The human body needs several nutrients and vitamins to ensure the smooth functioning of different bodily functions. Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is one precious vitamin that plays a special role in aiding the smooth functioning of various bodily functions.
This water-soluble vitamin primarily assists with metabolism. It converts the consumed food into energy but also helps maintain nerve health, DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, energy metabolism, and more.
This vitamin is abundantly found in animal-based food items, so vegetarians and vegans have to depend mostly on supplements to fulfill their B12 requirements. You can get this vitamin in two forms, i.e., liquid B12 and pills. While both are effective and help overcome vitamin deficiency, some people prefer one form over the other for personal reasons.
If you have B12 deficiency, you can experience health challenges like anemia, fatigue, mood disturbances, neurological problems, etc. Hence, it is recommended to meet the daily B12 requirement through supplements.
What Should You Choose Between Liquid B12 vs B12 Pills?
If you’re confused between taking liquid B12 and pills, the following points will make it easier to choose the best option.
1. Absorption Speed and Efficiency
You can choose between vitamin B12 pills or liquid B12 based on your personal preference, individual health considerations, and dietary restrictions. While both are effective supplements, B12 pills are known for their slow absorption. Pills must go through the digestive system to release B12 and get absorbed by the body.
As a result, pills might take more time to show results or any effect than their liquid counterpart. Since the liquefied form of B12 has a fluid form, it bypasses the digestion process and swiftly gets absorbed in the mouth’s mucous membrane. Vitamin B12 in liquid form is excellent for people with digestive issues because of its easy absorption and swifter results.
2. Dosage Flexibility
If you don’t have any specific dosage requirements, you can choose vitamin B12 pills or liquid B12 based on your personal preference. Both will give you good results, helping you overcome the B12 deficiency. But if you want to tailor your dosage requirements, liquid B12 is a better choice because of its enhanced dosage flexibility.
Since you can administer the dosage drop by drop, it is easier to exercise full control over the supplementation dosage. Pills have a pre-measured dosage, making them less adaptable to individual dosage choices/requirements. Anyone looking for greater dosage flexibility should stick to liquid B12 over pills.
3. Taste and Palatability
People can choose pills or liquid forms of vitamin B12 after factoring in their preference for taste and palatability. This is a significant differentiator between the two, influencing final choices.
Liquid B12Â has a subtle yet pleasant flavor, making it preferable for many. B12 pills are mostly tasteless, making them the first choice of people with taste sensitivity or the ones with an aversion to certain tastes.
If you find consuming tasteless pills unappetizing, consuming a liquid form of the vitamin can be a better choice. Since taste is subjective, it is best to try both and see which best suits your palette. If you don’t want to try both, pick liquid versions for a more palatable taste and pills to avoid any type of taste.
People who find it challenging to stick to their supplement routine because of taste or dosage can try liquid B12 because it can be consumed in small quantities, and its taste won’t make much of a difference.
4. Bioavailability and Absorption
Both liquid B12 and B12 pills are effective supplement sources, but they differ in terms of bioavailability and absorption. Liquid B12 is known for higher bioavailability than B12 pills because the former bypasses the digestive breakdown easily.
Since liquid B12 is easy to absorb, your body makes the most from the supplement. B12 pills are also effective, but they don’t offer the same bioavailability because of the digestive processes required for absorption.
If you have a special preference for supplements with higher bioavailability and absorption, liquid B12 can be a better choice. It is especially recommended for people with digestive issues or individuals who want faster results because of accelerated absorption properties.
5. Ease of Administration
When we talk about ease of administration, both pills and liquid B12 have unique merits. Liquid B12 is ideal for individuals who face difficulty swallowing pills or don’t like taking pills altogether.
Consuming liquid B12 is easy and requires a simple dropper or a measuring device/tool. It also gives you the benefit of controlling the dosage, drop by drop, making it easier to follow tailored administration.
On the other hand, B12 pills are better in terms of portability and convenience. If you travel frequently for long durations, pills can be easier to carry and store.
Pills also have a larger shelf life, making them an advantageous option over liquid B12. But if you are more inclined to ease of administration, liquid B12 is a better option. It provides a hassle-free approach to consuming the supplement so anyone can have it without difficulty.
 Make the Best Choice for Vitamin B12 Supplementation
When it comes to vitamin B12 supplements, the choice between pills and liquid B12 can be crucial. It is worth noting that both are effective, safe, and easy-to-consume options. Therefore, personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and desired dosage administration process should determine your choice.
If you’re someone who dislikes tasting tasteless pills day after day or have trouble swallowing pills, a liquefied form of vitamin B12 can be the best way to tackle B12 deficiency. Liquid B12 also has higher bioavailability, aiding faster absorption. If you’re unsure and need personalized guidance, consult a professional dietician or healthcare personnel for optimal, tailor-made recommendations.
