What Multivitamin Has B12?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms daily, and most comprehensive multivitamins, especially those for specific demographics like vegans and seniors, contain B12 to help meet this requirement. However, the amount and type of B12 can vary significantly by brand and formulation, so it is important to know what multivitamin has B12 and is right for your needs.

Quick Summary

Many multivitamins contain B12, but the amount and active form differ by brand and target user. Key options exist for vegans and older adults who have specific absorption needs, with choices often coming down to synthetic cyanocobalamin or bioactive methylcobalamin.

Key Points

Prevalence: Most comprehensive multivitamins contain B12, but the amount and type vary significantly.
Forms of B12: Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic, common form, while methylcobalamin is a more readily absorbed, bioactive form preferred by many.
At-Risk Groups: Vegans, vegetarians, and adults over 50 are at higher risk for B12 deficiency and often require supplementation.
Bioavailability: Older adults, whose stomach acid decreases with age, benefit from supplemental B12 that doesn't require food for absorption, such as sublingual tablets or methylated forms.
Quality Matters: Always look for products with third-party testing (like USP or NSF certification) to ensure quality, potency, and purity.
Targeted Formulas: Many brands offer multivitamins tailored to specific demographics, like age or gender, that contain adjusted B12 levels.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues, especially in vulnerable populations like vegans and seniors. While B12 is naturally found in animal products, multivitamins are a reliable source for those with dietary restrictions or absorption challenges.

Popular Multivitamins with B12

Many leading brands include a substantial amount of B12 in their general and specialized multivitamins. Understanding which brands and product lines offer B12 is the first step toward making an informed choice.

Centrum

Centrum Adults and Silver: Both contain B12, with the Silver version for those over 50 often formulated to account for decreased absorption with age.
Centrum Women and Men: These gender-specific formulas include B12 along with other targeted nutrients.

Nature Made

Nature Made Multi Complete: Provides a significant B12 dose and is USP verified for purity and potency.
Nature Made B12 Supplements: While not multivitamins, the brand offers various stand-alone B12 products in different strengths and forms, including gummies and sublingual tablets.

Garden of Life

Vitamin Code Raw: This whole-food multivitamin is known for its raw, uncooked nutrients and includes B12 in the bioactive methylcobalamin form, along with probiotics and enzymes for enhanced absorption.

Ritual

Essential for Women 18+: This multivitamin provides B12 in the methylated, bioavailable form, along with other essential nutrients like iron and folate.

DEVA Vegan Multivitamin

DEVA Vegan Multivitamin: Specifically formulated for plant-based diets, this multivitamin provides a generous dose of B12 in the cyanocobalamin form, plus other nutrients often lacking in vegan diets like D3 and iron.

Thorne Research

Thorne Multi-Vitamin Elite: A premium option, especially for those with diagnosed B12 deficiency, offering a higher dose of methylcobalamin for maximum absorption.

Comparing B12 Forms: Cyanocobalamin vs. Methylcobalamin

When choosing a multivitamin with B12, it's crucial to understand the different forms available, as their bioavailability and metabolic pathway differ.

Cyanocobalamin: This is the synthetic and most common form of B12 found in supplements. It is stable and cost-effective, but the body must convert it into an active form. For most people, this conversion is efficient, though it is less so in individuals with certain genetic variations, like MTHFR mutations, or those with compromised methylation.
Methylcobalamin: Considered a naturally occurring and more bioavailable form of B12. It is the 'active' form, meaning the body can use it immediately without conversion. This makes it a preferred choice for older adults and those with absorption or methylation issues. Methylcobalamin is often found in higher-end or specialty supplements.
Hydroxocobalamin: Another naturally occurring form, often used in injections but also available in some supplements. It is easily converted to the active forms in the body and is sometimes preferred for sensitive individuals.

Who Needs a Multivitamin with B12?

