Life Extension Methyl-Cobalamin 5 mg
Brand: Life Extension · Form: LOZENGE [E0174]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product provides a very high dose of vitamin B12 (5 mg) in the methylcobalamin form. For most adults, this far exceeds the standard daily requirement. While methylcobalamin is a well-absorbed form, a dose this high is typically reserved for specific conditions like pernicious anemia or a confirmed B12 deficiency with absorption issues. For general health, you may not need this level of supplementation.
How it works
Think of vitamin B12 as a vital cofactor for your body's engine. It is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and the maintenance of your nervous system. The methylcobalamin form specifically plays a key role in converting homocysteine to methionine, a process critical for cardiovascular and neurological health. However, data on the specific mechanism for this exact product is limited.
Safety profile
Data on adverse events for this specific product is not available. However, vitamin B12 is generally considered safe, even at high doses, as excess is typically excreted in urine. The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific side effect counts for this product are not provided. Data not available on specific side effects for this product.
Our recommendation
You should consider a lower dose unless you have a diagnosed deficiency or a medical need confirmed by a healthcare provider. A standard 1 mg or 500 mcg dose is often sufficient for most people. Start by getting your B12 levels tested. If you are taking this for a specific reason, be aware that calcium supplements can reduce the absorption of other medications like levothyroxine and certain antibiotics [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Vegetarian Lozenge(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