Buying Vitamin B12 lozenges? Pay attention to this.
Geschreven door: Ebrina van der Bijl
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Leesduur: 9 min
A vitamin B12 lozenge melts slowly in your mouth, allowing the vitamin to be absorbed through the oral mucosa. They are also called B12 melting tablets.
The advantage of lozenges is that they (largely) bypass the digestive tract, meaning absorption is different than with regular tablets. This can be helpful if your body has difficulty absorbing B12 through the intestines.
This article explains what to consider when using B12 in this form, from choosing the right type of B12 to the dosage and who lozenges are most suitable for.
Lozenges with active B12 (methyl- and adenosylcobalamin) ensure direct absorption through the oral mucosa.
Choose a dosage of ≥1000 mcg with natural flavors; excess B12 is excreted by the body.
Combine with active folate (5-MTHF) and B6 (P5P) for healthy homocysteine metabolism.
What should you pay attention to with vitamin B12 lozenges?
Not all B12 tablets are created equal. If you choose a lozenge, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
1. Active forms of B12
The best lozenges contain these two active forms of vitamin B12: methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Your body can use these forms directly, without having to convert them first.
Both are important, because they each have a different function:
Methylcobalamin is involved in the conversion of homocysteine in your blood
Adenosylcobalamin is active in energy production in your cells (the mitochondria)
Note : Cheaper options often contain cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form that must be converted before your body can use it. It is therefore a less efficient form.
2. High dosage: minimum 1000 mcg
With a lozenge, you always accidentally swallow a portion. That portion is then absorbed through your intestines, and that doesn't always work well.
That's why you often see high doses on the label, starting at around 1000 micrograms . That sounds like a lot, but your body only absorbs what it needs. You simply pee out the rest.
3. Natural flavors
A lozenge stays in your mouth for a while, so you want it to taste pleasant. Preferably choose lozenges with natural flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or lemon.
Try to avoid artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners (such as aspartame), and other chemical additives.
4. Supporting ingredients: 5-MTHF folate and active B6
Some B12 tablets also contain supporting substances that work well with B12. They complement each other in various processes in your body.
Pay special attention to these two:
5-MTHF folate – This is the active form of folic acid. Your body doesn't need to convert it first, so it's immediately usable.
Active B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) – Like B12, it helps process homocysteine. Together, they provide better support for this process.
Good to know: This combination isn't essential, but it can be beneficial. This is especially true if you know you have difficulty converting folic acid or if you're taking B12 due to fatigue or elevated homocysteine levels.
What are the best B12 lozenges?
These are the 3 best B12 lozenges that meet the above criteria:
B12 Premium from Natuurlijk Presteren - A complete formula in a good dosage. The tablets have a pleasant taste. Ideal for daily use.
B12 Combi 6000 from Vitakruid - A good choice, but usually not necessary for daily use. Due to its high dosage, it's especially suitable for those with a serious B12 deficiency.
Contains both active forms
With active folate and active B6
Natural strawberry and lemon flavouring
Please note: Very high dosage: 6000 mcg per tablet
B12 Lozenges – Vitals - No adenosylcobalamin, folate, or B6. A great option if you're looking for just methylcobalamin in a simple formula.
Contains only methylcobalamin
Effective dosage of 1000 mcg per tablet
Original cherry flavor
What exactly is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that your body needs for several important processes. For example, B12 plays a role in:
The production of red blood cells
The functioning of your nervous system
Releasing energy from your food
Keeping homocysteine levels in balance (a substance in your blood that you would rather not have too much of)
There are different forms of vitamin B12:
In food it is usually found as hydroxycobalamin - a cheap, synthetic form that first has to be converted into a usable form.
Supplements primarily contain methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin , and cyanocobalamin . These are active forms that your body can use immediately.
Who is at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?
A vitamin B12 deficiency usually occurs because you don't get enough of it through your diet. Some groups are therefore more likely to develop a deficiency:
Vegetarians and vegans - B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, so without supplementation there is a good chance that you will not get enough B12 (1)
Pregnant women - During pregnancy your B12 needs increase, especially on a plant-based diet (2) (3)
People with a one-sided or malnourished diet - For example, the elderly or people with eating disorders (4)
Who are B12 lozenges suitable for?
Sometimes, B12 absorption through the intestines isn't effective. You can consume enough B12 in your diet or take it as a supplement, but if your body can't absorb it properly, you can still develop a deficiency.
In such cases, a lozenge, which is partly absorbed through the oral mucosa, may be a better alternative.
Lozenges are particularly suitable for:
Elderly - Elderly people often have less stomach acid, not due to age itself, but due to changes in the stomach that occur more frequently with age. (5)
People taking antacids - Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (also called PPIs or antacids) such as omeprazole and pantoprazole decreases stomach acid production, which can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12. (6)
People taking metformin - This is a commonly used drug for type 2 diabetes and affects the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines. (7)
People with stomach or intestinal disorders - Think of (untreated) gluten allergy, Crohn's disease or after gastric reduction surgery, where the absorption of nutrients is often less effective. (8) (9)
People with pernicious anemia (intrinsic factor deficiency) - Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease in which the body doesn't produce enough intrinsic factor. This is a protein needed for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Without intrinsic factor, B12 from food or standard supplements is poorly absorbed. (10)
Benefits of Vitamin B12 Lozenges
Lozenges offer several clear advantages over regular tablets. Especially if your body isn't absorbing everything properly through your intestines, they can make all the difference.
