Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in our overall health.
It’s essential for forming red blood cells, maintaining nerve function, and producing DNA.
For vegetarians, getting enough B12 can be challenging since it’s primarily found in animal products.
That’s where vitamin B12 supplements come in handy.
As a vegetarian myself, I’ve found that B12 supplements are a game-changer.
They help me maintain my energy levels and ensure I’m not missing out on this important nutrient.
There are various forms of B12 supplements available, including tablets, sublingual drops, and even nasal sprays.
When choosing a B12 supplement, I always pay attention to the form of B12 used.
Methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin are common options, with methylcobalamin being the more bioavailable form.
I also consider the dosage, as needs can vary depending on factors like age and dietary habits.
With these considerations in mind, let’s explore some of the best vitamin B12 supplements for vegetarians like me.
Best Vitamin B12 Supplements for Vegetarians
As a vegetarian, I know how important it is to get enough B12 in my diet.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of top-notch vitamin B12 supplements tailored for plant-based eaters.
These products are my go-to choices for keeping my B12 levels in check without compromising my vegetarian lifestyle.
DEVA Vegan B12 Sublingual Tablets
I highly recommend these B12 tablets for vegetarians looking for an easy and effective supplement.
- Fast-dissolving and pleasant tasting
- Contains added B6 and folic acid
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Only available in lemon flavor
- May be pricier than some alternatives
- 90-day supply might be too much for some
I’ve been on the hunt for a good B12 supplement, and these DEVA tablets caught my eye.
They pack a punch with 1000 mcg of methylcobalamin B12, which is the more bioavailable form.
That’s a big plus in my book.
What I really like is how easy they are to take.
The tablets dissolve quickly in your mouth, and they actually taste pretty good.
No need to struggle with swallowing pills.
Plus, they’ve thrown in some B6 and folic acid, so you’re getting a nice little B-vitamin cocktail.
For my vegan and vegetarian friends out there, this supplement is totally plant-based.
No animal products whatsoever.
And if you’re worried about allergies, these are free from common allergens like milk, eggs, and nuts.
The company seems pretty confident in their product too, offering a satisfaction guarantee.
All in all, I think these DEVA B12 tablets are a solid choice for anyone looking to boost their B12 intake.
Nature’s Plus Garden B12
I’d recommend this B12 supplement for vegetarians seeking a natural energy boost and improved focus.
- Organic whole food blend
- Enhanced with B complex vitamins
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Slightly pricier than some alternatives
- May take time to notice effects
- Limited flavor options
I’ve found that Nature’s Plus really hits the mark with their Garden B12 supplement.
It’s packed with 1000 mcg of methylcobalamin, which is the form of B12 our bodies can readily use.
This means I don’t have to worry about my body struggling to absorb it.
What sets this product apart is its organic whole food blend.
It’s not just isolated B12 – you’re getting a mix of fruits and veggies like blueberry, spinach, and kale.
I appreciate that extra nutritional boost, especially as a vegetarian always looking to diversify my nutrient intake.
The eco-friendly packaging is a nice touch.
It shows Nature’s Plus is thinking beyond just the product itself.
As someone who tries to minimize my environmental impact, I’m glad to see a company taking steps in that direction.
I noticed the capsules are easy to swallow, which is a plus for me.
Some people might find the unflavored option a bit bland, but I prefer it over artificial flavors.
The price point is a tad higher than some other B12 supplements, but I feel the quality justifies the cost.
Life Extension B12 Lozenges
I’d recommend these B12 lozenges for vegetarians looking for an easy-to-take, high-quality supplement.
- Active methylcobalamin form
- Pleasant strawberry flavor
- Vegetarian and gluten-free
- May dissolve slower than some brands
- Single flavor option
- Slightly pricier than some alternatives
As a vegetarian, I’m always on the lookout for good B12 supplements, and these Life Extension lozenges caught my eye.
They pack 500 mcg of methylcobalamin, the active form of B12 that’s ready for my body to use.
I like that they’re made with non-GMO ingredients and are both vegetarian and gluten-free.
The strawberry flavor is a nice touch, making them enjoyable to take.
I just pop one in my mouth and let it dissolve.
It’s not instant, but I don’t mind the gradual release.
Plus, with 100 lozenges in a bottle, I’m set for over three months of daily use.
I appreciate that Life Extension focuses on quality ingredients.
While they’re a bit pricier than some other options, I feel like I’m getting what I pay for.
The fact that they’re made in the USA and come with a Certificate of Analysis adds to my confidence in the product.
