So, you’re in the market for a vitamin B12 supplement. You probably already know that liquids are typically the best way to guarantee high absorption rates without compromising on taste or convenience. But how do you go about narrowing down the wide array of liquid supplements available both online and at your local stores? In this article, we will explore the key components to look for in the best vitamin B12 liquid drops so that you can make a selection that fits the unique needs of you and your loved ones.

Organic Ingredients

Supplements that utilize organic ingredients tend to be more effective compared to synthetic varieties. The reason for this is that natural ingredients usually have greater bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the ability of a substance to be absorbed and used by the human body. Better bioavailability means better absorption rates, which leads to a more effective use of your supplement. Oftentimes, the organic forms of nutrients will have their “synergists” with them, or additional nutrients that work in tandem alongside them to facilitate fast absorption.

Ideally, you may want to aim for a vitamin B12 supplement that has the USDA organic seal. Products showcasing this seal are guaranteed to contain at least 90% organic ingredients, which have been grown in accordance with the standards of organic farming and avoid the use of pesticides, insecticides, and GMOs (1). Any labels that have the phrase “made with organic ingredients” on them instead of the seal are only required to use 70% or more organic ingredients. Your own personal preferences when it comes to strict adherence with organic products may dictate which option is the best choice for you, but we would recommend choosing a supplement that utilizes as many organic ingredients as possible.

The Right Amount

Vitamins like B12 are separated into two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble. They differ in both the way they are absorbed and the way they are stored by the body, but in this instance we will focus mainly on their storage. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body over long periods of time, meaning that they can build up when taken excessively. Water-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are not stored inside the body and will be flushed out when consumed in excess. Taking the right amount of both vitamin categories is important for different reasons. With fat-soluble vitamins, having too much of a good thing is very much possible, as vitamin build up can cause some adverse side effects to occur. Though some side effects may be possible with water-soluble vitamins, they are less likely. Rather, taking excessive amounts of water-soluble vitamins simply wastes them, as they will usually be excreted by the body anyway.

The best supplements for any nutrient are the ones that contain a healthy amount of that nutrient. In the case of vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin, overdosing on your supplement is unlikely, but there is a high chance of wasting a large portion of your dosage when taking an amount that exceeds the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The best liquid B12 supplements should not surpass the RDA for vitamin B12. Although this amount is largely the same across most age groups, there can be some variation when it comes to specific circumstances like pregnancy, nursing, or health conditions, so you should also check with a physician before starting any type of supplement regimen. Below, we have provided the RDA for vitamin B12 according to the National Institutes of Health (2):

• 0 to 6 months old: 0.4 mcg
• 7 to 12 months old: 0.5 mcg
• 1 to 3 years old: 0.9 mcg
• 4 to 8 years old: 1.2 mcg
• 9 to 13 years old: 1.8 mcg
• 14 years and older: 2.4 mcg
• Pregnant individuals: 2.6 mcg
• Breastfeeding individuals: 2.8 mcg

Multivitamins

If you have any concerns about how much vitamin B12 you should be taking or you simply do not have the time to measure out your dosage every day, then you may want to consider trying a multivitamin. Multivitamins are a convenient way to pack your body full of a variety of essential nutrients without needing to implement different supplements into your routine. All-in-one formulas like Better Family’s Liquid Daily provide a diverse blend of nutrients that are already measured for you. We have also done the research to ensure that we utilize only the best forms of each vitamin and mineral, giving your body an excellent chance to absorb and make the most of your supplement. Along with vitamin B12, our liquid solution contains a host of other micronutrients, including vitamins A, E, D, and K, as well as minerals like zinc, iodine, chromium, and selenium. Safe, organic, and highly effective, our Liquid Daily Multivitamin is a great choice for any household and can be given to family members of all ages.

Resources

1. McEvoy, Miles. “Organic 101: What the USDA Organic Label Means.” USDA, 13 March 2019, https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means.
2. “Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Consumers.” National Institutes of Health, 7 July 2021, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer.