The Vitamin Shoppe Vitamin B12 500 mcg
Brand: The Vitamin Shoppe · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: For general energy and nerve health, Vitamin B12 is a well-studied nutrient. The evidence shows that 500 mcg daily is a standard maintenance dose for most adults, though your body only absorbs a small percentage of that amount [NIH ODS]. This product from The Vitamin Shoppe provides a solid baseline, but for severe deficiencies, higher doses may be needed under medical supervision [NIH ODS].
How it works
Vitamin B12 acts as a critical cofactor for two essential enzymatic reactions in your body. It helps convert homocysteine into methionine, which is necessary for DNA synthesis, and it supports the production of myelin, the protective sheath around your nerves [NIH ODS]. Without enough B12, you may experience fatigue, tingling in your hands and feet, and cognitive fog [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available on specific adverse event reports for this exact dosage from the provided FDA data. In general, Vitamin B12 is considered very safe with a low risk of toxicity, as excess is excreted in urine [NIH ODS]. Side effects are rare but can include mild diarrhea or itching at very high supplemental doses [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start with one 500 mcg tablet daily, taken with food for best absorption. If you are over 50, take a vegan diet, or use acid-reducing medications, you may need a higher dose or a sublingual form [NIH ODS]. Have your blood levels checked after three months to confirm effectiveness. Choose a methylcobalamin form if you have genetic MTHFR variants [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | The Vitamin Shoppe |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 300.0 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