B12 500 mcg
Life Extension
B12 500 mcg
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(10083 ratings)
Vitamin B12 500 mcg
Score 85.0
This Life Extension B12 supplement offers 500 mcg of the preferred methylcobalamin form at an excellent price per serving, making it a high-quality and cost-effective choice for daily B12 maintenance.
Quantity: 100 Liquid(s)Servings size: 1 Lozenge(s) (100 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Energy
Brain Health
Mood Support
Cognitive Support
Metabolism Boost
leaderboard Score 85.0
This Life Extension B12 supplement offers 500 mcg of the preferred methylcobalamin form at an excellent price per serving, making it a high-quality and cost-effective choice for daily B12 maintenance.
insights Analysis
Life Extension B12 500 mcg distinguishes itself by providing Vitamin B12 in the methylcobalamin form, which is highly active and readily absorbed by the body. This is a significant advantage over the more common cyanocobalamin. The 500 mcg dosage is suitable for daily maintenance and prevention of deficiency in many individuals, though it might be insufficient for those with severe deficiencies or specific therapeutic needs requiring higher doses. The product benefits from an excellent price per serving and an overwhelmingly positive review count, indicating high customer satisfaction and trust in the brand.
- Uses methylcobalamin, the highly bioavailable and active form of B12.
- Excellent price per serving, offering great value for an active B12 form.
- From Life Extension, a highly reputable brand known for science-backed formulations.
- Extremely high number of positive reviews reflects wide user satisfaction.
- 500 mcg is a practical daily maintenance dose for many.
- The 500 mcg dosage might be too low for individuals with significant B12 deficiencies or absorption issues requiring higher therapeutic doses.
$6.56($0.06 per serving)
 Vitacost | $ 6.56 | |
 Amazon | $ 6.56 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 6.75 | |
 iHerb | $ 6.75 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and proper neurological function. It helps maintain the health of nerve cells and supports the metabolism of every cell in the human body. Adequate intake is essential for overall health and well-being.
Vitamin B12 is vital for cellular energy production. However, supplementation primarily increases energy in individuals who are deficient in Vitamin B12. For those with adequate levels, there is limited evidence to suggest it provides an additional energy boost.
Vitamin B12 supplementation is highly effective in treating and preventing B12 deficiency. It can reverse many deficiency symptoms, such as anemia and neurological issues, especially when started promptly. The specific form and dosage depend on the individual's condition and the cause of the deficiency.
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in brain health and nerve function. In individuals with a B12 deficiency, supplementation can improve memory and cognitive issues. However, for people with sufficient B12 levels, there is limited evidence that supplements enhance cognitive abilities.
Yes, Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the myelin sheath that protects nerves and for synthesizing neurotransmitters. Deficiency can lead to neurological damage, including tingling, numbness, and difficulty with coordination. Supplementation helps prevent or reverse these issues in deficient individuals.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults is 2.4 mcg, but supplemental dosages can vary widely. For addressing deficiencies or maintaining levels in specific populations, daily dosages often range from 250 mcg to 1000 mcg or more. Higher doses are generally well-tolerated due to B12's low toxicity.
Vitamin B12 supplements are commonly available as cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form, while methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are natural, active forms found in the body. The choice of form may depend on individual needs or preferences.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that excess amounts are generally excreted in the urine, making toxicity rare. No Upper Tolerable Intake Level (UL) has been established for Vitamin B12 due to its extremely low potential for harm. However, it is always advisable to follow recommended dosages or consult with a healthcare provider for very high doses.
There is no universally 'best' time to take Vitamin B12, as it can be taken effectively at any time of day. Some suggest taking it in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, while others find taking it with food helps prevent minor stomach upset. Consistency in taking the supplement is generally more important than the specific timing.
Yes, specific populations often have different Vitamin B12 requirements or dosage recommendations. Vegetarians and vegans, for example, typically require supplementation due to the lack of dietary B12 sources. Older adults and individuals with certain gastrointestinal conditions may also need higher doses due to age-related malabsorption or specific medical conditions.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, certain medications can interact with Vitamin B12 absorption or metabolism. These include metformin, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-receptor antagonists, and some antibiotics. Individuals taking such medications should discuss B12 supplementation with their healthcare provider.
Vitamin B12 is generally considered safe, even at higher doses, because it is a water-soluble vitamin. Excess amounts are typically excreted through urine, minimizing accumulation. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Side effects from Vitamin B12 supplementation are rare, especially with oral forms. Mild gastrointestinal upset or skin reactions have been reported in some individuals. Serious adverse effects are highly uncommon.
