Comparison of Vitamin B12 Supplements for Gastric Bypass Patients

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) recommends all gastric bypass patients use a vitamin B12 supplement since they will no longer absorb B12 normally from their diet. Vitamin B12 supplements come in several forms, all of which will work equally well for most patients. While some patients may have special needs that make one form of supplement better for them than another, in many cases it simply comes down to a matter of personal preference. Here are some options from which you can choose.

Celebrate Vitamins Sublingual B12

Sublingual vitamin B12 supplements come in tablets meant to be dissolved under the tongue. The ASMBS recommends patients take 350 to 500 mcg B12 sublingually daily, though some patients need more than that in order to maintain a healthy B12 level. These cherry-flavored sublingual B12 supplements from Celebrate Vitamins contain 1000 mcg B12, so patients may choose to take them every other day instead of daily. Each tablet also contains 200 mcg folic acid.

Bariatric Advantage Sublingual B12

The Bariatric Advantage sublingual B12 supplements also contain 1000 mcg B12 and 200 mcg folic acid. They are very similar to the sublingual B12 tablets from Celebrate Vitamins, but some people I know complain that they take a lot longer to dissolve under the tongue. Of course, some patients simply prefer the taste of one sublingual over another.

Nascobal B12 Nasal Spray

Nascobal B12 Nasal Spray is available only by prescription. One spray delivers 1000 mcg B12 and it is typically used once per week. It's pretty costly if it's not covered by your health insurance plan, but many patients like the convenience of once per week dosing and it offers an alternative to those that dislike the taste of sublingual B12 supplements.

Healthy Habits B12 Patch

The Healthy Habits B12 patch is a small adhesive patch that is typically worn behind the ear for 24 hours once per week. It is available without a prescription and some patients find it more convenient that taking daily sublingual tablets. I know a few people that have used it with good results, and I had good results when I first started using it, but then my B12 level started dropping so I switch to injections.

Vitamin B12 Injections

Some patients prefer to use vitamin B12 injections. These must be prescribed by a physician, but patients can fill the prescription at their pharmacy and administer the injections themselves at home. If patients choose to use injections, the ASMBS recommends 1000 mcg B12 once per month. Once monthly dosing can be very convenient for patients, and that's what I use.

A Word about the Dose of B12 Supplements

While the ASMBS recommends specific amounts to use if you use sublingual B12 tablets or B12 injections, the amount you take should in the end be dictated by your blood test results. Talk to your physician if you're not sure how much B12 you need to take.

Sources:

Bariatric Nutrition. http://nutrition.otago.ac.nz/__data/assets/file/0005/4784/BariatricNutritionReading.pdf. Suggestions for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient.

Celebrate Vitamins. https://www.celebratevitamins.com/shop/other-supplements/b-vitamins/b-12-sublingual-cherry-90-day.html. B-12 Sublingual Quick-Melt.

Bariatric Advantage. https://www1.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog/list/4/B_Vitamins. B Vitamins.

Drugs.com. http://www.drugs.com/cdi/nascobal-spray.html. Nascobal Spray.

Healthy Habits. http://theb12patch.com/. B12 Patch.