Vitamin B-12 Brand Comparison and Cost Analysis Guide

Pin It

This is a follow-up to last month’s post Vitamin B-12 - Are You Deficient? + Food Sources where we learned:

why Vitamin B-12 is essential
how much B-12 you should consume daily
signs of Vitamin B-12 deficiency and what deficiency can lead to
how the Intrinsic Factor (IF) is essential to Vitamin B-12 absorption and what interferes with IF
what else can cause B-12 deficiency
what to do if you have low/poor IF
who is at risk for B-12 deficiency
what foods B-12 is found in
and, finally, a brief word on supplements

Today I am expanding on my previously brief word on supplements.

We have already learned there are different forms of Vitamin B-12 including the least desirable cyanocobalamin as well as the preferred methylcobalamin (adenosylcobalamin is also acceptable).

This guide will list for you what brands contain which form(s) of Vitamin B-12 so you can be a better shopper. I will also include any other vitamins that may be included, as well as the “other ingredients” listed on the label. I will calculate for you the cost per serving as well as the cost per 1000 mcg. Finally, you will find a Top 10 Most Economical list where you can choose budget-friendly B-12.

Quick Word on B-12 Forms

From tablets to sprays, there are many forms of B-12. Here is a brief overview of the forms and the pros/cons of each:

Sprays
PROS: tends to have less preservatives, additives, colorings and flavorings. Quanity is regulated through a single pump. Works as a sublingual.
CONS: No sprays are on my Top 10 Most Economical List.

Drops
PROS: tends to have less artificial ingredients. Easy to add to water or other liquids. Works as a sublingual.
CONS: Easy to squeeze too much out of the dropper, and hard to put back in.

Sublingual Tablets/Dots/Melts
PROS: sublingual forms are better absorbed in the body. Easy for children to take, too.
CONS: Typically flavored with artificial ingredients, and fillers are generally added.

Lozenges/Gummies
PROS: um, kids like them? They do have a sublingual effect.
CONS: loaded with sugar, sticks on teeth.

Tablets/Caplets
PROS: no added flavorings.
CONS: may not be absorbed well by the body. If you have low Intrinsic Factor (IF), they won’t be absorbed at all ( you can read my article on Vitamin B-12 to find out more about IF).

You will find the best forms are on my Top 10 list. You’d think tablets would be least expensive, but there are none on my Top 10 list.

Vitamin B-12 Master List

This is the master list containing all the brands and their variations of B-12 - all 90 of them. I have used Vitacost prices, since that is where I purchase my supplements as they have the best prices (retails are higher). I have linked to amazon since many of you purchase supplements there.

I am also listing other vitamins (or sugar) included, as well as the list of “other ingredients” they include on the bottle.

You will see some brands don’t stick to just one form of B-12. You’ll want to be careful to always check the back of the bottle to be sure you’re getting only methylcobalamin.

This list is useful for looking up your current brand. Keep scrolling to find only the brands using the methylcobalamin form of Vitamin B-12.

1st Step for Energy
Cost: $2.46 for two 1 fl.oz. liquid servings @ $1.23/serving
Each serving delivers: 2000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 8 g sugar
Other ingredients: purified water, natural vegetable glycerin, natural flavors, citric acid, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate (to preserve freshness) and potassium sorbate (to preserve freshness)

1st Step for Energy - Cherry Charge
Cost: $16.80 for 32 fl. oz. for 1/2 fl.oz.-liquid servings @ $.53/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 4 g sugar
Other ingredients: purified water, natural vegetable glycerin, natural flavors, citric acid, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate (to preserve freshness) and potassium sorbate (to preserve freshness)

Biochem (Country Life)
Cost: $7.81 for 50 1-lozenge servings @ $.16/serving
Each serving delivers: 3000 mcg methylcobalamin
Also contains: 400 mcg folic acid, 50 mg Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Other ingredients: fructose, mannitol, cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica, natural cherry flavor, raspberry flavor

Biotics
Cost: $20.00 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.33/serving
Each serving delivers: 2000 mcg hydroxycobalamin
Also contains: 2mg B-6, 800 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: sorbitol, mannitol, natural flavor, stearic acid, magnesium stearate

Bricker Labs
Cost: $10.19 for 2 fl. oz. for 59 1/5-liquid servings @ $.17/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 400 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: purified water, fructose syrum, natural flavor, citric acid, sodium benzonate

