Thorne Vitamin B12 Review
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only2 human studies · 2 improved
This product gives 3 milligrams of vitamin B12 a day, which is above the 1000 micrograms used in the study below. Only two human studies touch on stomach comfort, and neither tests vitamin B12 alone for fast relief of occasional heartburn. In a randomized trial of 351 people with acid reflux, a combination supplement that included vitamin B12 along with melatonin, L-tryptophan, vitamin B6, folic acid, methionine and betaine led all 176 users to report their symptoms were gone after about 40 days, compared with 65.7 percent of people taking a standard acid-reducing drug. Because vitamin B12 was one of several ingredients, this result cannot be credited to it [1]. A smaller study without a comparison group followed 34 people with a stomach bacterial infection and low vitamin B12. Taking 1000 micrograms daily for 3 months sped up stomach emptying and lowered indigestion scores [2]. Neither study looked at quick relief of occasional heartburn, and neither was a controlled test of vitamin B12 on its own, so the evidence is too limited to say whether it helps for this goal. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 2 studies →Hide the studies
- In 351 people with acid reflux, a combination supplement that included vitamin B12 led all 176 users to report complete symptom regression after 40 days, compared with 65.7% of those taking 20 mg a med (a standard acid-reducing drug), but B12 was not tested on its own.Read the study on PubMed (16948779) →
- In 34 people with Helicobacter pylori infection and low vitamin B12, 1000 mcg daily for 3 months shortened stomach emptying time and reduced dyspepsia scores, with no control group.The impact of B(12) treatment on gastric emptying time in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection.
Review Totals and Summary
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Biohacker Summary
Members Only0 of 10 recommend it
Most of the panel is positive on vitamin B12, with five of the ten currently recommending it and a few more using it or staying neutral. They mainly take it for nerve health and myelin, brain function and mood, and to fix a deficiency, with extra attention for vegans and vegetarians, and some also link it to energy, homocysteine and graying hair. Several prefer methylcobalamin, with one suggesting liposomal or micellar forms for absorption and another suggesting a sublingual form for older people; one panelist said he takes 1 gram in the morning, and another aims for a blood level around 500. It is often paired with vitamin B6 and folate, or methylated folate for people who cannot process folic acid, and several advise testing first. Cautions came from one panelist who advises against it when diet already provides enough, one who says to avoid it close to bedtime, and one who stopped taking it alongside other injections and described a rough period afterward.
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Thomas DeLauer · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- Recommends Vitamin B12 for mental health and mood, explaining its role in myelination and neurotransmitter production. They specifically recommend a liposomal and micellar form of methylcobalamin B12 for better absorption and to avoid toxicity.
- Mentions that a single serving of sardines provides vitamin B12 at something like three to four times the daily needs.
- Recommends taking methylcobalamin as a methylated form of B vitamin for mitochondrial function.
- Advises against taking vitamin B12 if one's diet already provides enough, suggesting a B complex or liver capsule instead for B vitamins.
- Was taking Vitamin B12 with fat burner injections, which he later stopped cold turkey, leading to a period of intense emotional and hormonal imbalance.
- Warns that high levels of supplemental vitamin B12 are a risk factor for insomnia, as it is an energy-building supplement, and advises taking it in the morning or lowering the dose.
- Notes that depending on one's diet, adding a good multivitamin might be beneficial, specifically recommending a methylated multivitamin for better absorption and utilization.
- Uses Create's Daily Performance Gummy, which contains a multivitamin, a low dose of creatine, adaptogenic mushrooms, and greens, and also adds a separate creatine gummy later in the day.
- Highlights Vitamin B12 as a significant deficiency in studies, important for brain function, oxygen, neurotransmission, and clearing out homocysteine.
- Notes that vegan populations need to supplement to get vitamin B12 because it can only really be obtained from animal products.
Dr. Eric Berg · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- Recommends taking the natural form of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, to support nerve regeneration, myelin production, and nerve growth factors.
