Vitamin
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Also known as: Adenosylcobalamin, B12, Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin
An essential water-soluble vitamin required for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Cyanocobalamin is a stable synthetic form commonly used in supplements.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Daily target & upper limit
2.4 mcg / dayVitamin B12 (Cobalamin) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) dosage reference →Primary uses
- Energy production
- Nerve function
- Red blood cell formation
- Methylation support
- Neurological health
- Pernicious anemia prevention
- pregnancy support
- energy metabolism
- DNA synthesis
How it works
- Cofactor for methionine synthase (methylation)
- Cofactor for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (energy metabolism)
- Essential for myelin synthesis and nerve function
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-2000 mcg daily
- Timing
- Any time, sublingual preferred
- With food
- Not required
- Duration
- Safe for long-term use
- Special populations
- Vegans, elderly, those on metformin or PPIs need more
Forms
- Methylcobalamin
- Adenosylcobalamin
- Hydroxocobalamin
- Cyanocobalamin
- methylcobalamin (active form)· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Very well tolerated
Contraindications
- Rare B12 hypersensitivity
Products containing Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
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Evidence notes
Well-established essential nutrient with strong evidence for deficiency treatment
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Cited research for Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention vitamin b12 (cobalamin). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Pawlak et al. (2014)European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
The prevalence of cobalamin deficiency among vegetarians assessed by serum vitamin B12
- Stabler SP (2013)New England Journal of Medicine
Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Eussen SJ, de Groot LC, Clarke R, et al. (2005)Archives of Internal Medicine
Oral cyanocobalamin supplementation in older people with vitamin B12 deficiency: a dose-finding trial
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.