Carlson
Cost: $9.69 for 90 1-tablet servings @ $.11/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: sorbitol, mannitol, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, natural lemon flavor, cirtic acid

Country Life
Cost: $4.51 for 30 1-lozenge servings @ $.15/serving
Each serving delivers: 3000 mcg dibencozide
Also contains: 200 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: sorbitol, stearic acid, cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate

Country Life
Cost: $4.32 for 100 1-lozenge servings @ $.04/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 400 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: sorbitol, cherry crystals, stearic acid, cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate

Country Life
Cost: $4.77 for 100 1-lozenge servings @ $.05/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: cellulose, stearic acid, silica, desiccated stomach substance and magnesium stearate

Country Life
Cost: $3.55 for 60 1-tablet servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: cellulose, stearic acid, silica, and magnesium stearate

Deva Vegan
Cost: $7.76 for 90 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.09/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Also contains: 400 mcg folic acid, 2 mg Vitamin B6
Other ingredients: xylitol, mannitol, lemon flavor, citric acid, sodium citrate, vegetable stearate, silicon dioxide

Enzymatic Therapy
Cost: $7.76 for 90 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.15/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: fructose, mannitol, cellulose, magnesium stearate and natural flavor

Food Science of Vermont (cherry)
Cost: $8.04 for 100 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.08/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg unknown - not labeled
Also contains: 100 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: mannitol, sorbitol, natural cherry flavor, cellulose, vegetable stearate, silica

Garden of Life
Cost: $11.51 for 30 1-capsule servings @ $.38/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg unknown - not labeled
Also contains: 53 mg calcium, 24 mg phosphorus, 100 mg raw probiotic and enzyme blend, 20 mg raw organic fruit and vegetable blend
Other ingredients: saccaromyces cerevisiae, lactobacillus bulgaricus, vegetable capsule

Heaven Sent
Cost: $9.44 for 30 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.31/serving
Each serving delivers: 2000 mcg methylcobalamin
Also contains: 800 mcg folic acid, 5 mg B-6, 25 mcg biotin, 3mg vitamin C
Other ingredients: sorbitol, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, fructose, fruit punch, stearic acid and magnesium stearate

Hero Nutritionals
Cost: $13.99 for 30 2-gummies servings @ $.47/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 200 mcg folic acid, 2 mg B-6, 4 g sugar
Other ingredients: glucose syrup, natural cane juice, gelatin, citric acid, lactic acid, natural color (black carrot), natural flavor(black cherry, cran-raspberry), fractionated coconut oil and carnaubua wax to prevent sticking

Intensive Nutrition
Cost: $17.75 for 60 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.30/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg hydroxycobalamin
Other ingredients: dextrose, maltodextrin, beta cyclodextrin, sorbitol, magnesium stearate, silica

Jarrow Formulas
Cost: $6.38 for 100 1-lozenge servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: xylitol, cellulose, stearic acid (vegetable source), magnesium stearate (vegetable source), lemon flavor, citric acid and silicon dioxide

Jarrow Formulas
Cost: $13.84 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.23/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: xylitol, cellulose, stearic acid (vegetable source), cherry flavor, citric acid and magnesium stearate (vegetable source)

KAL
Cost: $6.70 for 100 1-tablet servings @ $.07/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cobalamin concentrate
Other ingredients: cellulose, stearic acid, silica and magnesium stearate

KAL (lemon)
Cost: $10.69 for 100 1-tablet servings @ $.11/serving
Each serving delivers: 2000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: xylitol, cellulose, natural lemon flavor with other natural flavors (soy), magnesium stearate, silica, citric acid, maltodextrin and malic acid

KAL (acai)
Cost: $17.27 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.29/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: xylitol, natural acai flavor and other natural flavors, cellulose, vegetable juice color, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica and citric acid

KAL (berry)
Cost: $9.27 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.15/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: xylitol, cellulose, natural mixed berry flavor and other natural flavors, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, citric acid, silica

KAL (grape)
Cost: $8.21 for 2 fl. oz. for 80-spray servings @ $.10/serving
Each serving delivers: 2500 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 1.5 mg stevia leaf extract
Other ingredients: glycerin, USP purified water, natural grape flavors, potassium sorbate, citric acid, lecithin (soy) and natural mixed tocopherols (soy)

