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Vitamin B12 500 mcg

Solgar
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(3442 ratings)
Vitamin B12 500 mcg
Product Image
Score80
Solgar Vitamin B12 500 mcg is best for moderate B12 potency with a small calcium contribution; the product uses a basic B12 form and does not target mucosal absorption.
How scoring works
Quantity:100 Tablet(s) • (100 servings)
Goals:
General Health
Energy
Hair Health
Productivity Boost

Score 80

Solgar Vitamin B12 500 mcg is best for moderate B12 potency with a small calcium contribution; the product uses a basic B12 form and does not target mucosal absorption.
How scoring works
$8.49($0.08 per serving)
iHerb
$ 8.49
Vitacost
$ 9.33
Daily Vita
$ 8.99
Pure Formulas
$ 8.99
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Analysis

The clearest strength is a transparent 500 mcg B12 serving. Cyanocobalamin is well established but requires conversion to active coenzyme forms, while the standard swallowed tablet does not provide a dedicated mouth-absorption advantage.

The serving also lists 130 mg calcium, which is modest as a calcium supplement but matters when timing medicines affected by calcium. Value is very good, which makes the product practical when its dose and form match the user.

B12 can support normal energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and nerve function, especially when intake or status is low. Benefits for energy, focus, or hair are most likely when inadequate B12 is the limiting factor.

Who is it for
  • Moderate B12 potency with a small calcium contribution
  • Adults with low dietary B12 intake
  • Users whose dose needs match the label potency
Best for
  • Correcting inadequate B12 intake
  • Normal energy metabolism when B12 status is low
  • Value-focused basic B12 supplementation

Pros

  • Clearly discloses 500 mcg of B12
  • Standard swallowed tablet is easy to understand
  • Value is very good
  • Simple focused formula without a crowded blend

Cons

  • The product uses a basic B12 form and does not target mucosal absorption.
  • Benefits beyond correcting low B12 are uncertain
  • No dedicated mucosal absorption design
  • Full intake directions and excipient details are not provided

Warnings

  • The 130 mg calcium can reduce absorption of levothyroxine and tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, so those doses should be separated.
  • People with impaired B12 absorption may need a different delivery plan because this is a standard swallowed tablet.
  • Cyanocobalamin may be a less suitable form for people with severe kidney disease.

Nutrient quality

79 High impact

A basic cyanocobalamin form and an ample dose provide a focused supplement. Added calcium contributes little to the main purpose.

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Ingredient transparency

82 Highest impact

Active amounts are generally clear and no proprietary blend obscures the formula. Full usage directions and non-active ingredients are not supplied, with any noted form ambiguity reducing clarity.

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Customer satisfaction

72 High impact

Aggregate satisfaction is very strong and supported by an extensive evidence base. No firsthand experience details are supplied, so recurring complaints and purpose alignment cannot be checked.

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Value for money

88 Highest impact

A focused formula and favorable serving position create strong value. Added calcium does little to improve competitiveness.

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Report analysis

Goals

General Health
General Health
Impact
High effect
A Goal FitB Strength of SupportC CoverageB- Formula Quality
Vitamin B12 · 500 mcg

Vitamin B12 supports cellular energy use, nerve function, and healthy red blood cell formation. The 500 mcg amount is useful for more than basic maintenance, but cyanocobalamin is less directly usable than bioactive B12 forms.

The swallowed tablet provides focused B12 support rather than broad general-health coverage. Added calcium is clearly disclosed but does not meaningfully strengthen the B12-focused design.

Study evidence
Vitamin B12 Adverse 66 studies
Energy
Energy
Impact
High effect
A Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin B12 · 500 mcg

B12 supports cellular metabolism and healthy red blood cell formation, so the product may help energy when B12 intake or status is low. It is unlikely to act like a stimulant in someone who already has adequate B12.

The 500 mcg amount exceeds the stated energy threshold and is clearly disclosed. Cyanocobalamin and a standard swallowed tablet are less preferred than bioactive B12 in an oral-dissolving format.

