Description of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) - GymBeam
Short summary
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the nervous system, red blood cell formation and energy in the body. It is found almost exclusively in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. One tablet contains 100 µg of B12 – well above the basic daily requirement, but not harmful, since the body simply excretes any excess. It is most beneficial for vegans, vegetarians and older adults, whose absorption is often reduced.
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Ingredient quality7.5
Formula transparency10.0
Effectiveness3.0
Safety9.5
Independent testing9.5
How to use
Take 1 tablet daily, preferably at a similar time each day. For vegans and vegetarians, regular long-term use makes sense, as the body's B12 stores are otherwise depleted slowly but surely.
Pros and Cons
High dose (100 µg) compensates for the fact that the body absorbs only a small portion of the vitamin orally
Supports the normal function of the nervous system and overall well-being
Helps reduce tiredness and supports the formation of red blood cells
Independently tested for heavy metals and harmful bacteria
Contains the basic, if less trendy, form of B12 (cyanocobalamin instead of methylcobalamin) – equally effective for most people
Contains magnesium stearate (a small amount of a substance that prevents powder from clumping)
Suitable for
Vegans and vegetarians – plant-based foods contain no B12
Older adults – absorption of B12 often declines with age
People on long-term medication for stomach issues or diabetes (e.g. metformin) – these can lower B12 levels
Probably less than vegans, but not necessarily nothing at all. Vitamin B12 is naturally produced exclusively by microorganisms and accumulates through the food chain in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products (NIH ODS) – if you regularly eat these foods, you likely get enough B12 from your diet. However, a supplement can still make sense for meat-eaters if you are older or take certain medications, since absorption can decline with age regardless of diet.
Yes, and the reason is simple. At small amounts, the body absorbs B12 well, but at high doses only a small portion, around 1–2%, passes through the intestinal wall into the blood (NIH ODS). Manufacturers therefore intentionally set doses well above the basic recommended amount – this is not a sign of excess, but an adjustment for reduced absorption. There is also no established upper safe limit for B12 intake, as it is water-soluble and any excess is simply excreted in urine.
This product contains cyanocobalamin, the most widespread, stable and cost-effective form of B12 used in dietary supplements, which the body converts in the liver into the form it actually uses (NIH ODS). Methylcobalamin is another, already active form that some manufacturers market as 'more natural,' but for healthy users the difference in final effect has not been clearly proven – cyanocobalamin remains the standard choice in most studies.
Yes, you are exactly part of the group in which deficiency is more common. Besides vegans and vegetarians, deficiency is more common among older adults, whose stomach absorption of food often declines with age, and among people on long-term medication for diabetes (e.g. metformin) or for reducing stomach acid, which can further lower B12 levels (Varughese and Scarpello, 2007). In your case, it makes sense to occasionally have your B12 levels checked by a doctor, even if you are already taking a supplement.
No major allergens declared.
Do not exceed the recommended daily amount without good reason.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children should consult a doctor before use – this is a precautionary label from the manufacturer.
Ingredients
Filler (microcrystalline cellulose), vitamin B12 (1% cyanocobalamin), anti-caking agent (magnesium stearate).
Form:Tablets
Dose:1 tablet
Available flavors:Unflavored
Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin):100 µg
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