Best B12 for Energy Supplements (2026)

Vitamin B12 is one of the most important nutrients for maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day. It plays a critical role in converting food into usable cellular energy, supporting red blood cell production, and keeping your nervous system functioning properly. Without adequate B12, your body can’t efficiently produce the red blood cells needed to carry oxygen to your muscles and brain — leading to persistent fatigue, brain fog, and weakness that no amount of coffee can fix.

A deficiency can leave you feeling fatigued, foggy, and sluggish — and roughly 12% of adults have insufficient B12 intake according to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Certain groups are at particularly high risk: vegans and vegetarians (since B12 is found primarily in animal products), adults over 50 (who produce less stomach acid needed for B12 absorption), people with digestive disorders like Crohn’s or celiac disease, and those taking medications like metformin or proton pump inhibitors that interfere with B12 absorption.

The good news is that B12 supplementation is safe, effective, and affordable. We evaluated dozens of B12 supplements based on the form of B12 used (methylcobalamin vs. cyanocobalamin), dosage, absorption method, third-party testing, and overall value. Here are the best B12 for energy supplements available right now.

Quick Comparison

Product	B12 Form	Dosage	Form	Best For
Lunakai Vegan Energy Gummies	Methylcobalamin	3,000 mcg	Gummies	Best Overall
Nature Made B12 1000 mcg Softgels	Cyanocobalamin	1,000 mcg	Softgels	Best Value
Lunakai Vegan Iron + B12 Gummies	Methylcobalamin	B12 + Iron Blend	Gummies	Best for Women
Natrol Vitamin B12 5000 mcg	Methylcobalamin	5,000 mcg	Fast Dissolve Tablets	Best High-Potency
EZ Melts Dissolvable B12	Methylcobalamin	2,500 mcg	Dissolvable Tablets	Best Sublingual
OLLY Daily Energy Gummy	Cyanocobalamin	B12 + CoQ10 + Goji	Gummies	Best Energy Blend
Nutricost Vitamin B12 2000 mcg	Methylcobalamin	2,000 mcg	Capsules	Best Budget Pick
Nature’s Bounty B12 2500 mcg	Cyanocobalamin	2,500 mcg	Quick Dissolve Tablets	Best Quick Dissolve

1. Lunakai Vegan Energy Gummies — Best Overall

These vegan energy gummies deliver a potent 3,000 mcg of Vitamin B12 in a delicious, easy-to-take gummy format designed specifically for daily energy support.

Lunakai’s Vegan Energy Gummies are formulated with methylcobalamin, the bioactive form of B12 that your body can use immediately without conversion. Made in the USA, these gummies are vegan, non-GMO, and free from artificial colors and flavors. The 3,000 mcg dosage is well above the daily value, making them ideal for anyone dealing with fatigue or B12 insufficiency. The gummy format is especially appealing for those who struggle with swallowing pills.

• Pros:
• High-potency 3,000 mcg methylcobalamin
• Vegan, non-GMO, and made in the USA
• Great-tasting gummy format

• Cons:
• Contains added sugars typical of gummies
• Higher cost per serving than capsules

Best for: Anyone who wants a high-dose, great-tasting B12 gummy specifically formulated for daily energy support.

2. Nature Made B12 1000 mcg Softgels — Best Value

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A USP-verified B12 supplement from one of the most trusted names in vitamins, delivering reliable energy metabolism support at an unbeatable price point.

Nature Made has long been a pharmacist-recommended brand, and their B12 1000 mcg softgels are USP-verified for purity and potency — a certification that very few supplement brands carry. The USP (United States Pharmacopeia) verification means an independent lab has confirmed the product contains exactly what’s on the label, dissolves properly in your body, and is free from harmful levels of contaminants. Each softgel delivers 1,000 mcg of cyanocobalamin, which studies have shown is effective at maintaining healthy blood B12 levels. A 2021 study in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine found cyanocobalamin to be slightly more effective than methylcobalamin at maintaining blood levels in healthy adults. The 150-day supply makes this one of the most affordable B12 options per serving. No synthetic dyes, no artificial flavors, and no gluten.

• Pros:
• USP-verified for purity and potency
• 150-day supply at an affordable price
• Trusted, pharmacist-recommended brand

• Cons:
• Uses cyanocobalamin rather than methylcobalamin
• Softgels contain soy (may not suit all users)

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a reliable, third-party verified B12 supplement from a trusted brand.

3. Lunakai Vegan Iron + B12 Gummies — Best for Women

A comprehensive gummy that pairs iron with B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and folate — ideal for women who need both iron and B12 to fight fatigue.

