Is There a Vitamin B12 Drink? What You Need to Know

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to an analysis of NHANES data from 2007–2018, approximately 12.5% of adults age 19 and older have inadequate vitamin B12 levels, leading many to seek alternative sources beyond traditional food. This growing interest has led to an explosion of beverage options, with many people asking, "Is there a vitamin B12 drink?"

Quick Summary

Several types of beverages contain vitamin B12, including fortified plant-based milks, juices, and energy drinks. Liquid B12 supplements are also available for fast absorption, appealing to those with dietary restrictions or absorption issues. The effectiveness depends on the drink type, your health, and the form of B12 used. Making an informed choice requires understanding different options and how your body absorbs the nutrient.

Key Points

Diverse Sources: Vitamin B12 is available in drinks like fortified plant-based milks (soy, almond) and juices, as well as energy shots.
Liquid Supplements: Sublingual liquid B12 drops offer faster, more direct absorption for those with poor digestive health or severe deficiency.
Absorption is Key: The body's absorption of oral B12 is limited, especially at high doses, making sublingual drops or injections potentially more effective for some.
Vegan Options: Fortified plant-based milks and nutritional yeast are reliable and crucial B12 sources for vegans, as the vitamin is naturally found in animal products.
Choose Wisely: Be mindful of added sugars and caffeine in energy drinks. Prioritize formulations with methylcobalamin for better bioavailability.
Consult a Doctor: It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider to diagnose a deficiency and determine the right supplementation plan, as drinks may not be enough for some.

Understanding Vitamin B12 and Dietary Needs

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential, water-soluble nutrient vital for red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Since the human body cannot produce it, B12 must be obtained through diet or supplements. Naturally, B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products like meat, fish, and dairy, making it a critical concern for those on vegan or vegetarian diets.

The Rise of Fortified Beverages

Because of the potential for deficiency, particularly among older adults, vegans, and those with certain health conditions, many food and beverage manufacturers have started fortifying their products with vitamin B12.

Plant-Based Milks: Many soy, almond, and oat milk brands are fortified with vitamin B12 to provide a reliable source for vegans.
Breakfast Cereals: A staple source for many, fortified breakfast cereals can deliver a significant percentage of the daily value.
Nutritional Yeast: Often used as a cheese substitute, fortified nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on foods or added to smoothies to boost B12 intake.
Energy Drinks and Shots: Several energy drinks, such as Red Bull, explicitly list B-group vitamins, including B12, as part of their formula. There are also smaller, concentrated B12 energy shots on the market.

Liquid B12 Supplements vs. Fortified Drinks

For those who need higher doses or have absorption issues, liquid B12 supplements are a more direct and potent alternative to general fortified beverages. These are often taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster and more efficient absorption directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely. This is a distinct advantage over fortified beverages, where absorption can be hampered by digestive challenges or the presence of other substances.

A Comparison of B12 Drink Options

To help you decide which option is right for you, here is a comparison of different types of vitamin B12 drinks.


Feature	Fortified Plant-Based Milk	B12 Energy Drink	Sublingual Liquid B12
Convenience	Easy to find in most grocery stores.	Widely available in convenience stores.	Available online or in health food stores; taken with a dropper.
Absorption Speed	Slower, depends on digestive health.	Variable, often combined with other ingredients.	Very fast, directly absorbed under the tongue.
Dosage Control	Pre-determined serving size.	Fixed dosage per can/bottle.	Fully customizable with a dropper.
Typical Dose	Generally meets or exceeds the RDA per serving.	Can contain very high doses, often 100% to 11,000% DV.	High doses of 500–5000 mcg are common.
Key Ingredients	Water, nuts/oats, added B12, often calcium and vitamin D.	Caffeine, taurine, sugar, flavorings, B-vitamins.	Purified water, B12 (methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin).
Best For	Vegans and vegetarians seeking a daily dietary source.	Quick energy boost, but with potential caffeine downside.	Individuals with severe deficiency or absorption issues seeking direct intake.

Important Considerations When Choosing a B12 Drink

Check for Sugar and Additives: Energy drinks and some fortified juices can be very high in sugar and calories. For a healthier option, choose sugar-free or unsweetened versions.
Bioavailability: The form of B12 matters. Methylcobalamin is often considered more bioavailable and is readily used by the body, whereas cyanocobalamin must first be converted.
High Dosage vs. Absorption: While some drinks boast extremely high B12 percentages, the body's ability to absorb it is limited. Absorption rates drop significantly at higher doses. For example, studies show absorption of oral supplements is only about 2% at a 500 mcg dose.
Underlying Health Conditions: Those with conditions like Crohn's or pernicious anemia may have poor absorption through the gut, making injections or sublingual drops more effective.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Yes, there is a wide variety of vitamin B12 drinks available, from daily fortified products to targeted supplements. For most people, a balanced diet including fortified beverages is sufficient. However, for those with specific dietary restrictions or absorption problems, a liquid supplement offers a more direct and potent solution. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your individual health needs, especially if you suspect a deficiency or have underlying medical conditions. While drinks can be a convenient source of B12, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and understanding the differences can lead to a more effective strategy for maintaining optimal health.

Visit the Office of Dietary Supplements for more detailed information on vitamin B12

Frequently Asked Questions

For vegans, the best vitamin B12 drinks are typically fortified plant-based milks, such as soy or almond milk. These products are specifically enriched with B12 and can help meet daily nutritional needs alongside fortified nutritional yeast.

While vitamin B12 is a key component in energy metabolism, the 'energy boost' from energy drinks is more likely due to high levels of caffeine and sugar. Unless you have a pre-existing B12 deficiency, the extra B12 in these drinks is unlikely to provide a noticeable energy lift.

As a water-soluble vitamin, excess B12 is typically excreted through urine, and there is no established upper intake level. While generally considered safe, very high doses in supplements are not necessary unless medically advised, as the body's absorption capacity is limited.

Liquid B12, especially when taken sublingually, can offer faster absorption for individuals who have difficulty with digestion or swallowing pills. Some people feel the effects sooner, though oral pills are also effective for many.

To check if a beverage contains vitamin B12, look at the Nutrition Facts label. The vitamin content is required to be listed if it has been added to the product.

Liquid B12 supplementation may be particularly beneficial for older adults, vegans, and individuals with digestive issues like Crohn's disease or those who have had gastric bypass surgery, as these factors can impair natural absorption.

No. Different drinks and supplements use various forms of vitamin B12, such as cyanocobalamin (synthetic) or methylcobalamin (natural, active form). Research has not shown one to be consistently superior, though methylcobalamin is often preferred for its direct bioavailability.