Life Extension
Cost: $24.00 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.40/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: sucrose, sorbitol, natural and artificial vanilla and caramel flavors, mannitol, croscarmellose, sodium, stearic acid, magnesium stearate

Life Extension
Cost: $7.46 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.12/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, vanilla flavor, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid and vegetable stearate

Lifetime
Cost: $14.25 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.24/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: cherry flavor

Liquid Health
Cost: $7.19 for 2.03 fl oz.for 60-drop servings @ $.12/serving
Each serving delivers: 2500 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: activAloe™ aloe vera juice, vegetable glycerin (USP), natural flavoring, potassium sorbate, Citricidal® grapefruit seed extract

Maxi Health
Cost: $21.11 for 180 1-lozenge servings @ $.12/serving
Each serving delivers: 800 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 800 mcg folic acid, 800 mcg biotin
Other ingredients: sorbitol, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, natural strawberry flavor, maltodextrin, modified cellulose gum, Enzymax® (calcium carbonate, bromelain, papain, lipase, amylase, protease, silica)

MegaFood
Cost: $18.80 for 60 1-tablet servings @ $.31/serving
Each serving delivers: 60 mcg s. cerevisiae
Also contains: 25 mg B-6, 80 mcg folate (80 mg broccoli), 124 mg organic whole food blend, 78 mg immune blend
Other ingredients: plant cellulose

Megagenics
Cost: $46.25 for 180 1-tablet servings @ $.26/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 800 mcg folate (folic acid and L-5-methyl tetrahydrofolate)
Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, stearic acid, and croscarmellose sodium

Natrol
Cost: $6.47 for 100 1-tablet servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg unknown - not labeled
Also contains: 800 mcg folate (folic acid and L-5-methyl tetrahydrofolate)
Other ingredients: mannitol, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, modified cellulose, silica, cherry flavor, stearic acid, magnesium stearate

Natrol
Cost: $9.66 for 30 1-tablet servings @ $.32/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: mannitol, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, modified cellulose, silica, cherry flavor, stearic acid, magnesium stearate

Natural Factors
Cost: $7.18 for 60 1-tablet servings @ $.12/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: cellulose, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate (vegetable grade)

Natural Factors
Cost: $8.97 for 90 1-tablet (chewable) servings @ $.10/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: lactose, cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium strearate (vegetable grade)

Natural Factors
Cost: $13.17 for 60 1-tablet (chewable) servings @ $.22/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: lactose (from milk), cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate (vegetable grade)

Nature’s Answer
Cost: $10.32 for 2 fl. oz. for 75-drop servings @ $.14/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: vegetable glycerin, purified water, natural flavors, citric acid, Quik-Sorb (ginger rhizome, amla fruit, capsicum fruit), potassium sorbate (0.2%), vitamin E acetate

Nature’s Basics
Cost: $7.92 for 100 1-tablet servings @ $.08/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cobalamin concentrate
Other ingredients: calcium stearate (vegetable source), cellulose, lactose (milk)

Nature’s Life
Cost: $5.60 for 100 1-tablet servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cobalamin concentrate
Also Contains: 400 mcg folic acid, 257 mg calcium (calcium carbonate)
Other ingredients: cellulose, vegetarian magnesium stearate and Micro-Cellulose™ coating

Nature’s Life (cherry)
Cost: $22.63 for 100 1-lozenge servings @ $.23/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg cyanocobalamin concentrate
Other ingredients: mannitol, silicon dioxide, vegetarian stearic acid, cellulose, natural cherry flavor, citric acid and vegetarian magnesium stearate

Nature’s Life (raspberry)
Cost: $9.03 for 30 1-lozenge servings @ $.30/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also Contains: 25 mg each: dandelion root, sarsaparilla, raspberry, beet, 1 g sugar
Other ingredients: none listed

Nature’s Plus
Cost: $31.48 for 60 1-tablet servings @ $.52/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: di-calcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, silica, beet (beta vulgaris root) and pharmaceutical glaze

Nature’s Plus (cherry)
Cost: $6.93 for 8 fl. oz. for 8-liquid servings @ $.89/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also Contains: 8 g sugar
Other ingredients: water, fructose, vegetable glycerin, citric acid, xanthan gum, natural cherry flavor, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), potassium sorbate (preserves freshness)

Nature’s Plus (wild berry)
Cost: $17.37 for 30 1-lozenge servings @ $.58/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also Contains: 1 g sugar
Other ingredients: fructose, stearic acid, natural flavor, magnesium stearate and silica

