Vitamin B-12 is found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. It is water-soluble, so the body releases excess through urine. The liver can store B-12 for several years. B-12 is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells and DNA. It helps the thyroid manufacture hormones related to metabolism and energy production.
Wonder Laboratories
According to its website, Wonderlabs entered the health and nutrition field in 1962. It claims to offer a three-day money back guarantee. Its sublingual B-12 formula includes 5 mg of B-6, 400 mcg of folic acid, 25 mg of biotin and 1,000 mcg of B-12 as methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin is considered a more active form of B-12 because it affects more processes in the body than cyanocobalamin, a more common form of B-12.
TriVita
TriVita offers B-12 in sublingual form in a product called "TriVita's Super Sublingual B-12." TriVita claims to offer a 60-day money back guarantee. It indicates its formula combines two major forms of B-12 with biotin and B-6. Its website does not disclose specific amounts of each vitamin or which two forms of B-12 the formula uses. B-12 comes in three forms, cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.
Dosage
The recommended daily allowance of B-12 for adults and children over 13 is 2.4 mcg. The RDA for infants under 6 months is 0.4 mcg. Children between 9 and 13 require 1.2 mcg. Pregnant women need around 2.8 mcg. Individuals with a deficiency need many times the RDA. Certain types of anemia can require up to 10,000 mcg.
Safety
The National Institutes of Health says B-12 is likely safe for most individuals. In some cases, B-12 may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, allergic reactions and blood clots. B-12 can interact with some medications, including the antibiotic, chloramphenicol. In high doses, B-12 can limit absorption of vitamin C and other B vitamins.
Considerations
Unless a deficiency is present, it may not be necessary to take a B-12 supplement. Sublingual B-12 is held under the tongue for absorption into the bloodstream. This bypasses the stomach and may increase absorption. Since TriVita does not disclose specifics about its formula via its website, it may be a good idea to e-mail the company your questions regarding the formula. Consult your doctor before taking B-12 supplements.
Tips
Wonderlabs sublingual B-12 claims to be gluten-free and vegan. TriVita does not indicate this claim on its website. Both TriVita and Wonderlabs combine their B-12 formula with other B vitamins. This may be beneficial, since high doses of B-12 may decrease availability of other B vitamins.
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