Study evidence
Vitamin B12 Disputed 14 studies
Hair Health
Hair Health
Impact
Moderate effect
D- Goal FitA Strength of SupportD- CoverageB+ Formula Quality

Cyanocobalamin at 500 mcg may help hair only when vitamin B12 deficiency is contributing to poor growth or anemia. Direct evidence for improving hair in B12-sufficient users is weak.

The amount is ample for supplementation and the active form is disclosed. The narrow single-vitamin approach does not address structural proteins, iron status, or follicle pathways.

Study evidence
Vitamin B12 Disputed 17 studies
Productivity Boost
Productivity Boost
Impact
Moderate effect
C+ Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageC Formula Quality
Vitamin B12 · 500 mcgVitamin B12 · 500 mcg

The 500 mcg B12 amount may support mental energy when low B12 status contributes to fatigue. Its exact amount is clear and reaches the stated therapeutic floor.

Cyanocobalamin is less directly usable than methylcobalamin, and the added calcium does not materially improve productivity support. Benefits are unlikely to extend to sharper focus or sustained output when B12 status is already adequate.

Study evidence
Vitamin B12 Supportive 15 studies
Vitamin B12 No effect 17 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
 500 mcg
Calcium
130 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Sugar Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) · 500 mcg OverallScore56
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB- Value

The 500 mcg dose provides more than basic maintenance but uses cyanocobalamin rather than a bioactive form. A standard swallowed tablet may be less suitable for people with absorption difficulties. The cost per active amount remains reasonable.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
89 Performance

Methyl B-12 1000 mcg & Methyl Folate 400 mcg plus P-5-P Lemon Flavor

Jarrow Formulas
The more focused formula provides 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin, plus 1.5 mg of Vitamin B6 and 680 mcg DFE of Folate. Compared with the original, it provides a larger vitamin B12 amount and uses Methylcobalamin instead of Cyanocobalamin.
86 Performance

Methyl B-12 Natural Cherry Flavor

ZHOU
The more focused formula provides 5,000 mcg of vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin. Compared with the original, it provides a larger vitamin B12 amount and uses Methylcobalamin instead of Cyanocobalamin.
87 Performance

B12 Energizer+ Natural Cherry Flavor

Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
The more focused formula provides 5,000 mcg of vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin. Compared with the original, it provides a larger vitamin B12 amount and uses Methylcobalamin instead of Cyanocobalamin.
86 Budget

Vitamin B12 2000 mcg

Nutricost
The lower serving cost still provides 2,000 mcg of vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin. Compared with the original, it provides a larger vitamin B12 amount and uses Methylcobalamin instead of Cyanocobalamin.
86 Budget

Quick Dissolve B-12 Methylcobalamin 2500 mcg

Nature's Bounty
No three unused eligible products had a lower listed serving cost, and this close-cost option provides 2,500 mcg of vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin. Compared with the original, it provides a larger vitamin B12 amount and uses Methylcobalamin instead of Cyanocobalamin.
87 Budget

Chewable Fully Active B12 Chocolate Mint Flavor 1000 mcg

Doctor's Best
No three unused eligible products had a lower listed serving cost, and this close-cost option provides 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin. Compared with the original, it provides a larger vitamin B12 amount and uses Methylcobalamin instead of Cyanocobalamin.
87 Value

Fully Active B12 1500 mcg

Doctor's Best
The favorable serving cost pairs 1,500 mcg of vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin with a simple ingredient profile. Compared with the original, it provides a larger vitamin B12 amount and uses Methylcobalamin instead of Cyanocobalamin.
87 Value

B12 Methylcobalamin 1000 mcg

Natural Factors
The higher serving cost pairs 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin with a simple ingredient profile, so its value depends on the intended dose. Compared with the original, it provides a larger vitamin B12 amount and uses Methylcobalamin instead of Cyanocobalamin.
85 Value

