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What is Liquid Vitamin B12?

Mirissa Armstrong
Mirissa Armstrong

Liquid vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin or cyanocobalamin, is a form of a water-soluble substance necessary for a wide range of body functions such as red blood cell production. Normally taken under the tongue or mixed in a drink, people use it to treat conditions such as fatigue, pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal problems. Like other supplements, it can interact with other substances, so even though it’s readily available over the counter, a person should talk with a doctor to see if using it is okay.

Description

Liquid vitamin B12 is often packaged in a bottle with an eyedropper.
Liquid vitamin B12 is often packaged in a bottle with an eyedropper.

The consistency of liquid vitamin B12 is normally very thin, similar to water. This can vary a little bit depending on how concentrated a company makes the product. It’s normally a dark pink to reddish in color, because it contains the heavy metal cobalt, which is found in those shades.

How to Take It

In most cases, this form of the vitamin is packaged in a small plastic bottle with an eyedropper lid. To use it, a person fills the eyedropper, places a few drops under the tongue, holds them there for 30 seconds and then swallows. If this is too uncomfortable, it’s typically acceptable to mix it with juice or another drink. Manufacturers often recommend giving the bottle a quick shake before going through this process.

Vitamin B12 is necessary for many body functions, including red blood cell production.
Vitamin B12 is necessary for many body functions, including red blood cell production.

The product occasionally doesn’t come with a dropper. In this case, it’s important to use a measuring tool for liquid medicines to get the right amount, because regular spoons usually hold too much and aren’t accurate enough. It’s not uncommon for a manufacturer to include a small dosing cup in the package for this purpose instead.

Combination With Other Substances

Liquid vitamin B12 may be used to treat pernicious anemia, a condition in which the body struggles to absorb vitamin B12.
Liquid vitamin B12 may be used to treat pernicious anemia, a condition in which the body struggles to absorb vitamin B12.

Sometimes, this substance is mixed with liquid forms of other vitamins, especially the additional seven in the B family: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin and folic acid. Many people think the taste of it isn’t very good, so many companies add some fruit flavoring. Common preservatives such as xanthan gum and sweeteners such as sucralose often are ingredients, as well.

Preference Over Other Forms

Some people like liquid B12 because it’s so convenient. It doesn’t require going to a doctor’s office, as it’s ready to buy over the counter in pharmacies, health food shops and retail stores. This version also absorbs into the blood extremely fast, providing quick results. Individuals often turn to this type if they have trouble swallowing pills and don’t want to wear a patch. They usually opt for the more expensive shots when their bodies can’t produce enough intrinsic factor, a protein that moves vitamin B12 into the small intestine.

Reasons for Use

Doctors have figured out that vitamin B12 is necessary to change carbohydrates into glucose, the simple sugar the body can use for energy. It is connected to cell metabolism, as well, particularly in the synthesis of DNA. They recommend it, therefore, when a person has a problem with fatigue. Along with the other B vitamins, it ties to cell reproduction and is needed for healthy nails, skin and hair. The product also plays a role in normal brain and nervous system function, so scientists are studying its effects on conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, poor memory, depression, mania and psychosis.

One common reason to take the liquid form is because a person has pernicious anemia, a condition in which someone has trouble absorbing the vitamin because they don’t have enough intrinsic factor. The deficiency that happens as a result causes the number of red blood cells to drop. Other people who might not get enough B12, such as strict vegetarians or those who are pregnant, typically benefit from taking a supplement. Individuals who have stomach or intestinal problems also might take it, because it generally promotes good digestion and absorption of foods.

Storage

In general, manufacturers recommend storing liquid vitamin B12 at temperatures somewhere between 55 and 85° Fahrenheit. In most cases, this means a person can keep it in a cabinet at normal room temperature. Some companies suggest that buyers put the container in a refrigerator, however, which is thought to extend shelf life. No matter the temperature, it should be kept out of the reach of children.

Warnings

Similar to many other drugs, B12 in liquid form potentially can interact with a variety of other things, such as alcohol, antibiotics, nicotine, metformin and even other nutrients such as potassium. Those who want to take it, therefore, should consult a doctor to avoid problems and determine what dosage might be best. Additionally, the form most often sold is cyanocobalamin, which is synthetically made and which is bound to the toxic cyanide molecule. Experts are concerned that, as the liver filters out the cyanide, it depletes levels of useful “methyl” molecules, which might increase the risk for heart disease. Methylcobalamin is an alternative form found in nature that is thought to be safer.

Discussion Comments

anon271471

I just started liquid B12 and hope it helps with my mood and skin.

scifreak

I was going to my doctor's office and getting vitamin B12 shots, but they were so expensive I stopped. I am now using vitamin B12 spray from the drugstore.

In my opinion, I think the spray is just as good as the shot. I can't tell a difference between the two of them, except for the cost.

Sara84

I have been taking a liquid vitamin B complex for about a month. I feel so much more energetic and not so tired all the time. I think the liquid form of vitamins works better than capsules or tablets.

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    • Liquid vitamin B12 is often packaged in a bottle with an eyedropper.
      By: Vladir09
      Liquid vitamin B12 is often packaged in a bottle with an eyedropper.
    • Vitamin B12 is necessary for many body functions, including red blood cell production.
      By: Dmitry Sunagatov
      Vitamin B12 is necessary for many body functions, including red blood cell production.
    • Liquid vitamin B12 may be used to treat pernicious anemia, a condition in which the body struggles to absorb vitamin B12.
      By: joshya
      Liquid vitamin B12 may be used to treat pernicious anemia, a condition in which the body struggles to absorb vitamin B12.