Dr.pharmacist
NOW Vitamin B12

NOW Vitamin B12

methylcobalamin

SupplementNOW Vitamin B12
Reviewed by Younghun Cho

Pharmacist's Verdict

NOW Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) is a highly effective supplement for individuals with a diagnosed B12 deficiency or those at risk, such as vegetarians, vegans, and older adults. It provides a crucial nutrient in a form that is readily used by the body.

Ingredient Analysis

Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Contains methylcobalamin, an 'active' form of B12 that the body can use directly without needing to convert it.
  • Essential for important body functions like healthy nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis.
  • Can significantly improve energy levels and reduce fatigue in people with a B12 deficiency.
  • Very important for vegetarians and vegans who may not get enough B12 from their diet.
  • Generally very safe to take with a low risk of side effects, even at higher doses.

Cons

  • Many people get enough B12 from their regular diet, so supplementation may not be necessary or beneficial.
  • Taking extra B12 when you don't need it won't provide additional benefits and can be an unnecessary expense.
  • High doses of B12 could potentially mask (hide) a folate deficiency, which requires separate attention.
  • Certain medications, like metformin (for diabetes) and proton pump inhibitors (for acid reflux), can reduce B12 absorption, so consult a doctor if taking these.

References

  1. 1.
    FDA Drug Label — Professional Weight Support

    FDA DailyMed: Professional Weight Support · FDA

  2. 2.
    B12 as a Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review.

    Julian T, Syeed R, Glascow N, et al., Nutrients, 2020 · PubMed

  3. 3.
    Efficacy and Safety of Mecobalamin on Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

    Sawangjit R, Thongphui S, Chaichompu W, et al., Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 2020 · PubMed

  4. 4.
    Efficacy of B-vitamins and vitamin D therapy in improving depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

    Borges-Vieira JG, Cardoso CKS, Nutritional neuroscience, 2023 · PubMed

  5. 5.
    Cobalamin C defect: natural history, pathophysiology, and treatment.

    Martinelli D, Deodato F, Dionisi-Vici C, Journal of inherited metabolic disease, 2011 · PubMed

  6. 6.
    Metformin-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.

    Tiwari A, Kumar Singh R, Satone PD, et al., Cureus, 2023 · PubMed