Vegan B12 2500 mcg

DEVA
The higher serving cost pairs 2,500 mcg of vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin with a simple ingredient profile, so its value depends on the intended dose. Compared with the original, it provides a larger vitamin B12 amount and uses Methylcobalamin instead of Cyanocobalamin.
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Effects of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Fatigue: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression.
    Markun S; Gravestock I; Jäger L; Rosemann T; Pichierri G; Burgstaller JM · Nutrients · 2021
    Meta-analysis6,276 participants16 studies pooledEnergy forVitamin B12
  2. Cobalamin deficiency: clinical picture and radiological findings.
    Briani C; Dalla Torre C; Citton V; Manara R; Pompanin S; Binotto G; Adami F · Nutrients · 2014
    Narrative reviewEnergy forVitamin B12
  3. Vitamin B12 Supplementation: Is More Always Better?
    Yepes-Calderón M; Doorenbos CSE; Stegmann ME; Touw DJ; Harmsen HJM; Heiner-Fokkema MR; van Spronsen FJ; Corpeleijn E; Bakker SJL · Nutrients · 2026
    Narrative reviewEnergy forVitamin B12
  4. Effects of vitamin B12 on performance and circadian rhythm in normal subjects.
    Mayer G; Kröger M; Meier-Ewert K · Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 1997
    Randomized trial20 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  5. The association of betaine, homocysteine and related metabolites with cognitive function in Dutch elderly people.
    Eussen SJ; Ueland PM; Clarke R; Blom HJ; Hoefnagels WH; van Staveren WA; de Groot LC · The British journal of nutrition · 2007
    Randomized trial195 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  6. Mild cognitive impairment and dementia: the importance of modifiable risk factors.
    Etgen T; Sander D; Bickel H; Förstl H · Deutsches Arzteblatt international · 2012
    Systematic reviewProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  7. Quantitative Analysis of Selected Circulating Hematological Biomarkers, Essential Minerals, Vitamins, and Thyroid Hormones in Females Affected by Hair Loss.
    Al-Fawaeir S; Al-Odat I · Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025
    Case-control study200 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  8. A comprehensive investigation of biochemical status in patients with telogen effluvium: Analysis of Hb, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, thyroid function tests, zinc, copper, biotin, and selenium levels.
    Durusu Turkoglu IN; Turkoglu AK; Soylu S; Gencer G; Duman R · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024
    Case-control study180 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  9. Dermatological findings of vitamin B12 deficiency and resolving time of these symptoms.
    Demir N; Doğan M; Koç A; Kaba S; Bulan K; Ozkol HU; Doğan SZ · Cutaneous and ocular toxicology · 2014
    Single-arm trial57 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  10. A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review.
    Dułak NA; Rytlewska M; Jaskólska M; Chmielewski M · Rheumatology international · 2024
    Case series3 participantsEnergy forVitamin B12
  11. Patients' experiences with methylcobalamin injections in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
    Zubair AS; Saab L; Scharer K; Khokhar B · Brain circulation · 2024
    Qualitative study5 participantsEnergy forVitamin B12
  12. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Common Questions and Answers.
    Patel H; McGuirk R · American family physician · 2025
    Narrative reviewEnergy forVitamin B12
  13. Oral Vitamin B12 versus Placebo for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Gynecological Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    Insin P; Chaiwongsa T; Prueksaritanond N · Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP · 2026
    Randomized trial40 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  14. Vitamin B12 Supplementation in Diabetic Neuropathy: A 1-Year, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    Didangelos T; Karlafti E; Kotzakioulafi E; Margariti E; Giannoulaki P; Batanis G; Tesfaye S; Kantartzis K · Nutrients · 2021
    Randomized trial90 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  15. A single-center randomized controlled trial of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute herpetic neuralgia.
    Xu G; Lv ZW; Feng Y; Tang WZ; Xu GX · Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.) · 2014