Nature’s Plus (natural cherry)
Cost: $31.09 for 2 fl.oz. for 80-spray servings @ $.39/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also Contains: 1 IU Vitamin D
Other ingredients: purified water, vegetabe glycerin, purified lecithin, citrus seed extract (Citrus sinensis), natural cherry flavor

Nature’s Way
Cost: $8.57 for 100 1-lozenge servings @ $.09/serving
Each serving delivers: 2000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: sorbitol, mannitol, natural cherry flavor, stearic acid, silica

Nutralife
Cost: $11.17 for 180 1-lozenge servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Also Contains: 800 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: mannitol, sorbitol, dibase calcium phosphate, modified cellulose gum, vegetable stearic acid, silica, natural strawberry flavor

Nutrition Now
Cost: $5.67 for 100 1-gummies servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers: 250 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also Contains: .5 g sugar
Other ingredients: gluclose syrup (corn), sucrose, gelatin, fractionated coconut oil, natural flavor, citric acid, lactic acid, and beeswax

Olympian Labs
Cost: $6.17 for 60 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.10/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg methylcobalamin
Also Contains: 300 mg proprietary base: fructose, sorbitol, natural fruit punch
Other ingredients: stearic acid and magnesium stearate

OraHealth Avamin
Cost: $10.93 for 30 1-dots (sublingual) servings @ $.36/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: xylitol, vegetable gum and calcium stearate

Pure Advantage
Cost: $11.08 for 1 fl. oz. for 175-spray servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: purified water, vegetable glycerine, and potassium sorbate

Pure Vegan
Cost: $15.68 for 1 fl. oz. for 175-spray servings @ $.09/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: purified water, vegetable glycerine, and potassium sorbate

Schiff
Cost: $3.12 for 100 1-tablet servings @ $.03/serving
Each serving delivers: 250 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: dextrose, dicalcium phosphate and magnesium stearate

Solaray (mango peach)
Cost: $14.51 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.24/serving
Each serving delivers: 2500 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: xylitol, cellulose, natural mango and peach flavors with other natural flavors, stearic acid, maltodextrin, citric acid, silica and turmeric root extract

Solaray
Cost: $7.19 for 30 1-lozenge servings @ $.24/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: sorbitol, stearic acid, natural flavors, silica, citric acid and malic acid

Solaray
Cost: $8.19 for 90 1-lozenge servings @ $.09/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 400 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: sorbitol, natural cherry with other natural flavors, stearic acid and magnesium stearate

Solaray (natural cherry)
Cost: $7.40 for 90 1-lozenge servings @ $.08/serving
Each serving delivers: 2000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: .4 g sugar alcohol
Other ingredients: sorbitol, natural cherry flavoring, magnesium stearate, silica and cellulose

Solaray
Cost: $5.49 for 30 1-gumlet servings @ $.08/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin
Also contains: 2 g carb, 5 mg stevia leaf extract
Other ingredients: sorbitol, gum base, natural flavors, xylitol, citric acid, malic acid and magnesium stearate

Solgar
Cost: $4.39 for 30 1-nuggetservings @ $.15/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: mannitol, silica, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable magnesium stearate, vegetable cellulose, natural cherry flavor

Solgar
Cost: $10.93 for 30 1-nuggetservings @ $.36/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, vegetable cellulose, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable magnesium stearate, natural cherry flavor

Solgar
Cost: $9.58 for 2 fl. oz. 59-liquid servings @ $.16/serving
Each serving delivers: 2000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also contains: 4 mg B-1, 4 mg riboflavin, 20 mg niacin, 10 mg B-6, 200 mcg folic acid, 300 mcg biotin, 30 mg panthothenic acid
Other ingredients: vegetable glycerin, purified water, citric acid, natural berry flavor, potassium sorbate (preservative)

Solgar
Cost: $16.72 for 120 1-nugget servings @ $.14/serving
Each serving delivers: 2500 mcg cobalamin
Also contains: 4 mg B-1, 4 mg riboflavin, 20 mg niacin, 10 mg B-6, 200 mcg folic acid, 300 mcg biotin, 30 mg panthothenic acid
Other ingredients: mannitol, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable magnesium stearate, natural cherry flavor with other natural flavors, silica

Solgar
Cost: $5.52 for 100 1-tablet servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers: 100 mcg cobalamin
Other ingredients: calcium stearate (vegetable source), cellulose, lactose (milk)