Vitamin B12 has a low potential for toxicity because it is a water-soluble vitamin. There is no established upper intake level, as excess amounts are generally excreted without adverse effects. However, extremely high doses without medical supervision are not typically recommended.
Adequate Vitamin B12 is crucial for maternal and infant health during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Supplementation is generally considered safe and is often recommended, particularly for individuals with dietary restrictions. Discuss appropriate dosages with a healthcare professional.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Vitamin B12 | 500 mcg |
Categories
Vitamin B12 85.0
This product is highly rated for its use of the superior methylcobalamin form and excellent price per serving, making it a top choice for daily B12 supplementation, especially for those prioritizing bioavailability and value. The moderate dosage is suitable for maintenance.
Goals
Brain Health 90.0
Methylcobalamin is crucial for nerve health and directly supports brain function. This dose, while moderate, is highly effective for maintaining optimal neurological health and protecting brain cells.
Cognitive Support 90.0
This active form of B12 is vital for cognitive sharpness, memory, and concentration. The 500mcg dose is well-suited for consistent daily support of these brain functions.
Energy 88.0
The methylcobalamin form at 500mcg effectively supports cellular energy metabolism, helping to reduce fatigue and promote vitality, particularly for daily maintenance and preventing deficiency.
Recommended Alternatives
78 Value 
B-12 1000 mcg
Nature's Bounty
4.7
★★★★★
(65813 ratings)
Although cyanocobalamin, its price per serving of 4 cents for 1000mcg makes it incredibly cost-effective compared to Life Extension's 6 cents for 500mcg.
65 Value 
B-12 500 mcg
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(10877 ratings)
At 4 cents per serving, it offers the same 500mcg dose at a more competitive price per serving, albeit in cyanocobalamin form.
70 Value 
B12 500 mcg
Sundown
4.7
★★★★★
(775 ratings)
Provides 500mcg of cyanocobalamin at 4 cents per serving, offering a cheaper per-dose option for those focused on budget.
92 Performance 
Methylcobalamin 2.5 mg
Swanson Ultra
4.8
★★★★★
(618 ratings)
Offers a significantly higher dose of methylcobalamin (2500mcg), making it superior for individuals with more profound deficiencies or intensive neurological support needs.
92 Performance 
Fully Active B12 1500 mcg
Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(30986 ratings)
Provides a more potent 1500mcg dose of methylcobalamin, offering enhanced efficacy for those requiring higher levels of the active B12 form.
90 Performance 
Methyl B-12 1000 mcg Lemon Flavor
Jarrow Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(11077 ratings)
Offers a higher 1000mcg dose of methylcobalamin, providing greater potency and still excellent bioavailability compared to the 500mcg dose.
68 Budget 
Vitamin B-12 500 mcg
Swanson Premium Brand
4.7
★★★★★
(5180 ratings)
Offers the same 500mcg dose but in the cyanocobalamin form, making it a cheaper option for basic B12 supplementation.
65 Budget
B-12 500 mcg
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(10877 ratings)
A very affordable source of 500mcg cyanocobalamin, suitable for budget-conscious consumers seeking a low-cost B12 supplement.
60 Budget 
B 50 Complex
Thompson
4.7
★★★★★
(2864 ratings)
While a B-complex, its very low total price makes it a cheaper alternative if a lower dose of cyanocobalamin B12 (50mcg) and other B vitamins are desired.
78 Value
B-12 1000 mcg
Nature's Bounty
4.7
★★★★★
(65813 ratings)
Although cyanocobalamin, its price per serving of 4 cents for 1000mcg makes it incredibly cost-effective compared to Life Extension's 6 cents for 500mcg.
65 Value
B-12 500 mcg
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(10877 ratings)
At 4 cents per serving, it offers the same 500mcg dose at a more competitive price per serving, albeit in cyanocobalamin form.
70 Value
B12 500 mcg
Sundown
4.7
★★★★★
(775 ratings)
Provides 500mcg of cyanocobalamin at 4 cents per serving, offering a cheaper per-dose option for those focused on budget.
92 Performance
Methylcobalamin 2.5 mg
Swanson Ultra
4.8
★★★★★
(618 ratings)
Offers a significantly higher dose of methylcobalamin (2500mcg), making it superior for individuals with more profound deficiencies or intensive neurological support needs.
92 Performance
Fully Active B12 1500 mcg
Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(30986 ratings)
Provides a more potent 1500mcg dose of methylcobalamin, offering enhanced efficacy for those requiring higher levels of the active B12 form.
90 Performance
Methyl B-12 1000 mcg Lemon Flavor
Jarrow Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(11077 ratings)
Offers a higher 1000mcg dose of methylcobalamin, providing greater potency and still excellent bioavailability compared to the 500mcg dose.