Iron deficiency and B12 insufficiency are two of the most common causes of fatigue in women, and Lunakai addresses both in one convenient gummy. The formula includes Vitamin C to enhance iron absorption, plus folate for added cellular energy support. Made in the USA with vegan, non-GMO ingredients, these gummies are a practical option for women dealing with low energy related to menstruation, plant-based diets, or general nutritional gaps.

• Pros:
• Combines iron and B12 in one supplement
• Added Vitamin C for enhanced iron absorption
• Vegan and USA-made

• Cons:
• Not ideal if you only need B12 (iron may not be needed for everyone)
• Lower standalone B12 dose than dedicated B12 supplements

Best for: Women who experience fatigue from both low iron and low B12 and want a single supplement to address both.

4. Natrol Vitamin B12 5000 mcg — Best High-Potency

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A high-potency 5,000 mcg fast-dissolve tablet with a pleasant strawberry flavor — no water needed, and it absorbs quickly under the tongue.

Natrol’s B12 delivers one of the highest potencies on the market at 5,000 mcg of methylcobalamin per tablet. The fast-dissolve format allows the B12 to be absorbed sublingually, bypassing the digestive system for faster uptake. This is particularly beneficial for older adults or anyone with absorption issues. The tablets are vegetarian, contain no synthetic dyes or artificial preservatives, and are free from common allergens including soy, milk, eggs, fish, and gluten.

• Pros:
• High-potency 5,000 mcg methylcobalamin
• Fast-dissolve sublingual delivery for better absorption
• Allergen-free and vegetarian

• Cons:
• Very high dose may not be necessary for everyone
• Tablet shape can feel slightly awkward under the tongue

Best for: People with known B12 deficiency or absorption issues who need a high-potency, fast-absorbing supplement.

5. EZ Melts Dissolvable B12 — Best Sublingual

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A clean, dissolvable B12 tablet that melts on your tongue in seconds — no water, no fillers, and no artificial ingredients.

EZ Melts takes a zero-sugar, zero-filler approach to B12 supplementation. Each dissolvable tablet delivers 2,500 mcg of methylcobalamin with a natural cherry flavor. The sublingual delivery method means the B12 enters your bloodstream directly through the tissue under your tongue, making it one of the most efficient ways to absorb this vitamin. The tablets are vegan, non-GMO, and free from gluten — a clean option for health-conscious users.

• Pros:
• Clean formula with no sugar or artificial ingredients
• Sublingual delivery for rapid absorption
• Vegan and non-GMO

• Cons:
• Cherry flavor may not appeal to everyone
• Smaller bottle size (90 tablets)

Best for: Anyone who wants a clean, fast-absorbing sublingual B12 without unnecessary additives.

6. OLLY Daily Energy Gummy — Best Energy Blend

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More than just B12 — OLLY combines B vitamins with CoQ10 and goji berry extract for a multi-angle approach to natural energy without caffeine.

OLLY’s Daily Energy gummy goes beyond a standard B12 supplement by adding CoQ10 (which supports cellular energy production) and goji berry extract (a traditional energy-boosting ingredient). The tropical passionfruit flavor is one of the best-tasting options on the market. These gummies are NSF Certified and contain no artificial colors or flavors. For people who want energy support from multiple pathways — not just B12 alone — this is a well-rounded choice.

• Pros:
• Multi-ingredient energy blend with CoQ10 and goji
• NSF Certified for quality
• Outstanding tropical flavor

• Cons:
• Uses cyanocobalamin instead of methylcobalamin
• Contains added sugar (2g per serving)

Best for: People who want a comprehensive, caffeine-free energy gummy that combines B12 with other energy-supporting ingredients.

7. Nutricost Vitamin B12 2000 mcg — Best Budget Pick

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A no-frills, high-quality B12 capsule that delivers 2,000 mcg of methylcobalamin for an incredibly low cost per serving.

Nutricost strips away the fancy packaging and marketing to deliver pure methylcobalamin B12 at a price that’s hard to beat. With 240 capsules per bottle, you get an 8-month supply from a single purchase. The capsules are vegetarian, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Nutricost manufactures in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility and provides third-party testing for each batch. If you just want effective B12 without paying for brand names or gummy formulations, this is your best option.

• Pros:
• Exceptional value — 240 capsules per bottle
• Uses bioactive methylcobalamin form
• GMP-compliant manufacturing with third-party testing

• Cons:
• Plain capsule format — no flavor or special delivery
• Less recognizable brand than Nature Made or Thorne

Best for: Budget shoppers who want a straightforward, high-quality methylcobalamin B12 supplement at the lowest cost per serving.