Solgar
Cost: $5.52 for 50 1-capsule servings @ $.11/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cobalamin
Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate and silica

Source Naturals (cherry)
Cost: $10.07 for 30 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.34/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin
Also contains: 400 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: sorbitol, mannitol, natural cherry flavor, stearic acid and magnesium stearate

Source Naturals
Cost: $43.91 for 120 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.37/serving
Each serving delivers: 8600 mcg dibencozide
Other ingredients: sorbitol, mannitol, natural raspberry flavor, modified cellulose gum, natural peach flavor, and magnesium stearate

Source Naturals (cherry)
Cost: $5.08 for 60 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.08/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin
Other ingredients: mannitol, sorbitol, stearic acid, natural cherry flavor, and magnesium stearate

Source Naturals
Cost: $7.03 for 100 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.07/serving
Each serving delivers: 2000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: sorbitol, mannitol, natural raspberry flavor, natural peach flavor, and magnesium stearate

Source Naturals (cherry)
Cost: $8.31 for 120 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.07/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: mannitol, sorbitol, natural cherry flavor, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate

Source Naturals (cherry)
Cost: $19.83 for 60 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.33/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: mannitol, sorbitol, stearic acid, natural cherry flavor, and magnesium stearate

Superior Source
Cost: $12.03 for 60 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.20/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Also Contains: 2 mg B-6, 800 mcg folic acid, 2 mg stevia leaf extract
Other ingredients: lactose (milk), natural flavors and acacia gum

Superior Source
Cost: $26.06 for 60 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.43/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin
Also Contains: 2 mg B-6, 800 mcg folic acid, 2 mg stevia leaf extract
Other ingredients: lactose (milk), acacia gum, and natural flavors

Superior Source
Cost: $10.56 for 100 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.11/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: lactose (milk) and acacia gum

Superior Source (extra strength)
Cost: $25.87 for 60 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.43/serving
Each serving delivers: 10,000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also Contains: 2 mg B-6, 1600 mcg folic acid, 2 mg stevia leaf extract
Other ingredients: lactose (milk), acacia gum, and natural flavors

Superior Source
Cost: $24.41 for 60 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.41/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: lactose (milk) and acacia gum

Superior Source
Cost: $10.56 for 60 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.18/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: lactose (milk) and acacia gum

Superior Source (triple)
Cost: $23.24 for 30 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.77/serving
Each serving delivers: 9000 mcg methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin (dibencozide), and cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: lactose (milk) and acacia gum

Thompson
Cost: $2.74 for 30 1-tablet servings @ $.03/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: cellulose, rice flour, silica and stearic acid

Thompson
Cost: $1.74 for 30 1-lozenge servings @ $.14/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg unknown - not labeled
Also Contains: 400 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: sorbitol, natural flavors and magnesium stearate

Twinlab
Cost: $4.28 for 100 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.04/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: cellulose, sorbitol, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, silica, cherry flavor, malic acid

Twinlab
Cost: $8.09 for 30 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.27/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: mannitol, cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, silica, magnesium stearate, vegetable based stearic acid, cherry flavor

Vitacost
Cost: $6.49 for 120 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.05/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Also Contains: 10 mg B-6, 400 mcg folic acid, 300 mcg biotin
Other ingredients: fructose, mannitol, sorbitol, dextrose, natural cherry flavor and luo han guo fruit extract. May contain one or more of the following; magnesium stearate, vegetable stearin and silicon dioxide

Vitacost (cherry)
Cost: $7.99 for 250 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.03/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg concentrated cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: sorbitol, stearic acid, magnesium stearate and natural cherry flavor

Vitacost
Cost: $29.99 for 100 1-capsule servings @ $.30/serving
Each serving delivers: 5000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: gelatin (capsule), rice flour, stearic acid and magnesium stearate

Vitacost
Cost: $3.49 for 100 1-capsule servings @ $.03/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: gelatin (capsule), rice flour, stearic acid and magnesium stearate

Vitacost (raspberry)
Cost: $10.99 for 4 fl. oz. for 118-drops servings @ $.09/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg methylcobalamin
Other ingredients: vegetable glycerin, deionized water, natural flavors and citric acid

Vitalabs
Cost: $3.56 for 100 1-tablet servings @ $.04/serving
Each serving delivers: 500 mcg cyanocobalamin

