Understanding How Do You Store Vitamin B12? Your Complete Storage Guide

October 13, 2025 •

5 min read

Naturally occurring vitamin B12 can be sensitive to light, heat, and storage conditions, though the supplemental form, cyanocobalamin, is generally more stable. Correct storage is crucial to preserve the potency and effectiveness of your supplements, ensuring you know how do you store vitamin B12 properly.

Quick Summary

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to properly store different forms of vitamin B12, including tablets, liquids, and injections. It outlines the specific storage requirements related to temperature, light exposure, and moisture to maintain potency and safety over time.

Key Points

Check the Label: Always follow the manufacturer's specific storage instructions, as requirements vary by form and brand.
Keep it Cool, Dry, and Dark: Store most B12 supplements away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to prevent degradation.
Refrigeration Varies by Form: Some liquid drops and specific types of injections (like Hydroxocobalamin) need to be refrigerated, while many tablets and Cyanocobalamin injections do not.
Avoid Bathroom Storage: The high humidity in bathrooms can degrade supplements, so choose a cool, dry location like a cabinet or drawer.
Don't Freeze B12: Unless explicitly directed, avoid freezing supplements, as it can damage the formulation.
Use Original Packaging: Keep B12 in its original dark or opaque container to shield it from light.
Discard Expired or Compromised Supplements: While not necessarily toxic, expired supplements may have lost potency, and any showing signs of mold or contamination should be thrown out.

Why Proper Storage of Vitamin B12 is Critical

Proper storage of any supplement is vital, but for a sensitive nutrient like vitamin B12, it is especially important to protect its stability. Degradation can lead to a loss of potency, rendering the supplement less effective over time. The factors that most influence B12 degradation include exposure to light, high temperatures, and moisture. Understanding how to control these elements is key to getting the full nutritional value from your supplements until the expiration date.

The Enemies of Vitamin B12 Potency

Several environmental factors can compromise the integrity of vitamin B12. Protecting against these is the primary goal of proper storage.

Light Exposure

Vitamin B12 is known to be photosensitive, meaning it can be degraded by exposure to light. This is why many manufacturers package B12 supplements in dark, opaque, or amber-colored containers. Prolonged exposure to sunlight or even fluorescent light can break down the vitamin over time. To combat this, always keep supplements in their original container and store them in a dark place, such as a medicine cabinet or drawer.

Heat and Temperature Fluctuations

Excessive heat can reduce the potency of vitamin B12. While many supplemental forms are stable at room temperature (around 59-85°F or 15-30°C), storing them near heat sources like a stove, radiator, or sunny window is a bad idea. Conversely, freezing is generally not recommended as it can also damage the product's integrity. The optimal temperature range is typically a cool room temperature, though specific product labels should always be consulted for confirmation.

Moisture and Humidity

Moisture can accelerate the degradation of vitamin B12 supplements, particularly tablets and capsules. Storing vitamins in a high-humidity environment, such as a bathroom medicine cabinet, is a common mistake that can lead to premature spoilage. To protect against moisture, always ensure the container's lid is tightly sealed after use and store it in a dry place. An airtight container can provide additional protection against humidity.

Storage Instructions for Different Vitamin B12 Forms

The best storage method depends on the form of the vitamin you are using. Tablets, liquids, and injections each have specific requirements.

B12 Tablets, Capsules, and Sublinguals

For solid forms of B12, such as standard tablets, capsules, or those designed to dissolve under the tongue (sublinguals), the guidelines are straightforward.

Best practices include:

Store in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Keep the original container tightly closed to prevent moisture from entering.
Avoid storing in bathrooms or kitchens, which are prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
A dresser drawer or a cool cabinet is often an ideal location.

B12 Liquid Drops and Sprays

Liquid and spray forms of vitamin B12 often have different requirements from their solid counterparts. The manufacturer's label is your best guide.

Refrigeration: While some forms may be shelf-stable until opened, many require refrigeration after the bottle is unsealed. Check the label for specific instructions. If refrigeration is needed, store it in the main body of the fridge, not the door, for more stable temperatures.
Usage Window: Some liquid formulations have a limited usage window (e.g., 3 months) after opening, even with refrigeration.
Protect from Light: Liquid B12 should also be protected from light. Keep it in its original amber-colored bottle.