These are the benefits of B12 melt tablets:
Effective absorption through the oral mucosa - Lozenges dissolve slowly in your mouth, allowing the vitamin to be absorbed directly through the oral mucosa. This allows some of the B12 to reach your bloodstream without first passing through your stomach and intestines. This distinguishes this form from regular tablets or capsules, which rely entirely on your digestive system.
Suitable for reduced intestinal absorption - For people whose intestinal absorption is not optimal, a lozenge can be a solution. Because your body partially absorbs the vitamin in the mouth, this form is less dependent on stomach acid and intrinsic factor.
Comparable effectiveness at low doses - Even at lower doses, lozenges have proven effective. Because you let the lozenge dissolve slowly, the B12 is absorbed gradually. Research shows that this method is often just as effective as higher doses via capsules or injections, as long as you use the lozenges regularly and correctly. (11)
Side effects of vitamin B12 lozenges
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning your body usually excretes any excess in your urine. This minimizes the risk of side effects, even at higher doses.
However, some people may experience a mild reaction, especially at very high doses. Mild symptoms may include:
Nausea
Headache
Skin reaction (such as itching or rash)
Good to know : These side effects are fortunately rare, but it's good to keep an eye on them if you're just starting B12 supplements. If you experience any symptoms, gradually increase your dosage or consult a professional.
Why combine with folate and active B6?
B12, folate, and B6 form a kind of team in your body. They support the processing of homocysteine , a substance released during protein breakdown. Too much homocysteine in your blood can have harmful effects on your health.
To properly break down homocysteine, you need all three of these vitamins.
If you take B12, folate, and B6 in their active forms (methylcobalamin, 5-MTHF, and P5P), your body doesn't need to convert them first. They're immediately ready for use, making absorption and effectiveness much more efficient.
In addition, this trio also contributes to other processes, such as:
The production of red blood cells
The production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine
Energy and mental clarity
In short : The combination of B12, folate and B6 in active form supports several processes at the same time, but especially the breakdown of homocysteine.
Want to buy Vitamin B12 1000 mcg lozenge?
Looking for a B12 lozenge with a good composition and a pleasant taste? Our B12 Premium contains 1000 mcg of vitamin B12 in its two most absorbable forms: methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
We've combined these with active folate (5-MTHF) and active B6 (P5P), exactly what your body needs to properly process homocysteine.
And also not unimportant: The natural strawberry flavour makes using it every day a lot more pleasant.
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Niklewicz, A., Hannibal, L., Warren, M., & Ahmadi, K. R. (2024b). A systematic review and meta‐analysis of functional vitamin B12 status among adult vegans. Nutrition Bulletin, 49(4), 463–479. https://doi.org/10.1111/nbu.12712
Rashid, S., Meier, V., & Patrick, H. (2020). Review of Vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnancy: a diagnosis not to miss as veganism and vegetarianism become more prevalent. European Journal Of Haematology, 106(4), 450–455. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejh.13571
Papakitsou, I., Papazachariou, A., & Filippatos, T. (2024). Prevalence, associated factors, and impact of vitamin B12 deficiency in older medical inpatients. European Geriatric Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-024-01093-9
Feldman, M., Cryer, B., McArthur, K., Huet, B., & Lee, E. (1996). Effects of aging and gastritis on gastric acid and pepsin secretion in humans: A prospective study. Gastroenterology, 110(4), 1043–1052. https://doi.org/10.1053/gast.1996.v110.pm8612992
Choudhury, A., Jena, A., Jearth, V., Dutta, A. K., Makharia, G., Dutta, U., Goenka, M., Kochhar, R., & Sharma, V. (2023). Vitamin B12 deficiency and use of proton pump inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Review Of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 17(5), 479–487. https://doi.org/10.1080/17474124.2023.2204229
Niafar, M., Hai, F., Porhomayon, J., & Nader, N. D. (2014). The role of metformin on vitamin B12 deficiency: a meta-analysis review. Internal And Emergency Medicine, 10(1), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-014-1157-5
Bermejo, F., Algaba, A., Guerra, I., Chaparro, M., De-La-Poza, G., Valer, P., Piqueras, B., Bermejo, A., García-Alonso, J., Pérez, M., & Gisbert, J. P. (2013). Should we monitor vitamin B12and folate levels in Crohn's disease patients? Scandinavian Journal Of Gastroenterology, 48(11), 1272–1277. https://doi.org/10.3109/00365521.2013.836752
Abdelwahab, O.A., Abdelaziz, A., Diab, S., Khazragy, A., Elboraay, T., Fayad, T., Diab, R.A., & Negida, A. (2024). Efficacy of different routes of vitamin B12 supplementation for the treatment of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Irish Journal Of Medical Science (1971 -), 193(3), 1621–1639. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-023-03602-4