World Organic
Cost: $5.18 for 2 fl. oz. 59-drops servings @ $.09/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Also Contains: 400 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: purified water, natural cherry flavor, sodium barcarbonate, stevia

World Organic
Cost: $9.87 100 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.10/serving
Each serving delivers: 1000 mcg cyanocobalamin
Other ingredients: lactose (milk) and acacia gum

Vitamin B-12 Bottles Containing Methylcobalamin

Here are 34 brands and variants containing only the methylcobalamin form (adenosylcobalamin is also acceptable and paired in two products below) of Vitamin B-12. I am listing them here in alphabetical order. The next section will have the Top 10 most economical brands/variants containing methylcobalamin.

Please remember, just because you see a brand listed here, doesn’t mean the brand always uses methylcobalamin in all their B-12 bottles. Make sure you always look at the back of the bottle to check the form of B-12.

You may prefer a brand that doesn’t contain fructose or other additives. Typically lozenge forms have the most sugar. Drops or spray typically contain less additives, preservatives, and flavorings. Just a tip

Biochem (Country Life) 3000 mcg
Cost: $7.81 for 50 1-lozenge servings @ $.16/serving

Deva Vegan 1000 mcg
Cost: $7.76 for 90 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.09/serving

Enzymatic Therapy 1000 mcg
Cost: $7.76 for 90 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.15/serving

Heaven Sent 2000 mcg
Cost: $9.44 for 30 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.31/serving

Jarrow Formulas 1000 mcg
Cost: $6.38 for 100 1-lozenge servings @ $.06/serving

Jarrow Formulas 5000 mcg
Cost: $13.84 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.23/serving

KAL (acai) 5000 mcg
Cost: $17.27 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.29/serving

KAL (berry) 1000 mcg
Cost: $9.27 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.15/serving

Life Extension 5000 mcg
Cost: $24.00 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.40/serving

Life Extension 1000 mcg
Cost: $7.46 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.12/serving

Lifetime 5000 mcg
Cost: $14.25 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.24/serving

Liquid Health 2500 mcg
Cost: $7.19 for 2.03 fl oz.for 60-drop servings @ $.12/serving

Natural Factors 1000 mcg
Cost: $8.97 for 90 1-tablet (chewable) servings @ $.10/serving

Natural Factors 5000 mcg
Cost: $13.17 for 60 1-tablet (chewable) servings @ $.22/serving

Nutralife 1000 mcg
Cost: $11.17 for 180 1-lozenge servings @ $.06/serving

Olympian Labs 500 mcg
Cost: $6.17 for 60 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.10/serving

OraHealth Avamin 500 mcg
Cost: $10.93 for 30 1-dots (sublingual) servings @ $.36/serving

Pure Advantage 500 mcg
Cost: $11.08 for 1 fl. oz. for 175-spray servings @ $.06/serving

Pure Vegan 500 mcg
Cost: $15.68 for 1 fl. oz. for 175-spray servings @ $.09/serving

Solaray (mango peach) 2500 mcg
Cost: $14.51 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.24/serving

Solgar 1000 mcg
Cost: $4.39 for 30 1-nugget servings @ $.15/serving

Solgar 5000 mcg
Cost: $10.93 for 30 1-nugget servings @ $.36/serving

Source Naturals (cherry) 5000 mcg methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin
Cost: $10.07 for 30 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.34/serving

Source Naturals (cherry) 1000 mcg
Cost: $5.08 for 60 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.08/serving

Source Naturals (cherry) 1000 mcg methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin
Cost: $8.31 for 120 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.07/serving

Superior Source 1000 mcg
Cost: $12.03 for 60 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.20/serving

Superior Source 5000 mcg
Cost: $26.06 for 60 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.43/serving

Superior Source 5000 mcg
Cost: $24.41 for 60 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.41/serving

Superior Source 1000 mcg
Cost: $10.56 for 60 1-tablet (microlingual) servings @ $.18/serving

Vitacost 1000 mcg
Cost: $6.49 for 120 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.05/serving

Vitacost 5000 mcg
Cost: $29.99 for 100 1-capsule servings @ $.30/serving

Vitacost 500 mcg
Cost: $3.49 for 100 1-capsule servings @ $.03/serving

Vitacost (raspberry) 1000 mcg
Cost: $10.99 for 4 fl. oz. for 118-drops servings @ $.09/serving

Methylcobalamin Vitamin B-12 Listed by Price (low to high)

Prices per serving are all over the place. Since the serving sizes are also variable (from 500 mcg to 5,000 mcg), I have divided the cost per serving by 1,000 mcg and they range from 4¢ to 72¢ (per 1000 mcg). I have listed these by price, from lowest to highest. If there is more than one the same price, they will be listed alphabetical within that price.

