practiced for the long term. Currently, there aren’t many plant-based sources of B12 that have a high amount of bioavailability to be considered great sources for the vitamin. One study also found that among more than 200 vegans, half of them were deficient in vitamin B12, and generally, the vitamin is missing by large in a vegan diet. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, investing in a great B12 supplement can help.
Top 5 Vegan B12 Supplements
How Much B12 Do Vegans Need?
Once every couple of days, vegans should consume 500-1,000 mcg of B12. While this may seem like a lot compared to the 2.4 micrograms recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board, the truth is that most of the B12 the supplement contains won’t be absorbed by your body, so you need a high dosage in order to get the amount you require. In general, a 500 mcg dose ends up providing your body with about 10 mcg. Rest assured that it’s not possible to overdose on B12 and difficult to even consume “too much” of it. If you’re a vegan, don’t be afraid to take high doses of this supplement.
If your vitamin B12 level is low and you’re suffering from a deficiency, you’re likely to know from the negative side effects. These effects include mood swings, disturbed vision, breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue, and pale skin. You’ll likely feel very lethargic and tired, since B12 has an important role in your metabolism, energy, and nervous system.
Is It Possible for Vegans to Get B12 From Other Sources?
If you’re looking for B12 sources other than from a supplement, you’ll have to find it in products that have been fortified with it. For example, some soy milk and almond milk has been fortified. However, that’s about it and there are no reliable plant-based sources of the vitamin. It’s true that some vegetables and fruits contain some B12, such as nori seaweed, chlorella, and mushrooms, but these sources are B12 analogues, which means they’re not potent and may be inactive. While these fruits and vegetables are currently under study, the results have varied and shown that there is not much B12 in them at all. In general, plant-based B12 is hard to find.
The Best Vegan B12 Supplements List
① Transparent Labs RawSeries Vitamin B Complex
Whether you’re looking for a supplement that fills the holes in your diet, or you work out hard and need a boost, this complex from Transparent Labs is loaded with eight water-soluble nutrients that support your cells and maintain natural energy levels. The complex also contains extra vitamins to support your body, such as choline, inositol, and vitamin C. A bottle will last you 120 days, and each vegan capsule will give you healthy nails, hair, and skin, increased metabolism and energy, and a boost to your brain function and immunity. It does all this without any artificial preservatives, coloring, or sweeteners, and zero gluten or GMOs. The ingredient profile includes biotin, riboflavin, folic acid, and vitamins.
Pros
- Contains other vitamins for a well-rounded boost to your health
- Zero artificial ingredients
- Supports immunity, metabolism, energy, healthy skin and nails, and brain function
Cons
- Capsules are not as easy to swallow
- Some users wished there were more vitamins included
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② Global Healing Center VeganSafe B12 Organic Liquid Vegan Vitamin
This liquid vitamin from Global Healing Center is vegan and organic, and comes in drops that taste great, are very easy to take, and act fast. It’s certified USDA organic, has involved zero animal testing, and is free from gluten and GMOs. It features a adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin blend that your body can absorb much faster than other forms of B-12, and the liquid is easy and delicious. With just three simple ingredients and no toxic fillers, synthetic dyes, or artificial flavors, the supplement is natural and pure, and it’s made in an eco-friendly facility here in the USA following good manufacturing practices. Take it to relieve low energy, fatigue, sleeplessness, sand sluggish feelings.
Pros
- Made in US, eco-friendly, GMP certified facility
- Promotes natural energy and maintains normal levels
- Features B12 blend that absorbs fast for quick relief
Cons
- Can cause an increase in anxiety
- Expensive investment
③ MegaFood Vegan B12
This B12 by MegaFood is vegan, non-GMO, and gluten free. Through 30 mini tablets, you can take this daily multivitamin to support healthy energy levels, optimize your performance, and maintain blood cell formation as your entire body gets optimal oxygen. On top of B12, it contains folic acid from broccoli, organic beet root, and B6 to support your mental energy as well as physical performance. It’s completely vegan friendly with plant cellulose and vegetable lubricant. All you need to do is take one convenient mini tablet any time, even on an empty stomach, and they’re easy to swallow. MegaFood is also completely free of soy, dairy, or gluten, and is certified Non-GMO Project, Certified Kosher, Certified Glyphosate Residue Free, Certified B Corp, and has been tested for over a hundred pesticides and herbicides.
