Vitamin B12

Is methylcobalamin better than cyanocobalamin?

Updated 3 Nov 2026

Short answer

No evidence shows that it is. NIH ODS states that no evidence shows that the body absorbs one form of B12 in supplements better than another.[1] NICE lists cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin as forms to choose in a supplement.[2] Cyanocobalamin is the most common form in supplements.[1]

Sources (2)

  1. Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov
  2. Vitamin B12 deficiency in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG239). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2024. www.nice.org.uk

More about vitamin b12

What is vitamin B12?Who is likely to be low in vitamin B12?What is vitamin B12 used for?Which foods contain vitamin B12?Is vitamin B12 safe?How long does vitamin B12 take to work?

For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.