The Vitamin Shoppe Vitamin B12 500 mcg
Brand: The Vitamin Shoppe · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: Data on this specific product is limited. The active ingredient is Vitamin B12 at 500 mcg per serving. The evidence shows that for most adults, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg daily [NIH ODS]. This supplement provides over 200 times that amount. You may benefit from this higher dose if you are over 50, follow a strict vegan or vegetarian diet, or have conditions affecting absorption like pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal disorders [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of Vitamin B12 as a critical cofactor for your nervous system and blood cells. It is essential for forming red blood cells, maintaining healthy nerve cells, and synthesizing DNA [NIH ODS]. Your body uses B12 to convert food into energy, which is why a deficiency can leave you feeling fatigued or weak. Because B12 is water-soluble, your body only absorbs what it needs and excretes the rest through urine [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available on adverse event reports specific to this brand from the provided FDA data. However, Vitamin B12 is generally considered safe even at high doses because it is water-soluble. The Institute of Medicine has not set a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for B12 due to its low toxicity [NIH ODS]. No side effects from the provided FDA data were included for this specific product.
Our recommendation
Start by confirming you have a reason for supplementation. If you are a healthy adult under 50 eating a balanced diet including meat, fish, eggs, or dairy, you likely do not need this supplement [NIH ODS]. For those at risk of deficiency, 500 mcg is a reasonable starting dose. Choose a methylcobalamin form if you have trouble converting synthetic B12 [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | The Vitamin Shoppe |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | On 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