B12 Injections

Properly storing vitamin B12 injections is critical, and the requirements vary depending on the specific type of B12.

Cyanocobalamin: This common form often does not require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature (68–77°F) away from heat and light.
Hydroxocobalamin: This form typically requires refrigeration (36–46°F) to maintain potency.
Check the Label: Always verify the storage instructions on the vial. Some injectable forms or kits may have specific recommendations.
After Opening: Opened vials of injectable B12 may need to be used within a certain timeframe, often 28 days, even with refrigeration.

Comparison of Storage Requirements


Storage Factor	B12 Tablets/Capsules	B12 Liquid Drops	B12 Injections (Cyanocobalamin)	B12 Injections (Hydroxocobalamin)
Temperature	Cool, room temperature (15-30°C/59-85°F)	Varies by brand; check label. Some require refrigeration after opening.	Room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F)	Refrigerated (2-8°C/36-46°F)
Light	Store in a dark place; original container often opaque.	Store in a dark place; often sold in amber bottles.	Protect from light.	Keep in the original box for light protection.
Moisture	Keep dry; tightly sealed container.	Ensure cap is tightly closed after each use.	No special requirements beyond avoiding condensation from refrigeration.	Store away from moisture; keep in a sealed container.
Refrigeration	Not recommended; may introduce moisture.	Often required after opening.	Not typically required.	Required.
Travel Considerations	Generally stable; keep in original container.	Requires insulated bag with gel packs if refrigeration is needed.	Generally stable at room temp; protect from heat/light.	Must be kept cool with an insulated container and gel packs.

What to Do If Storage Conditions Are Compromised

Accidents happen, and you may find yourself with a supplement that wasn't stored correctly. Here's what to consider:

Expired or Improperly Stored Supplements: Taking an expired supplement is generally not harmful, but it may not be as potent as a fresh one. The risk is that if you rely on the supplement for a deficiency, an ineffective dose could lead to symptoms. If the supplement was exposed to moisture and has grown mold, it should be discarded immediately.
Liquid Changed Color/Cloudy: If a liquid B12 that requires refrigeration was left out and has changed color, become cloudy, or developed particles, do not use it.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out: If you are unsure about the safety or efficacy of a supplement that wasn't stored correctly, the safest approach is to discard it and get a replacement. A pharmacist can provide guidance if you have questions about a specific product.

Conclusion: Takeaway for Vitamin B12 Storage

Knowing how do you store vitamin B12 is about more than just finding a shelf; it’s about protecting an investment in your health. Always read and follow the manufacturer's specific instructions, as they can vary by formulation. Remember the core principles: protect your supplements from light, heat, and moisture. For injectable forms, pay close attention to whether refrigeration is a requirement, not just a suggestion. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your vitamin B12 remains potent and effective for as long as possible, supporting your health journey without compromise.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance on dietary supplements, consult a healthcare professional. For more on vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, visit the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all forms of vitamin B12 require refrigeration. Tablets and some injections (like Cyanocobalamin) are typically stored at room temperature, while certain liquid drops and injections (like Hydroxocobalamin) do need to be refrigerated.

The best place is a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a kitchen cabinet or dresser drawer. Avoid storing supplements in a bathroom medicine cabinet due to high humidity.

Exposure to light can cause vitamin B12 to degrade and lose potency. Always store supplements in their original dark or opaque container to protect them from light.

Most manufacturers estimate vitamins can last up to two years, but potency is not guaranteed after the expiration date. While generally not dangerous, it may be less effective. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Signs of spoilage include a change in color, cloudiness, or the presence of particles. If it requires refrigeration and was left out, it's safest to discard it.

No, it is not recommended to store tablets in the refrigerator. The moisture and humidity inside can cause them to absorb water and degrade faster.

When traveling with injections that require refrigeration, use a small medical travel cooler or an insulated bag with gel ice packs to maintain the proper temperature. Never use direct ice.