For vegetarians serious about their B12 intake, these lozenges are definitely worth considering.
Doctor’s Best B12 Boost
I’d recommend this B12 supplement for vegetarians seeking an effective and affordable option.
- High-potency 1500 mcg dose
- Uses active methylcobalamin form
- Vegan-friendly capsules
- May be too strong for some users
- Unflavored, which some might not prefer
- Capsule form instead of sublingual
I’ve been impressed with Doctor’s Best Fully Active B12.
The 1500 mcg dose packs a punch, making it a solid choice for vegetarians who might be low on this crucial vitamin.
It’s great to see they use methylcobalamin, which is the most bioavailable form of B12.
One thing I appreciate is the vegan-friendly formula.
No need to worry about animal-derived ingredients here.
The capsules are small and easy to swallow, which is a plus for those who struggle with larger pills.
Price-wise, I think it’s a good value.
You get 60 capsules per bottle, and given the high potency, that can last quite a while.
Some users report feeling more energetic after taking these, which is exactly what you’d hope for from a B12 supplement.
Nature Made B12 Softgels
I’d recommend these B12 supplements for vegetarians looking for an easy way to boost their energy levels.
- Easy-to-swallow softgel form
- High potency 1000 mcg dose
- USP verified for quality
- May be too high a dose for some
- Needs to be taken with food
- Unflavored, so no taste masking
I’ve been really impressed with these Nature Made B12 softgels.
The 1000 mcg dose packs a punch, which is great for us vegetarians who often struggle to get enough B12 in our diets.
I love that they’re in softgel form – no chalky tablets to choke down!
One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to take these with a meal.
It’s not a huge hassle, but I sometimes forget if I’m in a rush.
The unflavored capsules don’t have any taste, which is a plus for me but might disappoint if you’re looking for a fruity vitamin experience.
Quality-wise, I feel confident taking these since they’re USP verified.
It’s nice to know an independent organization has checked them out.
The 150-count bottle lasts a good while too, so I don’t have to worry about running out quickly.
Buying Guide
When I’m shopping for vitamin B12 supplements as a vegetarian, there are a few key things I look for:
Form
I consider the form of B12:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Sublingual lozenges
- Liquid drops
Sublingual forms tend to absorb well for me.
Dosage
I check the amount of B12 per serving.
The recommended daily intake is 2.4 mcg, but higher doses are common in supplements.
Type of B12
There are a few types to choose from:
- Cyanocobalamin
- Methylcobalamin
- Adenosylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin is often considered a more active form.
Additional Ingredients
I scan the label for other helpful nutrients like folate or a blend of B-vitamins.
I also make sure there are no animal-derived ingredients.
Third-Party Testing
I prefer supplements that have been tested by independent labs for purity and potency.
Price
I compare the cost per serving to find a good value, but I don’t compromise on quality just to save a few bucks.
Vegan Certification
If I want to be extra sure, I look for products with vegan certification labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting enough B12 as a vegetarian can be tricky.
I’ve compiled some common questions to help clear things up.
How can vegetarians get enough vitamin B12 in their diet?
I recommend fortified foods and supplements for vegetarians to get B12.
Nutritional yeast, fortified plant milks, and cereals are good options.
Taking a daily B12 supplement ensures I meet my needs.
What are some common sources of B12 for vegetarians?
My go-to B12 sources are fortified foods like plant milks, cereals, and nutritional yeast.
Some energy bars and meat substitutes are B12-fortified too.
I also rely on B12 supplements to fill any gaps.
Can you get all your B12 needs from plant-based foods?
I’ve found it’s tough to get enough B12 from unfortified plant foods alone.
Seaweed and mushrooms contain some B12, but the amounts are unreliable.
That’s why I use fortified foods and supplements.
What’s the daily recommended dose of B12 for someone following a vegetarian diet?
The recommended daily intake for B12 is 2.4 micrograms for most adults.
I aim for this amount through a mix of fortified foods and supplements.
Pregnant women need more – about 2.6 micrograms daily.
Are there any particular B12 supplements that are best suited for vegetarians?
I look for B12 supplements labeled as vegan or vegetarian.
Cyanocobalamin is a common, stable form that works well.
Methylcobalamin is another good option.
I avoid supplements with animal-derived ingredients.
How to choose a reliable vegan B12 supplement
When I pick a B12 supplement, I check for third-party testing and good manufacturing practices.
I also look at the dosage and form of B12.
Reading reviews helps me gauge effectiveness.
I also ensure it’s free from animal products.