Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for health. Along with the other B complex vitamins, vitamin B 12 supports the manufacture of red blood cells, according to Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This vitamin may also help prevent and repair damage to the body's nerve endings. Although vitamin B12 deficiencies are rare, they can occur in strict vegetarians, who do not consume any type of animal products, as well as in elderly persons. Dr. Balch and other nutritional experts recommend sublingual forms of vitamin B12, which may offer several benefits over other forms of this vitamin.
Absorption Rate
According to the Sublingual B12 Report website, the absorption rate of vitamin B12 taken in sublingual form may be much greater than that of vitamin B12 supplements taken orally. This may be because of the large number of blood vessels beneath the tongue, which absorb the vitamin as the supplement dissolves.
High Dosage
According to A. Sharabi, lead author of "Replacement Therapy for Vitamin B12 Deficiency; Comparison Between the Sublingual and Oral Route," sublingual vitamin B12 supplements typically contain higher doses than oral B12 supplements. Sublingual supplements often contain dosages up to 0.5mg. This may make sublingual vitamin B12 more effective for treating deficiencies.
Price
According to the Sublingual B12 Report website, sublingual vitamin B12 supplements are inexpensive when compared to oral supplements and injections. This may help you obtain the vitamin B12 you need at a much lower cost.
Vitamin Retention
Vitamin B12 taken through sublingual supplements is retained by the body more efficiently than through oral supplements, according to the Sublingual B12 Report website. Oral supplements pass through the digestive system, where they are broken down by stomach acids. This may result in degradation of the vitamin content. Sublingual supplements, conversely, enter the bloodstream directly through the blood vessels under the tongue.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis Balch, CNC.; 1997
- Sublingual B12 Report: Five Benefits of Sublingual Vitamin B12
- British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: "Replacement Therapy for Vitamin B12 Deficiency; Comparison Between the Sublingual and Oral Route"; A. Sharabi; 2003
Member Comments