- Notes that Vitamin B12 is intimately involved in the nervous system and may be behind sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Recommends taking vitamin B12 if on a med.
- Briefly mentions Vitamin B12 in relation to neuropathy.
- States that vertical ridges on nails could mean a vitamin B12 deficiency, and slightly brown or grey nails, especially for vegans, could indicate low B12. Completely white nails with a pink strip across the top could also be low B12.
- Recommends incorporating vitamin B12 foods into the diet, especially for those who don't regularly consume animal products, to prevent irreversible damage to the nervous system.
- Dr. Berg mentions that fermented dairy contains vital nutrients, including vitamin B12.
- A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause irreversible damage to your nervous system, so it's important to prioritize acidifying your stomach as you age.
- States that Vitamin B12 is crucial for health and many people are deficient without realizing it.
- Mentions that fortified nutritional yeast varieties may provide vitamin B12.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- States that vitamin B12 is a nutritional deficiency that impacts mental health.
- Recommends vitamin B12 with vitamin B6 and folate as supplements with strong evidence for PMS.
- Mentions that repletion of vitamin B12 can help safely withdraw someone from meds and that simple vitamin B12 deficiencies are important to address in a depression workup.
- Lists Vitamin B12 as important for nerve health and energy.
- Mentions vitamin B12 as a core nutrient required for methylation, noting that deficiencies can lead to various health issues.
- Recommends supplementing with Vitamin B12 for hair follicle health and growth, especially for vegans, as many people are deficient.
- Recommends checking vitamin B12 levels as a first step before taking any supplements.
- Warns that meds (meds) block the absorption of vitamin B12, which requires stomach acid to be absorbed. Long-term B12 deficiency can lead to depression, neurological problems, and dementia.
- Recommends Vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, about 1000 micrograms a day, as a methylating vitamin necessary for detoxifying and excreting hormones.
- Dr. Hyman states that vitamin B12 deficiency is common, affecting 80-90% of vegans and vegetarians, and over 20% of adults in the general population, often due to acid blockers, digestive issues, or insufficient intake.
Ben Greenfield · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- Recommends getting vitamin B12 tested and supplementing if deficient, as B12 deficiency can cause damage to the myelin coating around nerves, including cochlear nerves, and improve tinnitus severity scores.
- He recommends Vitamin B12, especially for kids on a vegan or vegetarian diet, as it is essential for nervous system development.
- Mentions that blood testing for an energy crisis would include nutritional things like a vitamin B12 level.
- Ben Greenfield consumes vitamin B12 as part of the Update Energy Drink.
- Lists vitamin B12 as a vitamin that, when combined with others, has a neuroprotective effect on the brain.
- Ben notes that vitamin B12 is in the drink, and Shawn specifies it's the methylated coenzymated form, methylcobalamin.
- Mentions that Haya multivitamin contains Vitamin B12.
- Mentions Vitamin B12 as a nutrient found in animal foods that does not occur in plants.
- Ben states that Vitamin B12 is difficult to obtain on a plant-based diet.
- For vegans, Ben Greenfield recommends supplementing with Vitamin B12 to keep nutrient levels topped off, especially before and during a fast.
Dave Asprey · Vitamin B12 · recommends
- States that Vitamin B12 is extremely important for every kind of brain function and recommends ensuring B12 levels are optimal, around 500, not just barely above normal.
- Recommends taking vitamin B12 if one has a deficiency.
- Dave Asprey notes that it's almost impossible to get vitamin B12 in a vegan diet, and it's primarily found in animal meat.
- Clarifies that Vitamin B12 is completely different from Vitamin B3 and is involved in different pathways, so there is no overlap with NAD pathways.
- If one has a MTHFR mutation and cannot process folic acid, Dave Asprey recommends taking vitamin B12 along with methylated folic acid to lower homocysteine levels.
Siim Land · Vitamin B12 · uses
- Created Microvitamin, a supplement that bundled all the supplements he was taking, to help fund his a med trial.