8. Nature’s Bounty B12 2500 mcg Quick Dissolve — Best Quick Dissolve

A quick-dissolve sublingual B12 from one of America’s most established supplement brands, delivering 2,500 mcg with a natural cherry flavor.

Nature’s Bounty has been making supplements for over 50 years, and their quick-dissolve B12 microlozenges are one of their most popular products. You place the tablet under your tongue for about 30 seconds, allowing it to dissolve and absorb directly into the bloodstream. At 2,500 mcg per tablet, the dosage is strong enough for those with moderate deficiency concerns. The cherry flavor makes the experience pleasant, and the tablets are compact enough to take anywhere without water.

• Pros:
• Fast-dissolving sublingual format
• Trusted brand with 50+ years of history
• Pleasant cherry flavor

• Cons:
• Uses cyanocobalamin (synthetic form)
• Contains sugar and artificial flavors

Best for: People who prefer a recognizable, trusted brand with a convenient sublingual delivery format.

How to Choose the Best B12 for Energy

The most important factor when choosing a B12 supplement is the form of B12 used. Methylcobalamin is the bioactive form that your body can use immediately, while cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form that requires conversion in the liver. For most people, either form is effective, but methylcobalamin is generally preferred for those with absorption concerns, liver issues, or MTHFR gene variants that affect methylation. Adenosylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin are less common but also bioactive forms that some clinical practitioners prefer.

Dosage matters, but more isn’t always better. The recommended daily intake for adults is just 2.4 mcg, but most supplements provide 1,000 to 5,000 mcg. Since B12 is water-soluble and excess is excreted through urine, higher doses are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, if you’re simply maintaining healthy levels rather than correcting a confirmed deficiency, a 1,000 mcg dose is typically sufficient. People with pernicious anemia or severe malabsorption may benefit from 2,500 to 5,000 mcg or higher, ideally under medical guidance.

Delivery method affects absorption significantly. Sublingual tablets and liquids that dissolve under the tongue bypass the digestive system and may be more effective for people with gut absorption issues — a common concern among older adults and those with Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or IBS. Gummies and standard capsules work well for most healthy adults with normal digestive function. Liquid drops offer flexible dosing and are easy to add to beverages.

Look for third-party testing from organizations like USP, NSF, or independent labs. This ensures the supplement contains what the label says and is free from contaminants like heavy metals. GMP-certified manufacturing is another good indicator of quality. Brands like Nature Made (USP-verified) and Thorne (NSF Certified for Sport) set the standard for transparency in this category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vitamin B12 and how does it boost energy?

Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that helps your body convert food into glucose, which is used for energy. It also supports the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. When B12 levels are low, your cells don’t get enough oxygen, leading to fatigue and weakness. Supplementing with B12 can help restore energy levels, particularly if you have a deficiency or insufficiency.

How much B12 should I take daily for energy?

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults is 2.4 mcg, but most energy-focused B12 supplements provide between 1,000 and 5,000 mcg. Since B12 is water-soluble, your body will excrete what it doesn’t need. A dose of 1,000 to 2,500 mcg is sufficient for most people looking to support energy levels, while higher doses may be recommended by a healthcare provider for those with confirmed deficiency.

When is the best time to take B12 for energy?

Most experts recommend taking B12 in the morning or early afternoon, since it supports energy production and may interfere with sleep if taken too late in the day. Taking it with food can improve absorption, especially for capsule and softgel forms. Sublingual tablets can be taken at any time since they don’t require food for absorption.

Are there any side effects of B12 supplements?

B12 is generally considered very safe, even at high doses. Since it’s water-soluble, excess B12 is excreted in urine rather than stored in the body. Some people may experience mild side effects like nausea, headache, or diarrhea, particularly at very high doses. Rarely, some individuals may have an allergic reaction. If you’re taking medications like metformin or proton pump inhibitors, consult your healthcare provider, as these can affect B12 absorption.

Is methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin better for energy?

Both forms are effective at raising blood B12 levels. Methylcobalamin is the naturally occurring, bioactive form that doesn’t require liver conversion, making it a preferred choice for people with liver concerns or MTHFR gene variants. Cyanocobalamin is synthetic but well-studied and slightly more stable, and some research suggests it may be marginally more effective at maintaining blood levels in healthy adults. For most people, either form will support energy effectively.

How long does it take for B12 to improve energy levels?

If you have a genuine B12 deficiency, you may notice improvements in energy within a few days to a couple of weeks of consistent supplementation. For those with mild insufficiency, it may take 4 to 6 weeks to feel a noticeable difference. If your fatigue isn’t related to B12 levels, supplementation may not have a significant impact on energy, and it’s worth discussing other potential causes with your healthcare provider.