Certain groups are more susceptible to B12 deficiency and can benefit greatly from a multivitamin containing B12:

Vegans and Vegetarians: Since B12 is primarily found in animal products, those on plant-based diets are at high risk of deficiency and require supplementation.
Older Adults (50+): As we age, stomach acid production can decrease, which is necessary to absorb B12 from food. The NIH recommends those over 50 get their B12 from fortified foods or supplements for better absorption.
Individuals with Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or a history of stomach surgery can impair B12 absorption.
Those Taking Certain Medications: Some medications, including proton pump inhibitors and metformin, can interfere with B12 absorption.

How to Choose the Right Multivitamin

Choosing the right multivitamin depends on your personal health profile and dietary habits. Consider these factors:

Read the Label: Look for the B12 content and form. If you are vegan or over 50, ensure the amount meets your needs and consider the more bioavailable methylcobalamin form.
Check for Certifications: Reputable multivitamins often have third-party verification from organizations like USP or NSF, ensuring the product contains what the label claims.
Evaluate Bioavailability: Certain demographics, particularly seniors, benefit from methylated forms of B12 for optimal absorption.
Targeted Formulas: Some multivitamins are tailored for specific groups, such as men, women, or seniors, with nutrient profiles designed for those needs.

Comparison Table of B12 Multivitamins


Multivitamin	Target Audience	Key B12 Form	Key Feature	Certification
Centrum Adults	General Adults	Cyanocobalamin	Broad-spectrum, affordable	Reputable Brand
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw	General Adults (Whole Food)	Methylcobalamin	Raw, whole-food, and probiotic-enhanced	Certified B Corp
Ritual Essential for Women 18+	Women 18-49	Methylcobalamin	Traceable ingredients, methylated forms	Third-party tested
DEVA Vegan Multivitamin	Vegans/Vegetarians	Cyanocobalamin	Vegan formula with D3 and iron	Vegan Society approved
Thorne Multi-Vitamin Elite	Those with High Needs	Methylcobalamin	High-potency, max absorption	NSF Certified for Sport
Centrum Silver	Adults 50+	Cyanocobalamin	Age-specific nutrient balance	Reputable Brand

Conclusion

Most comprehensive multivitamins contain B12, but the choice between them should be guided by your individual needs. For those with compromised absorption due to age or dietary choices, a supplement with methylcobalamin, or a sublingual delivery system, might be most effective. Always check the label for the specific B12 form and dosage, especially if you are vegan or an older adult. By selecting a high-quality, targeted multivitamin, you can effectively support your B12 levels and overall health.

Choosing the Best Multivitamin with B12

Selecting the right multivitamin with B12 involves considering your specific dietary and health needs. By reviewing the key factors like B12 form, dosage, bioavailability, and third-party testing, you can confidently choose the best supplement to maintain your B12 levels and support overall health. Consulting a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance, especially for those with chronic health conditions or unique dietary requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'best' form depends on individual needs. Methylcobalamin is a highly absorbable, bioactive form, making it ideal for older adults and those with absorption issues. Cyanocobalamin is a common, stable, and cost-effective synthetic form that works well for most healthy people.

Yes, many multivitamins formulated for vegans, like DEVA, specifically contain B12 since it's difficult to obtain from a plant-based diet alone. It is essential for vegans to check the label for B12 content.

As people age, their ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food diminishes due to lower stomach acid. The NIH recommends that adults over 50 get B12 from fortified foods or supplements, which offer better absorption.

The body only absorbs a small percentage of supplemental B12, and high doses are generally considered safe as B12 is water-soluble. However, it's best to follow recommended dosages unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.

Symptoms of B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues. If you have these symptoms or are in a high-risk group (like vegans or older adults), consult a doctor for a blood test to check your B12 levels.

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy metabolism, and for individuals with a deficiency, a multivitamin can help restore energy levels. However, if your B12 levels are already adequate, you may not notice a significant energy boost.

Yes, many gummy multivitamins contain B12 and are effective, especially for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills. Brands like Vitafusion and Amazon Basics offer B12 gummies.

Look for third-party certifications from organizations such as USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia), NSF International, or Certified B Corp to ensure the product's quality, potency, and purity.