There is a lot to know when it comes to getting the right amount and variety of vitamins and minerals in a plant-based diet. This is especially true when it comes to vitamin B12 supplements.
Turns out vitamin B12 is somewhat lacking in the plant-based world and is mostly present in animal-based products such as “fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products,” as well as fortified breakfast cereals and supplements.
Alright, but why do we need vitamin B12? This water-soluble vitamin (meaning it doesn’t need fat to be broken down and absorbed), is “required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.” Vitamin B12 — also referred to as cobalamin due to its composition of mineral cobalt — is also super important for a variety of chemical reactions within the human body.
Plus, vitamin B12 has been linked to a variety of health benefits including the prevention of anemia, major birth defects, osteoporosis, and loss of neurons, as well as increased bone and heart health, reduction in macular degeneration, and a boost in energy. On top of that, certain studies have linked appropriate vitamin B12 levels to improved mood and symptoms of depression, along with healthier hair, nails, and skin.
All in all, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re getting enough of this vital nutrient! If you’re practicing a strictly plant-based diet, then you’ll want to speak with your doctor about a possible supplement in order to get that daily dose. Once you’ve gone over the options with a healthcare professional, here are a few vegan-friendly B12 supplements to get you started!
We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy!
1. Mary Ruth’s Vegan Vitamin D3+B12 Gummy Supplements
Mary Ruth’s Vegan Vitamin D3+B12 Gummy Supplements/Amazon.com
Mary Ruth’s is a known vegan-friendly and high-quality supplement brand, which gives it first digs on this vegan vitamin B12 list! These Mary Ruth’s Vegan Vitamin D3+B12 Gummy Supplements not only offer a healthy dose of vitamin B12, but they also offer a healthy dose of vitamin D3, which is also difficult to find naturally in an exclusively vegan diet. Plus, these gummies are non-GMO, paleo-friendly, wheat-free, yeast-free, soy-free, and celiac-friendly! They contain zero nightshades (for nightshade-sensitive folks), zero gelatin, and they provide a boost of energy to boot. These strawberry-flavored gummies are a perfect addition to your plant-based diet. A 60-count bottle costs $23.95.
Lisa Bee says “Slowly on the course of moving myself to a veganism diet, I decided to start switching over my supplements (let’s be real, this girl doesn’t even take vitamins on a daily) but upon starting to take them I have noticed I had just a little more energy to boost me through my mornings. I will say that I am pleasantly pleased with the product and I will be buying them again in the future.”
2. Garden of Life B12 Vitamin Liquid Supplement
Garden of Life B12 Vitamin Liquid Supplement/Amazon.com
Another trusted, plant-based, high-quality, oftentimes vegan brand, this Garden of Life B12 Vitamin Liquid Supplement is a great on-the-go or travel-friendly option. This blend of methylcobalamin-based vitamin B12 supports healthy metabolism and central nervous system, boosts energy, and increases heart health, while also protecting the body against anemia. This product is certified USDA organic, non-GMO verified, vegan certified, gluten-free certified, and kosher made. A 2-ounce liquid bottle costs $12.59.
J, Ru says “I have been using tablets for years with sketchy results. After researching liquid VS tablet I thought I would give it a try. I suffer from Hashimoto’s, and my husband had thyroid cancer, From taking 5-6 10 mg tablets at a time with little results to two sprays a day, the results are dramatic. we can finally tell it is working for us. Highly recommend. Shipping was fast and well packaged.”
3. Global Healing Center Vegansafe B12
Global Healing Center Vegansafe B12/Amazon.com
This Global Healing Center Vegansafe B12 uses a blend of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, which are the “most pure, active, bioavailable coenzyme combination available.” This formula promises to offer results faster and absorb better and more efficiently than other supplement types, as well as offer natural sleep Support! Global Healing Center promises this product is certified organic, vegan-safe, and free of gluten, soy, dairy, GMOs, nuts, sugar, artificial flavors, synthetic dyes, and toxic fillers. A 1-fluid ounce bottle costs $19.95.
Kimberly M. says “Love! I let a drop sit under my tongue for a minute in the morning and around 2-3 pm. Increases energy without the effects of stimulants…very mellow natural energy boost with no side effects.
UPDATE: my B12 levels were around 645 when I started this a year ago, and today my levels are 1,450 which is high. I reduced the amount to 1/4 dropper and will check my levels in a few months.”
4. Deva Vegan Vitamin B-12 Fast Dissolve Lozenges
Deva Vegan Vitamin B-12 Fast Dissolve Lozenges/Amazon.com
Not a capsule or liquid supplement fan? These Deva Vegan Vitamin B-12 Fast Dissolve Lozenges may be the perfect in-between supplement to help you get that daily dose of vitamin B12. Deva promises this blend of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid to be 100 percent animal product-free and pure. This unique formula is especially helpful at maintaining healthy nerve cells! A 90-tablet bottle costs $13.78.
RDS says “This is an excellent product, both in its obvious and not-so-obvious attributes. First, the form of B12 in Deva’s formula is methylcobalamin, which is the only form that is readily absorbed by us in oral form. Second, the formula also contains Folic Acid and B6, which act synergetically with B12 to optimize utilization. Third, this is one of the few purveyors of B12 that guarantee they do not use genetically modified sources. And finally, the sublingual tablets help to ensure maximum absorption by the system. And the price is right. This is the best source of B12 I have found.”