- States that vitamin B12 deficiency is the most common reason for premature graying of hair and recommends fixing B12 status if it is deficient, as it gives a greater likelihood of reversing gray hair.
- Takes 1 gram of Vitamin B12 from DoNotAge in the morning for longevity.
- Mentions Vitamin B12 as a key nutrient involved in the methylation cycle that helps prevent methionine from raising homocysteine levels.
- Explains that one can store up to 30 years' worth of vitamin B12 if they get a lot of it, particularly from superfoods like clams, liver, and oysters, but most people are not in that position.
Andrew Huberman · Vitamin B12 · neutral
- States that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can be terrible and lead to chronic fatigue-like syndromes, as many parts of mitochondria require B vitamins.
- Recommends taking methyl B12 as part of methylated B vitamins to lower homocysteine levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Has been taking AG1 for over 10 years, once and often twice every day, to ensure he gets all necessary vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens, considering it a nutritional insurance policy.
- Has been taking AG1 since 2012 to ensure he gets enough vitamins, minerals, Prebiotic fiber, and other nutrients typically found in fruits and vegetables, providing nutritional insurance.
- Andrew Huberman started drinking AG1 in 2012 and still drinks it once or twice a day because it provides all his foundational nutritional needs, ensuring proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and fiber for optimal mental health, physical health, and performance.
- Recommends the consumption of B12 and other B vitamins, especially folate, as it has been shown to partially decrease cancer risk in people who ingest alcohol, though it does not completely offset it.
- Started taking AG1 in 2012 and still takes it once or twice a day because it covers foundational vitamin, mineral, and probiotic needs, and supports immune system function and a healthy gut microbiome.
- He has been using Athletic Greens for over a decade to cover his vitamin and mineral bases and support his gut microbiome, immune system, gut-brain axis, and mental functions.
- Recommends Methyl B12 as part of methylated B vitamins to lower homocysteine and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Vitamin B12 · warns
- Warns that Vitamin B12 enhances light's melatonin-suppressing effects and should be avoided too close to bedtime.
- Notes that a med can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, especially as absorption decreases with age, and suggests a sublingual form or B12 injections for older individuals.
- Discusses the origin of Vitamin B12, suggesting it's a microorganism that propagates in the soil and that animals get it from eating dirt, which is why it's less available in modern, sanitized plant foods.
- Describes a study where female mice fed a diet high in B vitamins, folic acid, and vitamin B12 three weeks before pregnancy had offspring that no longer had yellow fur and were not predisposed to obesity and cancer.
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick explores vitamin B12 and autism risk.
- She takes methyl B12 as part of her Thorne multivitamin, which helps keep her homocysteine levels below 9 micromoles per liter.
- Describes a study where female mice fed a diet high in B vitamins, folic acid, and vitamin B12 had offspring that silenced a gene predisposing them to obesity and cancer.
- Supplements with vitamin B12, but also notes many of the foods he eats are fortified with it, and his levels are fine.
Bryan Johnson · Vitamin B12 · uses
- States that Blueprint essential capsules and soft gels are packed with key vitamins and minerals needed for strong bone health.
Peter Attia · Vitamin B12 · neutral
- Notes that deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as B12, can be a cause of hair loss in women.
- Explains that when a person is not responding to traditional B vitamins, they will step it up and give them methylcobalamin B12.
- Notes that Ryan Lochte was suspended for a doping rule violation after a social media post showed him taking vitamin B12 in an illegal way, by IV infusion.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 4 for Occasional Heartburn: Fast Relief
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Digestive system, Blood, Nervous system
Possible side effects: No major side effects reported.
Supplement Facts
Vitamin B12 1 mg
| Vitamin B12 | 1 mg |
Other ingredients: Leucine, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule.
Directions: Take 1 capsule one to three times daily or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.
Label source: Reverseagelab · Report a label change
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Graded November 5, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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