    Randomized trial98 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  16. Local Injection of Methylcobalamin Combined with Lidocaine for Acute Herpetic Neuralgia.
    Xǔ G; Xu S; Tang WZ; Xú G; Cheng C; Xu J · Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.) · 2017
    Randomized trial204 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  17. The Effect of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplementation on Serum Homocysteine, Anemia Status and Quality of Life of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
    Nozari E; Ghavamzadeh S; Razazian N · Clinical nutrition research · 2022
    Clinical trial50 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin B12
  18. Factors Associated with Premature Hair Graying in a Young Indian Population.
    Chakrabarty S; Krishnappa PG; Gowda DG; Hiremath J · International journal of trichology · 2016
    Case-control study74 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  19. Risk Factors for Pediatric Alopecia Areata: Clinical and Biochemical Findings from a Case - Control Study.
    İritaş SY · Dermatology practical & conceptual · 2026
    Case-control study600 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  20. Hair Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
    Katsogridaki G; Tzovaras G; Sioka E; Perivoliotis K; Zachari E; Magouliotis D; Tasiopoulou V; Chatedaki C; Zacharoulis D · Obesity surgery · 2019
    Cohort study50 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  21. Demographic Characteristics and Association of Serum Vitamin B12, Ferritin and Thyroid Function with Premature Canities in Indian Patients from an Urban Skin Clinic of North India: A Retrospective Analysis of 71 Cases.
    Sonthalia S; Priya A; Tobin DJ · Indian journal of dermatology · 2022
    Cross-sectional study71 participantsHair Health forVitamin B12
  22. Effects of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12, Alone and in Combination on Cognitive Function and Inflammatory Factors in the Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Single-blind Experimental Design.
    Ma F; Zhou X; Li Q; Zhao J; Song A; An P; Du Y; Xu W; Huang G · Current Alzheimer research · 2020
    Randomized trial240 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  23. Effects of Physical Activity and Micronutrients on Cognitive Performance in Children Aged 6 to 11 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    Meli AM; Ali A; Mhd Jalil AM; Mohd Yusof H; Tan MMC · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2022
    Meta-analysisProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  24. Cognitive function in an elderly population: interaction between vitamin B12 status, depression, and apolipoprotein E ε4: the Hordaland Homocysteine Study.
    Vogiatzoglou A; Smith AD; Nurk E; Drevon CA; Ueland PM; Vollset SE; Nygaard HA; Engedal K; Tell GS; Refsum H · Psychosomatic medicine · 2013
    Cross-sectional study1,935 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  25. Cognitive profile and inflammatory markers in children and adolescents with specific learning disorder: a cross-sectional study.
    Balatacı U; Ay B · Frontiers in pediatrics · 2026
    Case-control study108 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  26. Association between vitamin B12 levels and cognitive impairment in older adults.
    Aguilar-Navarro SG; Carbajal-Silva JC; Palacios-Hernández MGI; Gutiérrez-Gutierrez LA; Ávila-Funes JA; Mimenza-Alvarado AJ · Gaceta medica de Mexico · 2023
    Cross-sectional study241 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  27. Prenatal vitamin B12 status and cognitive functioning in children at 4 years of age: The ECLIPSES Study.
    Cruz-Rodríguez J; Canals-Sans J; Hernández-Martínez C; Voltas-Moreso N; Arija V · Maternal & child nutrition · 2023
    Cohort study249 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  28. Dietary intakes and biomarker patterns of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 can be associated with cognitive impairment by hypermethylation of redox-related genes NUDT15 and TXNRD1.
    An Y; Feng L; Zhang X; Wang Y; Wang Y; Tao L; Qin Z; Xiao R · Clinical epigenetics · 2020
    Cohort study2,533 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12
  29. Homocysteine, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12 blood levels in relation to cognitive performance: the Maine-Syracuse study.
    Elias MF; Robbins MA; Budge MM; Elias PK; Brennan SL; Johnston C; Nagy Z; Bates CJ · Psychosomatic medicine · 2008
    Cross-sectional study812 participantsProductivity Boost forVitamin B12