Vitamin B

A B complex combines several B vitamins; separate B12 does not replace the others. A vegan diet needs a reliable source of B12, not automatically high doses of every B vitamin. Check combination products too: Nordbo Vitamin B12 Folate contains folate as well as B12. Start with the nutrient you need, then check the complete formula.

Viridian Liquid Vitamin B12 lists 500 µg in a measured 0.5 ml, whereas High Potency Vitamin B12 contains 1000 µg per capsule. Do not confuse a volume in millilitres with a number of drops or a full dropper. A higher concentration does not itself mean a more suitable dose; each product has its own directions for use.

They may describe the ingredient's weight and the amount of vitamin it provides. A BJP Bioactive B-Vitamins Strong capsule contains 370.5 µg of the Quatrefolic® ingredient, providing 200 µg of folate. Do not add these rows together. When comparing products, use the amount of folate provided, rather than just the larger figure beside the ingredient name.

Being water-soluble does not make any amount safe. The body stores B12, and a persistently high intake of B6 can damage peripheral nerves. BJP Bioactive B-Vitamins Strong contains 5.6 mg of B6 per capsule; also count B6 in your multivitamin or magnesium supplement. Do not combine higher doses over the long term without professional advice.

Yes. Biotin can interfere with some laboratory tests, such as thyroid tests, and produce misleading results. Before the sample is taken, tell the doctor or laboratory the supplement name, dose and when you last took it. They can decide whether a pause is needed for that particular test; there is no single interval that applies to every product and test.