This Is The Cheapest Form Of B12, And It’ll Cost You $4 Per Year

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Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that our bodies need to function properly. But did you know that you can get all the B12 you need for just a couple of dollars a year? At least, that’s what our plant-based friend Dr. Greger tells us. Let’s dive into the details of how you can achieve this.

Understanding B12 Supplements

The most cost-effective way to get your B12 is by taking a 2500 microgram sublingual (under the tongue) chewable or liquid supplement of cyanocobalamin once a week. Opt for cyanocobalamin because it’s by far the most effective form of B12. You can read more about that here: There Are 2 Main Types Of B12, And One’s Clearly Better Than The Other

These supplements are incredibly cheap. You can find a 20-year supply online for about $80. That’s right, all the B12 your body needs for just $4 a year! However, keep in mind that the supplements usually have a four-year expiration date, so it’s a good idea to share them with friends or family to avoid waste.

Why 2500 Micrograms?

You might be wondering, if we only need 47 micrograms of B12 a day, why take a 2500 microgram dose once a week? The answer lies in how our bodies absorb B12. Our B12 receptors get saturated at around 1.5 micrograms. This means we can only absorb about 1.5 micrograms through our receptor system at one time. However, about 1% of the remaining B12 can passively diffuse through our gut into our bloodstream.

The Math Behind B12 Absorption

Let’s break down the math. When we take a 2500 microgram dose, we absorb 1.5 micrograms through our receptors. Then, 1% of the leftover 2498.5 micrograms also gets absorbed. This adds up to approximately 26.5 micrograms absorbed in total. By taking this dose once a week, it averages out to about 4 micrograms a day, which is sufficient for our needs.

Flexibility in Dosage

You can take more than 2500 micrograms a week if you prefer. For example, you could take 3000 or even 5000 micrograms. If you take too much, the excess B12 will simply be excreted in your urine, and considering the low cost, it’s not a significant expense.

Evolution and B12 Retention

Even though B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, we don’t need to take it every day. Throughout evolution, our bodies adapted to getting tiny amounts of B12 from various sources, such as animal liver or even through accidental ingestion of bacteria in soil or water. Our bodies have developed an ingenious way to store and recycle B12, allowing us to maintain adequate levels even when intake is sporadic.

Practical Tips for Taking B12

1. Choose the right form: Sublingual, chewable, or liquid forms of cyanocobalamin are recommended because they are more easily absorbed.
2. Stick to a schedule: Take your B12 supplement once a week. Set a reminder on your phone or mark it on your calendar so you don’t forget.
3. Share the supply: Since a single bottle can last several years, consider sharing with friends or family to avoid waste and save money.
4. Monitor your levels: If you have any health conditions or dietary restrictions that might affect B12 absorption, consult with your healthcare provider and consider getting your B12 levels checked periodically.

Conclusion

Getting enough B12 doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By taking a 2500 microgram supplement of cyanocobalamin once a week, you can easily meet your body’s needs without breaking the bank. This method leverages the body’s natural ability to store and utilize B12 efficiently, making it a practical and economical choice for maintaining your health. So, next time you think about your vitamin needs, remember that a little planning can go a long way in keeping you healthy and saving money.

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.