5. EZ Melts B12 as Methylcobalamin
EZ Melts B12 as Methylcobalamin/Amazon.com
This EZ Melts B12 as Methylcobalamin offers a high-quality, bioactive form of vitamin B12 made with methylcobalamin. This unique blend supports mental clarity, emotional balance, energy levels, and helps with the renewal of cells to boost healthy skin, hair, and nails. EZ Melts promises this product to be vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and is free of sugar, gluten, and artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors. A 90-fast dissolve tablet bottle costs $18.99.
Shellie M. says “Phenomenal product. Literally kicks in within 30 minutes and instant energy. Doesn’t feel like a coffee jump of energy, it’s more natural. I haven’t experienced any downsides to this product even after not using it because I finished the bottle.”
6. VitBoost Vegan Liquid B-12 Drops
VitBoost Vegan Liquid B-12 Drops/Amazon.com
This VitBoost Vegan Liquid B-12 Drops offers all the goods in a fast-acting vegan-friendly form! This blend offers a much-needed energy boost throughout the day, while also supporting the adrenal glands, red blood cell formation, mental clarity, cognitive function, and helps improve concentration. This product is vegan-friendly, non-GMO, allergen-free, gluten-free, and also happens to be free of soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, GMOs, peanuts, shellfish, and sugar. A 2-fluid ounce bottle costs $19.95.
Huevos rancheros says “This stuff is amazing?! I have thyroid issues and problems with fatigue. i take one dropper in the morning and one in the afternoon and my workouts and energy has never been better and its just been several days! im almost mad i didnt find this sooner because no other b complex bvitamins ever worked for me.”
7. NATURELO B Complex
This NATURELO B Complex is not just about getting that vitamin B12 in your body but is an advanced B-complex formula with Thiamin (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), B6, Folate (as Methylfolate, not Folic Acid), B12 (as Methylcobalamin), Biotin and Pantothenic Acid, as well as organic fruit and vegetable blend, PABA, Choline, Inositol, and CoQ10. This unique formula seeks to Support energy metabolism, maintains the immune system, supports heart and nervous system health, and is a great source of folate for pregnant women. This product is vegan-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free, and does not contain soy, dairy, yeast, eggs, corn, nuts, caffeine, additives, preservatives, or coloring. A 120-capsule bottle costs $26.95.
Seeka Kinsey says “I wanted to wait a while before I reviewed this to see if I noticed any physical/mental changes. It’s been about a month of taking this and I can honestly say I feel more energy and less depression, which is what I had hoped for. My hair is growing faster (falling out less, too) and my skin is clearing up (initially I broke out but I stuck to it and am leveling out). I find myself getting more done throughout the day and just in general feeling better. It hasn’t been a drastic change, just a light boost that was much needed. I appreciate that it is vegan, it actually smells good and is easy to swallow.”
8. Doctor’s Best Fully Active B12
Doctor’s Best Fully Active B12/Amazon.com
This Doctor’s Best Fully Active B12 uses methyl-cobalamin, which is the most biochemically active form of vitamin B12, hence the supplement name “fully active.” This product is vegan-friendly and is formulated to Support healthy memory, mood, circulation, and well-being. A 60-capsule bottle costs $4.55.
Samantha Boyden says “This product really helps my family not worry about our B12 intake. The pills are nice and small, they are vegan friendly, and there is no funky after taste or smell. This is such a great deal to be able to feel at ease about our health for such a low price. I would recommend this product to anyone interested in ensuring they get enough B12.”
9. Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops
Go Nutrients Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops/Amazon.com
These Go Nutrients Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops have all the goods! Go Nutrients promises the highest-quality ingredients using a formula of bioactive B12 that is 100 percent methylcobalamin (not cyanocobalamin) offering an increase in energy to help fight sluggishness and a boost for memory to help lift brain fog. This product is vegan-friendly, non-GMO, alcohol-free, gluten-free, and is also free of soy, sugar, wheat, dairy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. A 2-ounce bottle costs $19.47.
Brenda Matthewsq says “Omg! I received my bottle of go nutrients B-12 2 weeks ago and couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Not only is my energy level up but so is my mood( family is happy with that). I’m always a bit hesitant with liquids vitamins due to taste but this was totally pleasant. I will absolutely buy this product again.”
10. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin B12
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin B12/Amazon.com
Another Garden of Life Vitamin B12 supplement makes the list, yet this one is part of the Raw Code variety, meaning raw ingredients! This Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin B12 is essential for protecting the body from anemia and supporting a healthy central nervous system, as well as boosting energy, avoiding constipation, and taking the edge off of fatigue. As this is part of the Raw Code vitamins, these also have gut-friendly probiotics and enzymes to Support digestive health and add nutritional Support. This product is vegan-friendly, raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, and has zero binders or fillers. A 30-capsule bottle costs $11.89.
Amazon Customer says “I was ill for a few months, no energy, weak, foggy-brained and lightheaded, no appetite. I finally had a blood test and was found to have a severe vitamin B-12 deficiency. Within a week of starting a daily regimen of these, I felt like a new person. My doctor told me to take this brand, as whole food source was important to her, and she likes the quality of these. I am completely back to normal, feel great now.”
Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!
Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.
For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Here are some great resources to get you started:
- Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
- Plant-Based Health Resources
- Plant-Based Food & Recipes
- Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
- The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
- Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
- High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
- Plant-Based Meal Prep
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