Natural Factors 5000 mcg @ 4¢ per 1000 mcg

Biochem (Country Life) 3000 mcg @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg

Jarrow Formulas 5000 mcg @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg

Lifetime 5000 mcg @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg

Liquid Health 2500 mcg @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg

Vitacost 1000 mcg @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg

Jarrow Formulas 1000 mcg @ 6¢ per 1000 mcg

KAL (acai) 5000 mcg @ 6¢ per 1000 mcg

Nutralife 1000 mcg @ 6¢ per 1000 mcg

Vitacost 5000 mcg @ 6¢ per 1000 mcg

Solgar 5000 mcg @ 7¢ per 1000 mcg

Source Naturals (cherry) 5000 mcg methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin @ 7¢ per 1000 mcg

Source Naturals (cherry) 1000 mcg @ 7¢ per 1000 mcg

Vitacost 500 mcg @ 7¢ per 1000 mcg

Life Extension 5000 mcg @ 8¢ per 1000 mcg

Source Naturals (cherry) 1000 mcg methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin @ 8¢ per 1000 mcg

Superior Source 5000 mcg @ 8¢ per 1000 mcg

Deva Vegan 1000 mcg @ 9¢ per 1000 mcg

Superior Source 5000 mcg @ 9¢ per 1000 mcg

Vitacost (raspberry) 1000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 9¢ per 1000 mcg

Natural Factors 1000 mcg @ 10¢ per 1000 mcg

Solaray (mango peach) 2500 mcg @ 10¢ per 1000 mcg

Life Extension 1000 mcg @ 12¢ per 1000 mcg

Pure Advantage 500 mcg @ 12¢ per 1000 mcg

Enzymatic Therapy 1000 mcg @ 15¢ per 1000 mcg

Heaven Sent 2000 mcg @ 15¢ per 1000 mcg

KAL (berry) 1000 mcg @ 15¢ per 1000 mcg

Solgar 1000 mcg @ 15¢ per 1000 mcg

Pure Vegan 500 mcg @ 18¢ per 1000 mcg

Superior Source 1000 mcg @ 18¢ per 1000 mcg

Olympian Labs 500 mcg @ 20¢ per 1000 mcg

Superior Source 1000 mcg @ 20¢ per 1000 mcg

OraHealth Avamin 500 mcg @ 72¢ per 1000 mcg

Top 10 Most Economical Choices for Vitamin B-12 (Methylcobalamin)

Here are the Top 10 Most Economical choices for Vitamin B-12 in the methylcobalamin form (taken from the 34 listed above). Prices are pretty tight up here in the Top 10, ranging from 4¢ to just 6¢. There are many more options in the 7¢ - 9¢ range but then this wouldn’t be a Top 10 I have included all the information here for the product so you can make an informed choice. I also included click-throughs to Amazon for your convenience (just click on the name).

Natural Factors
Cost: $13.17 for 60 1-tablet (chewable) servings @ $.22/serving
Each serving delivers : 5000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 4¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients: lactose (from milk), cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate (vegetable grade)

Biochem (Country Life)
Cost: $7.81 for 50 1-lozenge servings @ $.16/serving
Each serving delivers: 3000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg
Also contains: 400 mcg folic acid, 50 mg Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Other ingredients: fructose, mannitol, cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica, natural cherry flavor, raspberry flavor

Jarrow Formulas
Cost: $13.84 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.23/serving
Each serving delivers : 5000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients: xylitol, cellulose, stearic acid (vegetable source), cherry flavor, citric acid and magnesium stearate (vegetable source)

Lifetime
Cost: $14.25 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.24/serving
Each serving delivers : 5000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients: cherry flavor

Liquid Health
Cost: $7.19 for 2.03 fl oz.for 60-drop servings @ $.12/serving
Each serving delivers : 2500 mcg methylcobalamin @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients: activAloe™ aloe vera juice, vegetable glycerin (USP), natural flavoring, potassium sorbate, Citricidal® grapefruit seed extract

