Sundown Naturals B12 500 mcg
Brand: Sundown Naturals · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that Sundown Naturals B12 500 mcg is a straightforward vitamin B12 supplement. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve tissue health, brain function, and red blood cell formation. For most adults, 500 mcg is a common and effective dosage for maintaining healthy B12 levels, especially for those over 50 or following a vegetarian or vegan diet. However, the specific brand details are limited, so we rely on the general data for B12 and the ingredient calcium from the provided information.
How it works
Think of vitamin B12 as a key worker in your body’s energy and nervous system. It helps convert food into energy and supports the maintenance of myelin, the protective coating around your nerves. The 500 mcg dose in this supplement is well above the daily requirement, which helps ensure adequate absorption even if your digestive system is less efficient. For calcium, which is listed as an ingredient, it works as a structural builder — it supports bone mineralization and density, and helps with muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. For the calcium component, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data not available for B12-specific side effects from this product.
Our recommendation
Start by taking one 500 mcg tablet daily with food for best absorption. If you have a known B12 deficiency or absorption issues, this is a reasonable starting dose. However, if you take any medications such as thyroid medication or antibiotics, take calcium supplements at least two hours apart to avoid interaction [NIH ODS]. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Sundown Naturals |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 200.0 Tablet(s) |
| Market Status | Off Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide