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When is the Best Time to Take Vitamin B12?

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    Vitamin B12 supplements can do great things for your health. What time should you take them? Read on to learn more.

    Vitamin B12 is a common part of many people’s supplement routines – and for good reason. Vitamin B12, like all of the B vitamins, helps your body function at an optimal level. We’ll talk more about that below.

    If you’re looking to add vitamin B12 to your supplement regimen, you might be wondering if there’s an ideal time to take this supplement. After all, you want to be sure you’re getting the maximum benefit out of whatever you’re taking. Maybe in the morning, with your breakfast? Or at night, right before bed? In this article, we’ll help you figure out the approach that works best for you.

    Best Time of Day to Take Vitamin B12

    Morning vs. night

    Here’s the thing. When it comes to whether to take vitamin B12 in the morning or at night, there haven’t been very many studies done. As a result, most of the claims about this topic are based on people’s own experience. Anecdotal evidence is still evidence, though.

    Some people recommend taking vitamin B12 first thing in the morning. That way, they claim, it’s in your system and can start performing its intended function: to convert food into the energy your body needs day to day. Some also claim that vitamin B12 stimulates their energy levels, disrupting sleep when taken too close to bedtime.

    You know your body best. Take vitamin B12 at a time that works for you and helps you feel your best.

    Can You Take Vitamin B12 on an Empty Stomach?

    Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, which means you can take it with or without food. (Water-soluble vitamins don’t require fat content to aid absorption.) If you have a sensitive stomach, however, we do recommend taking supplements with food.

    How Much Vitamin B12 Should Be Taken Daily?

    The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg. Some people, however, may need more. This is particularly true of people who eat vegan or vegetarian diets; since most dietary B vitamins are available in animal-based products, people who don’t eat meat can more easily end up having a deficiency. The best way to determine how much B12 you need is to talk to your physician about measuring your B12 levels.

    Can You Take Vitamin B12 With Other Vitamins?

    Vitamin B12 can also be taken right alongside other vitamins. No existing research has found vitamin B12 to affect or interfere with your body’s absorption of other nutrients. When selecting a B12 supplement, you’ll want to look for active forms of B12, such as methylcobalamin. Care/of’s vitamin B12 uses three active forms of B12 (methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin), as well as natural soluble fiber and acacia, a kind of prebiotic.

    Benefits of Vitamin B12

    Benefits of vitamin B12 abound. First of all, and most notably, vitamin B12 helps convert carbohydrates from the food you eat into glucose, thereby creating more energy for your body. Vitamin B12 has also been shown to play an important role in producing healthy red blood cells.

    Studies have also shown that vitamin B12 can support cognitive health and promote the health of our nervous systems.

    The Bottom Line

    Vitamin B12 supplements can work wonders for your health, especially if you happen to be deficient in this important vitamin. Vitamin B12 is vitally important for energy levels, as well as cognitive health and the health of our nervous systems. It also plays a crucial role in the production of healthy red blood cells – a key aspect of its energy-promoting properties. If you eat a vegan or vegetarian diet, you’re at particular risk of a deficiency. You can easily find out about your vitamin B12 levels by consulting your physician.

    If you’ve decided that taking vitamin B12 is right for you, you don’t need to worry much about when you take it. Everyone’s experience is different, and the important thing is that you find a routine that works for you. Many people seem to prefer taking vitamin B12 in the morning with breakfast. Consistency is the key.

    Care/of’s vitamin B12 supplement – a.k.a. The Energizer – supports cognitive and nervous system health, as well as energy metabolism. It’s also formulated with three active types of B12. Like all Care/of products, our B12 is third-party tested, non-GMO, certified C.L.E.A.N., and comes with no unnecessary fillers.

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    Dr. Carla Montrond Correia ND, CNS
    Medical Content Manager
    Dr. Montrond-Correia is a licensed naturopathic physician and a certified nutrition specialist (CNS). She holds degrees from University of Bridgeport, Georgetown University, and University of Saint Joseph, and supplemented her education with internships in the health and wellness space. She's focused on research, herbal medicine, nutrigenomics, and integrative and functional medicine. She makes time for exercise, artistic activities, and enjoying delicious food.
    Our Editorial Staff
    Freelance Contributor
    The Care/of Editorial Team is made up of writers, experts, and health enthusiasts, all dedicated to giving you the information you need today. Our team is here to answer your biggest wellness questions, read the studies for you, and introduce you to your new favorite product, staying up to date on the latest research, trends, and science. Each article is written by one of our experts, reviewed both for editorial standards by an editor and medical standards by one of our naturopathic doctors, and updated regularly as new information becomes available.