Natural Factors Vitamin B12 1000 mcg
Brand: Natural Factors · Form: TABLET [E0155] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient, but the evidence for high-dose supplementation like 1000 mcg is specific to certain groups. For most adults, the requirement is much lower, and the data here does not provide a specific RDA for this product. You should only consider this dose if you have a confirmed deficiency or a condition that impairs absorption, as the body's need for this amount is not universal [NIH ODS].
How it works
Vitamin B12 works as a key cofactor for two major enzymatic reactions in your body. It is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and the maintenance of your nervous system by supporting the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers [NIH ODS]. Think of it as the fuel that helps your body convert food into usable energy and keep your nerve signals firing properly.
Safety profile
The safety data for this specific ingredient is limited. FDA has received a total of 592059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for Vitamin B12 alone are not provided. The data indicates that very high levels of calcium, a different mineral, can cause issues like constipation, nausea, and abnormal heart rhythms, but this does not apply to Vitamin B12 [FDA data] [NIH ODS]. For Vitamin B12, side effects are generally rare at high doses, but specific report counts for this ingredient are not available in the provided data.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Do not start this supplement without a blood test confirming a B12 deficiency. A standard 1000 mcg dose is often used for therapeutic correction, but for general maintenance, a lower dose is typically sufficient and safer. You should also be aware that calcium supplements can interfere with medications like tetracycline antibiotics and levothyroxine; if you take any medications, discuss this with your doctor [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Natural Factors |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Tablet(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