Vitacost
Cost: $6.49 for 120 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.05/serving
Each serving delivers : 1000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 5¢ per 1000 mcg
Also Contains: 10 mg B-6, 400 mcg folic acid, 300 mcg biotin
Other ingredients: fructose, mannitol, sorbitol, dextrose, natural cherry flavor and luo han guo fruit extract. May contain one or more of the following; magnesium stearate, vegetable stearin and silicon dioxide

Jarrow Formulas
Cost: $6.38 for 100 1-lozenge servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers : 1000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 6¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients: xylitol, cellulose, stearic acid (vegetable source), magnesium stearate (vegetable source), lemon flavor, citric acid and silicon dioxide

KAL (acai)
Cost: $17.27 for 60 1-lozenge servings @ $.29/serving
Each serving delivers : 5000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 6¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients: xylitol, natural acai flavor and other natural flavors, cellulose, vegetable juice color, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica and citric acid

Nutralife
Cost: $11.17 for 180 1-lozenge servings @ $.06/serving
Each serving delivers : 1000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 6¢ per 1000 mcg
Also Contains: 800 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: mannitol, sorbitol, dibase calcium phosphate, modified cellulose gum, vegetable stearic acid, silica, natural strawberry flavor

Vitacost
Cost : $29.99 for 100 1-capsule servings @ $.30/serving
Each serving delivers : 5000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 6¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients : gelatin (capsule), rice flour, stearic acid and magnesium stearate

Solgar
Cost: $10.93 for 30 1-nugget servings @ $.36/serving
Each serving delivers : 5000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 7¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients: mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, vegetable cellulose, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable magnesium stearate, natural cherry flavor

Source Naturals (cherry)
Cost: $10.07 for 30 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.34/serving
Each serving delivers : 5000 mcg methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin @ 7¢ per 1000 mcg
Also contains: 400 mcg folic acid
Other ingredients: sorbitol, mannitol, natural cherry flavor, stearic acid and magnesium stearate

Source Naturals (cherry)
Cost: $8.31 for 120 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.07/serving
Each serving delivers : 1000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 7¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients: mannitol, sorbitol, natural cherry flavor, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate

Source Naturals (cherry)
Cost: $19.83 for 60 1-tablet (sublingual) servings @ $.33/serving
Each serving delivers : 5000 mcg methylcobalamin @ 7¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients: mannitol, sorbitol, stearic acid, natural cherry flavor, and magnesium stearate

Vitacost
Cost : $3.49 for 100 1-capsule servings @ $.03/serving
Each serving delivers : 500 mcg methylcobalamin @ 7¢ per 1000 mcg
Other ingredients : gelatin (capsule), rice flour, stearic acid and magnesium stearate

Final Word on B-12 Supplements

I was happy to see most of the Top 10 list included sublingual forms of methylcobalamin. It’s no fun when a preferred supplement form costs so much more. I hope this list has been helpful to you, and will help you when you purchase your B-12 supplements!

My local health food store charges twice the price that Vitacost charges. Most everyone I know purchases their supplements (and more) through Vitacost. If you are a new customer, you can get a $10 coupon if you click through this link. I get $10 for referring you, and you get a $10 coupon code after you register - so check your e-mail! You can use the coupon right away.

Finally, if you haven’t already, please read my first post on B-12 to learn how much you should consume, signs of deficiency, what interferes with B-12 absorption and what to do about it, as well as what foods B-12 is found in.

Comment with Facebook

comments

Comments

Vitamin B-12 Brand Comparison and Cost Analysis Guide — 5 Comments

Kelli on October 30, 2012 at 12:20 pm said:

So which one of all of these do you use?

Log in to Reply
- Lea Harris on October 30, 2012 at 6:06 pm said:
  
  This one: http://www.nourishingtreasures.com/solgarB12
  
  Log in to Reply
  - Kelli on October 30, 2012 at 9:04 pm said:
    
    Thanks!
    
    Log in to Reply
Kelli on November 1, 2012 at 7:13 am said:

Is this a sublingual supplement? One review says it is not but that is likely what I need since I’m on meds for heartburn. At this potency, do you just take half of a tablet? Thanks!

Log in to Reply
- Lea Harris on November 1, 2012 at 10:33 am said:
  
  Yes, it is! No, I take a full one. They do also sell 2000mg and 1000mg tabs, but I like the 5K
  
  Log in to Reply