B12 is a single vitamin, while B Complex is a blend of several B Vitamins—including B12. Though you can take B12 separately (and many plant-based people do), it's best to take them together, as the vitamins work synergistically to support energy, metabolism, and DNA/RNA synthesis.
B12 is one of EIGHT essential B-vitamins. B-complex supplements generally contain all eight, though the most common deficiencies are vitamins B1, B6, and B12. When considering B12 vs. B-complex supplements, your body will tell you exactly what you need.
If you choose to supplement, there is no reason not to take the whole complex of eight B vitamins in supplement form, but also no reason to take them apart from a daily multivitamin / multimineral supplement. Multivitamins commonly contain the full spectrum of B vitamins.
When taken at appropriate doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine.
While a glass of water and an empty stomach is a fine option when taking a stand-alone B complex, you can also reap the benefits of the B vitamin family with a meal.
B complex vitamins are a combination of several B vitamins that are essential for your body, including B12. However, taking B12 as a separate supplement can provide more targeted support for certain conditions.
Antibiotics, Tetracycline: Vitamin B12 should not be taken at the same time as tetracycline because it interferes with the absorption and effectiveness of this medication.
The B vitamins help enzymes in our bodies do their jobs and are important for a wide range of cellular functions, like breaking down carbohydrates and transporting nutrients throughout the body. The B vitamins play an inter-related role in keeping our brains running properly.
When it comes to the issue of vitamin B12 vs B complex, both types of vitamins are crucial. If you're lacking B12, consume more of it via supplements or food. If you're lacking vitamin B in general, consider B complex vitamins instead. Overall, both vitamins are essential nutrients.
Multivitamin/mineral supplements typically contain vitamin B12 at doses ranging from 5 to 25 mcg [22]. Vitamin B12 levels are higher, generally 50–500 mcg, in supplements containing vitamin B12 with other B-complex vitamins and even higher, typically 500–1,000 mcg, in supplements containing only vitamin B12.
An overdose of Vitamin B12 can cause complications like diarrhea, blood clots, severe allergic reactions, and an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12, called hydroxocobalamin. At first, you'll have these injections every other day for 2 weeks or until your symptoms have started improving. Your GP or nurse will give the injections.
It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.
The Best Type of Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin or Methylcobalamin? For prevention and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanocobalamin in chewable, sublingual, or liquid forms (rather than in a multivitamin) is best under most circumstances.
Interactions between your drugs. No interactions were found between Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Apples Aside from being an important inclusion in a list of vitamin B12 fruits, apples are also rich in fibre, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Apples also comprise polyphenols that are found in both the peel and the pulp of the nutrient-dense fruit.
Differences Between B12 and B Complex
B12 is a single vitamin, while B Complex is a blend of several B Vitamins—including B12. Though you can take B12 separately (and many plant-based people do), it's best to take them together, as the vitamins work synergistically to support energy, metabolism, and DNA/RNA synthesis.
“People often panic when they see bright yellow urine after taking a supplement but it's just the excess B vitamins being excreted and is nothing to worry about. Some vitamins - A, D, E and K - are fat-soluble and some are water-soluble - all eight B vitamins and vitamin C.
B-complex vitamins should be taken early in the day, preferably with your first meal. They help the body produce energy from food and taking them later in the day can interfere with your sleep.