Pros
- Simple, vegan ingredient list that includes beet root and broccoli
- Promotes mental and physical energy as well as healthy formation of blood cells
- Mini tablets are easy to swallow and need to be taken just once a day
Cons
- Has negative side effects and made many users nauseous and sick
- Bottles have very few tablets in them
④ MaryRuth Organics Extra Strength Organic Vitamin B12 Sublingual Spray
This sublingual spray from MaryRuth Organics will provide you with the energy boost you’re looking for in a vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO way. It features 3,000 mcg of organic Vitamin B12 sublingual methylated per serving, which is absorbed fast by your body, and is easy to spray. You’ll get extra strength and a boost of energy from organic ingredients that come in a delicious berry taste. This spray is not only great for both men and women, but safe for children as well, and it’s tested by third parties to ensure quality and purity. The vitamin B12 lasts for a long time in your body, so you continue to feel its effects. Not only will you get support for your energy, but also total body health as it aids with metabolism, red blood cell development, and the functioning of your nervous system. Vegan ingredients of this great-tasting spray include vitamin B12, purified water, mixed berry flavor, and vegetable glycerin.
Pros
- Third party tested to ensure purity and quality
- Easy, tasty spray is safe for kids
- Sublingual spray absorbs fast so you can support your body quickly
Cons
- Potency of the vitamin B12 is not very strong; product seems watered down
- Not much instruction on how or when to take it
⑤ LiveWell Labs Nutrition Vegan Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops
These drops from LiveWell Labs are maximum strength and feature a formula that provides you with 5,000 mcg of methylcobalamin vitamin B12 in each serving. Vegan and organic, the drops function as a natural energy booster and help to improve both your memory and your mood, which busts any lethargy or sluggishness you might be feeling. With 100% maximum strength methylcobalamin B12 and no other ingredients except organic citrus extract, glycerin, and water, this supplement will absorb fast and get to work fast so you feel the benefits as soon as possible. The flavoring is natural and has a refreshing lemon taste, which you’ll enjoy. On top of improving memory and aiding your immune system, the drops are non-GMO, high quality, and free from any soy, gluten, or lactose, with an earth-friendly formula. By taking just 1 ml per day with a glass of water, you’ll get the support you need for the overall health of all your systems.
Pros
- Absorbs fast and gets to work right away
- Features maximum strength at 5,000 mcg of B12 per serving
- Simple, clean ingredient list
Cons
- Can cause itching, rashes, and other forms of allergic reactions
- Some users really disliked the taste
⑥ Garden of Life B12 Vitamin
Garden of Life’s B12 vitamin is an organic whole food supplement concentrate spray that boosts your energy and metabolism with a great-tasting, natural raspberry flavor. A single spray of this provides you with 500 mcg of vegan B12 methylcobalamin to support your heart health, immune system, and nervous system, as it also protects you from anemia and maintains healthy red blood cells and healthy nerve cells. It features vegan ingredients derived from nutritious, real foods, such as a certified organic food blend, organic carrot, and organic beet root. The spray is certified USDA organic, vegan, gluten free, Kosher-Made, and Non-GMO. You’ll also support your mental energy and concentration as you get whole food vitamin B12 in an easy, simple, tasty manner. Take one spray daily, and keep in mind this product in particular is not safe for children.
Pros
- Certified organic, vegan, and non-GMO
- One spray a day supports your physical health and mental health
- Simple ingredient list that includes organic, whole foods
Cons
- Doesn’t have as high a dosage of B12 as many other products
- Cap to the bottle gets moldy quickly from leftover moisture as you spray
⑦ Nested Naturals Vitamin B12 Quick Dissolve
This vitamin B12 from Nested Naturals dissolves very quickly and provides 2,500mcg of Vitamin B12 per serving to boost your energy, your metabolism, and your mind. The tablets are easy to take and completely vegan, and they have been tested by third parties to ensure quality and purity from ethically-sourced ingredients. Nested Naturals uses methylcobalamin B12, which is processed quickly by your body and doesn’t require any extra steps in metabolism. Its supplement is also ideal for vegetarians and vegans, as it helps prevent B12 deficiencies and the tablets are completely vegan as well as convenient, dairy free, nut free, egg free, soy free, and yeast free. Taking the product is convenient and easy, no need for sprays or glasses of water; just pop it underneath your tongue and let it dissolve to combat fatigue and low energy. The tablets are sweetened with mannitol, so you get a small, sweet taste that won’t impact your blood sugar levels. Take just one a day to enhance your metabolism, mood, and energy.
Pros
- Tested by third parties
- Tablets are easy to take and quickly dissolve
- 100% vegan and free of yeast
Cons
- Has an unpleasant, chalky taste
- Has a negative aftertaste
Conclusion & What is the Best B12 Supplement for Vegans
A Vitamin B12 deficiency can be very dangerous for vegans. This essential vitamin plays a vital role in many different functions throughout our bodies, and when you don’t get enough, you’ll be able to feel it; you’ll be lethargic, tired, and completely drained of energy. Unfortunately, all B12 that comes from our diets is animal based, and vegans risk deficiency. To ensure this doesn’t happen, it’s highly recommended that vegans take vitamin B12 supplements. These supplements will restore your energy as they also provide a boost to your mood, mental performance, and physical performance. Take a look at the top seven best supplements above to get started. Our favorite is the Transparent Labs Vitamin B Complex (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE). Be sure to use coupon code CL10 to save at checkout.
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